I agree with Aflacjack - the PET-G hardtop material is 1/32" thick and rigid enough that those small cavities don't require any filler before laying down the hardtop. Possible exception might be that little divot in the middle-right of your picture....be sure to clear out what looks to be loose fibers/debris first. MAYBE put a small blob of JBWeld wood epoxy in that divot and sand down if you want to be super-cautious about containing future debris in there, but it's likely unnecessary.

Thanks for your perspective. This is my first HT install, and I wasn't sure if the post depressions would cause any subtle flexing of the HT. I have a couple chips in the top ply layer (mostly near screw holes) that I was planning on filling, and since I'll have the materials out, I'll likely touch up a few of the worst post areas.

I've not done anything with this for a bit and it's been sitting in my shop. The middle area is pulling up slightly it would appear. So, I'm trying to put pressure back on it.

This was not cleared (it was sanded)..

Clear your playfield. Even just a crappy rattle can job. Even if they say you don't have to. Just do it.

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Finally finished up my BK after a few months and am thrilled with how it came out, it seriously plays like new. I'd like to thank everyone in this thread and those who made videos etc to help others along the way. Excellent product that I'd recommend 100% if your playfield is roached out.
Also, the pics make it look like I didn’t black around some of the inserts, I definitely did, something about how the pics took in the dark…
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Finally got my hardtop restoration completely done and added rail lights. Before and after. Someone had actually brushed on some kind of “clearcoat” that was painted on everything. Plastics, bulbs, sockets, etc…even the tops of the flipper bats. It bonded everything together. WTH. I’d like to kick whoever that was in the nuts.

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Aflacjack It's too bad that they sprayed that PF and did it so poorly, from what I can see in the before pics, it really didn't look like it was in totally awful shape!

When I first saw it I thought the same…but there were some large parts of the playfield where the art was just flaking off bad. You can see it here.

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That needed a hardtop for sure!

YIKES!

break out the 60grit!

I did. Hahahaha. I probably overdid it on the sanding. I used 60, 120,240,480,640,880, 1000,1200,1500, and 2000. In retrospect I wouldn’t do that much again. Took a loooong time, but boy was it smooth.

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Looking good. Hope to see an hardtop for an Earthshaker soon.

Got the new hardtop for my Xenon.
After laying the hardtop to try it on, I noticed that the top 4 holes on are too narrow.
What's the beat way to solve this issue?

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If those are for the small rollover buttons then I think they are purposefully small. After lining up I think you are supposed to use a small router bit or Dremel to open them up to the final correct size. I'm going to need to do the same thing for Elektra for the larger rollover inserts. Bought a 3/16" flush trim router nit that was recommended earlier in the thread.

Here is a thread that covers those small rollover buttons and replacements that are available in different colors:

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/c-587-6-bally-rollover-buttons-now-available-for-xenon-and-kos

It's not matter of buying smaller rollover buttons.
The holes are not aligned at all

I think the holes on the hardtop are not aligned correctly . Are also (I want to say) half of the size that they suppose to be, accordingly on the playfiled original holes.
I think I need to "drill" them all (in some way) to match the playfiled holes.
I will read that post, but I think even smaller buttons will not.fit at the moment.
Correct holes size should be like the ones in this picture

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Mine looks like this

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No, I just posted that in case you need new ones or wanted ones in a different color. I believe all of the small rollovers are the same size.

There are variations in the playfields so some holes are made smaller on purpose. Those are meant to be enlarged later once the hardtop is attached. May be able to carefully use a step drill, regular drill, dremel with appropriate cutter, or a small router bit.

Got it. I misunderstood.
Thank you for the explanation and the link. I'll dig into it.
Maybe a different color buttons will look good

Was just placed on top of the playfiled to see, I specified that.
Anyhow the holes are in need to be adjusted. I got few tips how to do that.
I'll post updates

I think what Charles_Kline is saying that you can tell your test alignment is off by the wood showing through the inserts. If you nudge the hardtop up and to the right a smidge so that the inserts are correctly lined up, the button holes will also be better aligned at which point you can dremel out any excess hardtop material.

Problem solved

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That’s really nice!

check this video. Shows how he resolved the same issue.

Has anyone heard/read if Whirlwind will be available anytime soon?

It is potentially up before or after Nitro Groundshaker

Ok thanks. Just happy it's in the queue.

I think I am about 20-30 hours into the project at this point. Outside edge's webpage says 4 hours to strip and prep....

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sounds like ur just mousin around

Looks like the same game I’m working on I’ll have it on and assembled this weekend

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Damn man, someone likes to flip plastics!! Wow.

Super Fluke all day!!!

Mousin around hardtop is on !!! Great playfield repair product !!! Wish I could buy a new playfield but that’s not possible. Sure beats vinyl overlay .
Fishing room and boat has to be used for this project

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Damn, did you strip the bottom too?

This is how hardtops should be done. Give it the same love as any other restoration. Love every single nut, bolt, wire, to the core!!!

Sure did got all the metal parts and pop bumpers in,
I just had this machine down to bare playfield 2 months ago when I got it . I did not realize all the parts available. So I started shopping and collecting parts . First hardtop and I love it for a repair. You have to up size holes and sand edges , normal for the his kinda product . Cutting out vinyl overlays is what sucked . I like my dremal tool over a exacto knife to cut out holes . The fit and line up could not have been better!!!!!!

I’m in need of a Kings of Steel hardtop. Any chance this will ever be made?

Sure. It is not a licensed game. Of course, there are many more popular games that I see happening first. I will say... eventually.

Space station soon, right??

8 hours to reassemble with changing switches and fixing broken wires
MOST OF ALL ADJUST ALL SWITCHES!!!!!
To compensate for the thickness of hardtop

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I haven't been in here in a long while but it looks like OE is killing it now with their production capabilities and most recently a two title simultaneous HT reveal/release. Congrats Outsidedge!

How are the early cohorts of Hardtops doing? I'm one and a half years post-install and it still looks great. Just checking in on any longitudinal data out there.

My Comet still looks as good as the day I installed it. Purchased February 2018.

For me....

Mata Hari: installed in 2020. Over 1000 plays later, still looks and plays like new.
Eight Ball Deluxe #1: installed in 2020. Probably 500 plays since install, still looks and plays like new.
Eight Ball Deluxe #2: installed in 2021. Did a flip/resale on this one last year. Buyer hasn't come back to me asking for help or money back, so a good sign.
Black Knight: installed several weeks ago and just got the system reassembled this week. Hope to log a couple hundred games by the end of the year.

I just picked up a Night Rider project a few weeks ago - would love to see a hardtop for this title but I'll likely have to go the CPR playfield route.

Coming up on 3 years this November and she still looks flawless!

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