Quoted from goingincirclez:Been working on a Blackout with the usual issues of dished inserts and I finally noticed something:
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Look at the lowest post (closest to flipper) on the left sling bank... versus the right. They are not similarly symmetrical from left to right.
Even more odd, the alignment of the posts doesn't even line up with the artwork: look how when installed, the rubber is not parallel with the markings on the playfield... again, the lowest post on both banks seems inset too far:
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But even the top posts aren't consistent, either! The right inlane is much wider than the left.
I've quickly looked at other Blackout pf pics online, and there seems to be some variance but in fairness, most have similar discrepancies. But suddenly this bugs me; it seems wierd that the pf art would have been designed in its specific way if the nearby parts weren't supposed to align to match. I mean, they even left a bare wood "impact zone" for the slings... which is totally misaligned now!
But, we know "not everything was perfect, or consistent", when it came to assembling games. So has anyone ever messed with pf post geometry before? How radical are the impacts to gameplay? To my eyes, moving the bottom posts would close the gap between slings and also make the rebound trajectories favor more vertical movement. But would this be a "lot", or a "little"?
Unfortunately, the posts in question are t-nutted so moving them might be easier said than done. If they were screw-in, it would be easy enough to experiment with. But given the ball impacts they should be t-nutted... and I'm worried if I drilled for a t-nut where it seems like it was "supposed" to be, there won't be enough "meat" between holes to keep it securely anchored.
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LOL!! 
As someone who has done ALOT of older Williams games, I've seen several that are off some like this, never really noticed one that was off quite this much though. I did my own personal Blackout awhile ago and I can't imagine that it was off this much cause my OCD would've required that I "fix" it!! LOL!! In the past the more frequent issue is the lane guides down by the flippers. I know Barracora and Cosmic Gunfight both have this issue down by the lane guides that I've had to fix on several cause it doesn't line up with the flipper and causes a flipper hop that is annoying! 
In these cases I have elongated the hole somewhat (not enough space to re-drill a new hole) and re-positioned the T-nut underneath and put a screw beside the T-nut to hold it in the proper position. Some cases I've swapped out a wood screw to a T-nut type post to be able to keep it more secure.
You've got me worried now...I traded 
(still regret it but I wouldn't have my SM otherwise) my original Blackout awhile back that I had restored (leveled inserts and all) but I have another one in storage that I can't get to ATM to check it...but I love me some Blackout so I gotta get it out and get it done at some point to get her back in the line up!! 
One thing to remember if you do re-position the posts...you might have to re-position both of them in order to get the plastic to line up properly.
Actually I am with Lloyd on this one!!! You need to call Williams and complain...demand a new PF at once!!! They might want to send you a slot machine instead...but don't go for that!! 
PS. I know you said the PF has sunken inserts (which sucks but not a deal breaker!!) but if that's the PF and you haven't done anything to it yet...it seems to be in pretty good shape for an original Blackout!! Enjoy it!! 
Phoebe
Shepherdsville, KY
