Hello Pinsiders! Longtime lurker, first time poster, love the forum, hope you enjoy this topic...

I bought a Black Hole a couple of weeks ago and am currently in the process of bulletproofing it. This will be a bit of work, but based on my fond memories of this game from my youth, I know the reward will be worth the effort (eventually!)

Out of the gate (pun intended), I realized I have an unfortunate problem. While investigating the underside of my playfield, I quickly realized that my basement ceiling is too low to allow me to lift the upper playfield completely vertically and rest it against the backbox. I also soon realized this playfield is HEAVY!

Rather than take the Sawzall to the floor joists, I have concluded I will need figure out a way to routinely prop up the playfield to work underneath it.

Unlike my Bally/Williams machines, my Black Hole did not come with any support bars / braces to prop up the playfield. Interestingly, there are brackets mounted on opposite sides of inside of the cabinet where supports seemingly would have supported both sides of the playfield simultaneously. See photo.

Is my support mechanism just missing from my machine or did Gottlieb omit these because of space limitations introduced by having a lower playfield?

If it is just missing, might anyone have one available from a donor machine? If not, any suggestions on how to fabricate a solid support?

BH Bracket R.JPG
BH Bracket L.JPG

Unfortunately, I don't have a "trolley", but it may be time to invest in one. I did try the stick (actually 1/2 a pool que ) as MOF suggested, but I don't like the fact that the playfield is supported only on one side, but based on extensive shopping he did on his Black Hole I'm probably being overly cautious. Toyguy's strap idea crossed my mind and I know exactly the eyelet you are referring to.

Thank you all of your input. I'll let you know which method I go with in the end.