From what I have heard, Wade wanted the playfields to look exactly like the originals did when they were new. And not some super hi-gloss glass finish. He did a bit of experimenting and finally liked how they come out when he actually uses a silk screen process to apply the final clear coat. So, to my knowledge, that is still how he is doing them.

If you note Wade's process, he seems to prefer to do the screening to the playfield prior to any slots or holes (except for the inserts) being cut.

My guess is this has two pluses: First, it protects his screens from damage, and Second, probably provides better registration throughout the surface.

IF you can get someone to scan and fix the art, remember, John Greatwhich up in Canada does the re-ink thing and was at one point, hungry for Gottlieb artwork. This is always an option for titles that would otherwise, never meet the 20+ commitment runs.

Yes, sunken inserts would certainly be a problem when it came to the clear coat stage (which Wade also does via silkscreen, not spray).

Brand new, nearly impossible as Wade would have to build a playfield, screen the black key lines, and then knock the inserts back out to sell to you (probably cost you about $500! since he wouldn't have to do the other colors).

Instead, put the feeler out that you are looking and when others start swapping out their playfields, perhaps someone with a really wood worn playfield will be willing to sell you the inserts.

I'm with you. I hound Wade about a rerun every time I see him.

That's gotta be heart breaking to see something like that happen to what was almost darn near perfect!