Why?? Cabinet wiring can vary greatly. I used to switch out playfields in my test strikes and spares cabinet all the time but it got to be a pain as the games got newer and the wiring became more complicated. You'll need to pull the cabinet schematics of both games and compare differences.

You can do it if you find a cabinet from around that era. The problem would be the backbox dimensions are different and the glass will not fit right. 8 Ball, depending which version, is of a different era so, no I wouldn't attempt it. It might be better to just hold out and track down another FBC cabinet.

Also, check with the guys at TNT amusements. They often post videos of them trashing cabinets and stuff they no longer need.

I don't think BigAl56 is the one missing key points. You are willing to reengineer an original Fireball Classic head in good condition just because you don't like the material from which it's constructed? Doesn't seem like a mod to me. More like insanity with touch of neurosis.

A classic Bally cabinet like Eight Ball will not work because your Fireball Classic backglass is a different size. You are just going to have to custom build a head, using the material of your choice. What is your definition of "solid wood". Are you looking for some of that plywood stuff? Just go metal+mdf like the newer Stern machines.