Hardtop FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Titles
What titles do you have?
Will you be making a (insert your favorite title here) Hardtop?
Maybe. We will be putting out new titles, but not on a set schedule. Good future candidates would have higher production numbers and limited playfield repair options available. We can't make some titles due to the difficulty and cost of getting reproduction rights. This would include any title based on a band, movie, TV show, or other protected brand. For more detail on how we pick new titles, click here.
- Big Guns
- Black Knight
- Blackout
- Cap Fan
- Catacomb
- Comet
- Cyclone
- Eight Ball
- Eight Ball Deluxe
- Elektra
- F-14 Tomcat
- Fire!
- Fireball II
- Firepower
- Flash
- Frontier
- Future Spa
- Gorgar
- Grand Lizard
- High Speed
- Jokerz
- Jungle Lord
- Lost World
- Mata Hari
- Mousin' Around!
- Nitro Ground Shaker
- Paragon
- Pharaoh
- PinBot
- PLBY
- Silverball Mania
- Solar Fire
- Space Shuttle
- Supersonic
- Swords of Fury
- Taxi
- Time Warp
- Whirlwind
- Wizard
- Xenon
Will you be making a (insert your favorite title here) Hardtop?
Maybe. We will be putting out new titles, but not on a set schedule. Good future candidates would have higher production numbers and limited playfield repair options available. We can't make some titles due to the difficulty and cost of getting reproduction rights. This would include any title based on a band, movie, TV show, or other protected brand. For more detail on how we pick new titles, click here.
Will you make a custom one for me?
No, we do not make custom one-off Hardtops. We could talk about how many hours it takes to prepare, test, and fine-tune the art and hole positions for a single title, or how our printing and cutting machines will have slightly different XY calibration from any you might have used to test and fine tune your art, or how the cost to make a single one-off Hardtop could easily be 20x the regular cost because we can't spread the development time over many unit sales, but the short answer is simply no, sorry, we don't make any custom Hardtops.
No, we do not make custom one-off Hardtops. We could talk about how many hours it takes to prepare, test, and fine-tune the art and hole positions for a single title, or how our printing and cutting machines will have slightly different XY calibration from any you might have used to test and fine tune your art, or how the cost to make a single one-off Hardtop could easily be 20x the regular cost because we can't spread the development time over many unit sales, but the short answer is simply no, sorry, we don't make any custom Hardtops.
Can I buy just an upper (or lower)?
We really want customers to buy full sets so that their playfield colors and playing surfaces match. It's the best Hardtop experience. However, we do understand that some people want the ability to just buy one part of a multi-level set. With one condition, we will agree sell you an upper or lower Hardtop by itself.
The one condition? If you decide to buy just one piece instead of the 2- or 3-piece set, you will have to acknowledge that you understand the new Hardtop colors will not match the rest of your old playfield pieces.
We really want customers to buy full sets so that their playfield colors and playing surfaces match. It's the best Hardtop experience. However, we do understand that some people want the ability to just buy one part of a multi-level set. With one condition, we will agree sell you an upper or lower Hardtop by itself.
The one condition? If you decide to buy just one piece instead of the 2- or 3-piece set, you will have to acknowledge that you understand the new Hardtop colors will not match the rest of your old playfield pieces.
When we make a multi-level set of 2 or 3 pieces, we ensure the colors match each other. The colors of a new Hardtop will not be the same as old ink with a yellowed clearcoat. After all, that's one of the big reasons people buy them – to make the colors look great again!
If you are good with that, please email us with the title and part you would like, plus your shipping address. We will send you a PayPal invoice. Once that's paid, we will get rolling on your order.
If you are good with that, please email us with the title and part you would like, plus your shipping address. We will send you a PayPal invoice. Once that's paid, we will get rolling on your order.
Installation
Here's a 14-minute overview of how to install a Hardtop. Thanks to Keith from A Pirate's Life Pinball!
0:00 - introduction
1:04 - playfield prep
3:48 - Hardtop installation
9:18 - dealing with rollovers
11:54 - before and after
1:04 - playfield prep
3:48 - Hardtop installation
9:18 - dealing with rollovers
11:54 - before and after
Will you install it for me?
No, sorry, we don't offer install services. We have several customer install videos on our Hardtop Heroes page, and YouTube has a lot more where people have documented their whole install process.
Do I have to remove everything from the playfield?
No, a Hardtop installation only requires taking the parts off the top of the playfield. This can take less than half the time of a full playfield swap. If you want to completely strip your playfield top and bottom you certainly can, but it's not needed.
How long does it take to install?
We've heard experienced people taking 4 hours to strip and prep their playfield, 10 minutes to install the Hardtop, and another 6 hours to reassemble everything. Your mileage may vary!
Do I need to sand the whole playfield?
No, you just need to sand the inserts to remove any art on the inserts, and any high spots. You can sand the whole surface if you want to, but it's not necessary.
No, sorry, we don't offer install services. We have several customer install videos on our Hardtop Heroes page, and YouTube has a lot more where people have documented their whole install process.
Do I have to remove everything from the playfield?
No, a Hardtop installation only requires taking the parts off the top of the playfield. This can take less than half the time of a full playfield swap. If you want to completely strip your playfield top and bottom you certainly can, but it's not needed.
How long does it take to install?
We've heard experienced people taking 4 hours to strip and prep their playfield, 10 minutes to install the Hardtop, and another 6 hours to reassemble everything. Your mileage may vary!
Do I need to sand the whole playfield?
No, you just need to sand the inserts to remove any art on the inserts, and any high spots. You can sand the whole surface if you want to, but it's not necessary.
How do I prep the inserts?
The inserts must be sanded so they have no raised spots, and no art. Cupping or low spots are ok and will be bridged by the thick material. Any art on the inserts will be replaced by new art on the Hardtops, so the old insert art must be completely removed.
Once the inserts are flat and clean, continue to polish them up to about 400 grit. Then wipe them with a tack cloth and give them a couple light coats of clear spray to make them glossy again. Make sure you let the spray dry for 3 days so no more solvent evaporates after the Hardtop is installed. The alternative is to polish up to a 2000 grit until the inserts have a jewel finish.
Either way, make sure they look great BEFORE you attach the Hardtop. Keith from A Pirate's Life Pinball recommends holding a flashlight under each insert to check the appearance. The Hardtop over the inserts will be crystal clear, so what you see before you install the Hardtop is what you will see after.
The inserts must be sanded so they have no raised spots, and no art. Cupping or low spots are ok and will be bridged by the thick material. Any art on the inserts will be replaced by new art on the Hardtops, so the old insert art must be completely removed.
Once the inserts are flat and clean, continue to polish them up to about 400 grit. Then wipe them with a tack cloth and give them a couple light coats of clear spray to make them glossy again. Make sure you let the spray dry for 3 days so no more solvent evaporates after the Hardtop is installed. The alternative is to polish up to a 2000 grit until the inserts have a jewel finish.
Either way, make sure they look great BEFORE you attach the Hardtop. Keith from A Pirate's Life Pinball recommends holding a flashlight under each insert to check the appearance. The Hardtop over the inserts will be crystal clear, so what you see before you install the Hardtop is what you will see after.
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Star rollover inserts
Do I need to do anything special with rollovers?
Yes. Rollovers will need to be popped out, and have some small manual work done on the Hardtop hole after installation. You will then use a 2-part epoxy to glue them back in.
Watch Keith from A Pirate's Life Pinball explain it in a short video here.
Yes. Rollovers will need to be popped out, and have some small manual work done on the Hardtop hole after installation. You will then use a 2-part epoxy to glue them back in.
Watch Keith from A Pirate's Life Pinball explain it in a short video here.
Yeah but what about..?
Isn't this just a decal with a different name?
Not even close. Our material is 1/16 inch thick (1.5 mm). It doesn't stretch, and has a custom coating that has been certified using Taber testing to be more abrasion resistant than a playfield clearcoat.
Is the adhesive strong?
Yes, very. After several rounds of development with 3M, we landed on an adhesive so strong that if you try to pull off the Hardtop, it can bring up wood with it. Nothing is forever, but we've done our best to make this as close to a permanent solution as we could get.
Not even close. Our material is 1/16 inch thick (1.5 mm). It doesn't stretch, and has a custom coating that has been certified using Taber testing to be more abrasion resistant than a playfield clearcoat.
Is the adhesive strong?
Yes, very. After several rounds of development with 3M, we landed on an adhesive so strong that if you try to pull off the Hardtop, it can bring up wood with it. Nothing is forever, but we've done our best to make this as close to a permanent solution as we could get.
Care
How long do they last?
We don't know exactly. How about a really, really long time? What we do know is that our first Hardtop-equipped Space Shuttle was on route for several years and had over 20,000 plays when we sold it. The Hardtop had no visible wear. A wipe with a microfiber and it looked like new. Our custom coating has been tested to be more abrasion resistant than a traditional playfield clearcoat. The adhesive is so powerful that if you try to take off the Hardtop, you will likely bring up wood with it. Nothing is forever, but we've done our best to make this as close to a "permanent" solution as we could get.
What about large temperature changes or incandescent insert bulbs?
We've addressed those outlier situations with our Hardtop 2.0 material. Click here to read more about that.
Can I wax them?
Sure, if you want. We don't bother. Adam at Pinball Workshop does. Watch his 12 of 12 - finished Space Shuttle video for his recommendation.
Can I take it off later if I don't like it?
This product WILL damage the existing playfield art, so installing a Hardtop should not be considered a temporary solution. However, we do not recommend installing a Hardtop on a playfield that is still in good condition. The Hardtop is a product designed to save playfields in bad condition that have few or no other options. Many of the machines given new Hardtops were about to be used for parts, and they were able to be saved. They now look (and play) fantastic!
For example, the Space Shuttle in the picture below is a PERFECT candidate for a Hardtop.
We don't know exactly. How about a really, really long time? What we do know is that our first Hardtop-equipped Space Shuttle was on route for several years and had over 20,000 plays when we sold it. The Hardtop had no visible wear. A wipe with a microfiber and it looked like new. Our custom coating has been tested to be more abrasion resistant than a traditional playfield clearcoat. The adhesive is so powerful that if you try to take off the Hardtop, you will likely bring up wood with it. Nothing is forever, but we've done our best to make this as close to a "permanent" solution as we could get.
What about large temperature changes or incandescent insert bulbs?
We've addressed those outlier situations with our Hardtop 2.0 material. Click here to read more about that.
Can I wax them?
Sure, if you want. We don't bother. Adam at Pinball Workshop does. Watch his 12 of 12 - finished Space Shuttle video for his recommendation.
Can I take it off later if I don't like it?
This product WILL damage the existing playfield art, so installing a Hardtop should not be considered a temporary solution. However, we do not recommend installing a Hardtop on a playfield that is still in good condition. The Hardtop is a product designed to save playfields in bad condition that have few or no other options. Many of the machines given new Hardtops were about to be used for parts, and they were able to be saved. They now look (and play) fantastic!
For example, the Space Shuttle in the picture below is a PERFECT candidate for a Hardtop.
Buying and Shipping
Do you offer volume discounts?
No. Our licensing contracts are set in writing. We can't offer show discounts either, but if you buy a Hardtop at our booth you will save the shipping cost.
How do Hardtops ship?
They ship flat in a playfield-sized carton, inside a plastic sleeve, with an instruction sheet included.
Can I combine orders to save on shipping?
Yes! We can fit up to 6 Hardtops in one box. You just have to order them all at the same time. So, combine with your friends and save some money! This has been a popular option for our non-US customers.
Can you ship internationally?
Yes! We have successfully shipped to over a dozen countries, and we would love to ship to you!
No. Our licensing contracts are set in writing. We can't offer show discounts either, but if you buy a Hardtop at our booth you will save the shipping cost.
How do Hardtops ship?
They ship flat in a playfield-sized carton, inside a plastic sleeve, with an instruction sheet included.
Can I combine orders to save on shipping?
Yes! We can fit up to 6 Hardtops in one box. You just have to order them all at the same time. So, combine with your friends and save some money! This has been a popular option for our non-US customers.
Can you ship internationally?
Yes! We have successfully shipped to over a dozen countries, and we would love to ship to you!
Hardtop Technical Information
Please read BEFORE attempting installation! Download the PDF, or the full text is displayed below. A copy of this information is included with every Hardtop.
| hardtop_instruction_sheet.pdf |
THOROUGHLY READ BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO INSTALL A HARDTOP
Thank you for purchasing our Hardtop product! We hope you enjoy the renewed look and play quality the Hardtop will provide. This product is a unique, new approach to reviving a badly worn playfield that is not a likely candidate for restoration by repairing the art and clear coating.
There are a number of items we want to communicate BEFORE installation begins.
Addendums:
Addendum 12/18/19
Outside Edge is continually striving to improve our product. To that end, we are using a new adhesive on our Hardtops. This adhesive is extremely aggressive, and it’s IMPORTANT that you do NOT touch it with your hands. Slowly release the liner by lifting the release liner with a blade (example, an Exacto knife), making sure not to let your fingers touch the adhesive. It is a good idea to use a smooth flat edge (like a squeegee for graphics of auto body work) to press the edge you plan to start with again before attempting to lift the liner for installation.
Thank you for purchasing our Hardtop product! We hope you enjoy the renewed look and play quality the Hardtop will provide. This product is a unique, new approach to reviving a badly worn playfield that is not a likely candidate for restoration by repairing the art and clear coating.
There are a number of items we want to communicate BEFORE installation begins.
- This product is not a new playfield. It is a product that is produced to cover an existing playfield to both improve it’s look and also improve play.
- This product WILL damage or destroy additional art if it is removed for any reason.
- If the liner is removed from the adhesive on this product, it is not returnable. Unless otherwise discussed with Outside Edge, the customer is responsible for all shipping charges if customer decides to return the unused Hardtop.
- Great care in sanding and cleaning the original playfield is required to properly install a Hardtop. If you are concerned with your skill level, or do not feel confident, we suggest you find a qualified person to prepare the surface and install for you.
- BEFORE any sanding begins, the Hardtop should be positioned onto the (clean) playfield WITHOUT removing the adhesive liner to make sure the fit looks correct.
- Some fitting, trimming may be required. As you may imagine, these games have all seen their own “unique” past. Materials shrink, move, and so on over the years, and an absolute PERFECT fit may not be possible. However, if you see significant variations or issues, please contact us BEFORE you remove the adhesive back liner. It is a known fact that these machines had differences within the same title at times. There is no way to know every scenario or manufacturing change that occurred, so again, please contact us with “major” fit issues.
- Do not attempt to adhere a Hardtop to a playfield that has raised inserts or anything else that inappropriately protrudes upward or above the intended playing surface. While the Hardtop does an excellent job of masking cupped inserts and other small concave depressions, anything protruding upwards is unacceptable and will need to be remedied.
- The Hardtop is only intended to be properly installed on an entirely stripped of parts playfield topside.
- Inserts: Any art that was originally printed onto the inserts needs removed as the Hardtop will have fresh art that will renew this area. To do this, DO NOT use harsh chemicals. These will need to be gently sanded and blended by sanding (suggesting a beginning use of 220 grit) a larger area around the inserts. Do not sand too aggressively in one area. The idea is to do as little as needed to remove the art and yellowed original coating. Leveling inserts and “eye dropper” filling cupped inserts is acceptable, but we suggest you research the correct methods, products, and procedure before attempting. To shine the inserts again after sanding, one of two methods can be used: 1.) Sand while using finer and finer grit until finally arriving at a wet sand of around 2000 grit. 2.) Sand down to a grit of 1000, then follow with a few light coats of gloss clear. You MUST let gloss dry and outgas for a minimum of 72 hours prior to installing the Hardtop. Be patient with this process, making sure the playfield is not left with high and low spots from aggressively sanding. Lastly, using compressed air, gently blow out each insert to eliminate any dust hiding in the cracks and crevasses around the insert perimeters. Do this BEFORE tack clothing the surface.
- Do not attempt to install a Hardtop over any playfield that has mylar protectors. These need to be removed.
- Never use abrasive products to polish a Hardtop! You can wax the playfield with a carnauba wax. A Hardtop is truly a unique product with a very hard coating on the playing surface. Abrasive products will damage this coating. The hard coating on a Hardtop is much harder than the traditional coatings currently used on modern pinball machines and will provide a long service life.
- Caring for your new Hardtop is fairly straight forward. Keep it wiped down and free of debris. Waxing, with a carnauba wax, is encouraged but not required. Do not use old scratched or pitted pinballs.
- Your playfield should be smooth, clean, and dust free prior to installing the Hardtop. We suggest a final use of a tack cloth just prior to final installation.
- Titles with star inserts on playfield: The holes on your Hardtop are INTENTIONALLY undersized. This is because they must be final sized after your Hardtop is adhered. Please go to Youtube, or our website (in the FAQ area) to watch an installation video that covers this special scenario.
Addendums:
- If you choose to clear coat your playfield prior to installing a Hardtop, it is IMPERATIVE to mask any switch contacts and mechanisms to avoid any overspray. We recommend sealing the entire surface with a thin coat of clear (allowing for proper drying and gas out times). A few (very few) failures have occurred on uncleared/unsealed surfaces, and a major suspected contributor are the years of unknown products used to clean and wax and obviously lots of dirt that has imbedded into the wood fibers of the field. When possible, sand to a level of confidence that you have a pristine/flat/clean wood surface, and when in doubt… seal! Any discoloration from virgin wood grain will be a clue that contaminates exist. Adhering the Hardtop over anything short of a pristine surface is asking for trouble.
- When sanding your playfield, always protect the underside of your playfield from getting dust into contacts and mechanisms.
- Pay special attention to areas around inserts when eliminating dust and debris. These areas can “hide” dust along the edges of inserts and later show up as floating debris under your hardtop and on top of inserts (essentially, trapped debris).
- Outside Edge strongly recommends the use of LED lamps for all Hardtop Installations. There has been at least 1 bond failure due to the use of 44 bulbs combined with extended (typically 12+ hours a day) time where the machine is powered up and spends much of it’s time in attract mode. This mode keeps some lamps powered the majority of the time and can build up heat in localized areas that will potentially expand the Hardtop to the point that it could release in small pockets from the field. The solution is to (at a minimum) use 47 bulbs, or better yet, use LEDs to eliminate the heat buildup.
Addendum 12/18/19
Outside Edge is continually striving to improve our product. To that end, we are using a new adhesive on our Hardtops. This adhesive is extremely aggressive, and it’s IMPORTANT that you do NOT touch it with your hands. Slowly release the liner by lifting the release liner with a blade (example, an Exacto knife), making sure not to let your fingers touch the adhesive. It is a good idea to use a smooth flat edge (like a squeegee for graphics of auto body work) to press the edge you plan to start with again before attempting to lift the liner for installation.