1980 Williams Black Knight SS

I decided to go with a hardtop from Outside Edge for this restoration. I’d done a few before and was really happy with the results. Preparation for it really only required removing the topside components, sanding off the artwork on and around the inserts, and laying down a layer of spray can clear over the inserts.

Up to this point, I had never taken apart a Williams drop target assembly (only Bally / Stern). I found this generation of Williams drop target assemblies a lot easier to work with! Got all the pieces cleaned up nicely and put in new targets and new decals for like-new looks and performance.

Started to get some new customization ideas during tear down and decided to go with a “blacked out Black Knight” theme. This would include black playfield rails instead of natural wood, black flipper bats with red rubbers, and black posts instead of red. I also wanted to figure out some ways to light up the dark areas of the playfield (more on that later). I also decided to powder coat the armor in black….side rails, legs, lock down bar, and even the coin door.

Despite being structurally sound, the cabinet needed a lot of work fixing the deep gouges and scratches, particularly the back. Bondo to the rescue.