Fire! Playfield Hardtop
Code: PPS-HTOP-FIRE
Price: $340.00
Shipping Weight: 10.00 pounds
In Stock
Quantity in Basket:
None
The Hardtop -Exceptional Playfield Repair/Replacement Solution
Pinball Playfield Hardtop
$330 - $360.00
Introducing, the Outside Edge Hardtop!
This is NOT a new playfield. This is also NOT a thin decal.
This is a high-quality extremely durable alternative for a game where a replacement playfield may not be currently available (or possibly never will be!). Once installed, the colors are brilliant, the surface is seamless, and the playing experience is fantastic.
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Customer feedback:
"HOLY COW THIS THING IS INCREDIBLE
ITS GORGEOUS
All the routed stuff fits perfectly, putting the star-rollover in was a breeze. These are going to save a lot of machines. You are doing amazing work."
"This is a machine that I received as an unassembled basket case that had gotten water damage to the playfield. The hardtop absolutely saved it."
"...doing one of these is a breeze compared to a complete playfield replacement. If you start with a complete game and just have to remove the topside, apply the Hardtop and reinstall the topside parts, there's no comparison."
"Well let me tell you how incredibly impressed we all were with your marvelous invention...I think this is one of the best things to happen to Pinball collecting in years"
This is NOT a new playfield. This is also NOT a thin decal.
This is a high-quality extremely durable alternative for a game where a replacement playfield may not be currently available (or possibly never will be!). Once installed, the colors are brilliant, the surface is seamless, and the playing experience is fantastic.
- High-quality licensed art is printed on the bottom side of the clear PETG material so it can't wear off
- The .030 thick material creates a perfectly flat and smooth playing surface
- The entire playfield is topped with an extremely durable clear coating for superior abrasion resistance
- Aggressive permanent adhesive ensures it attaches securely and lays flat
- Completely cut and ready to install
WARNING: This product WILL damage the existing art, so the choice to install one should not be considered temporary. The existing playfield will need to be prepped by sanding. This is primarily for the inserts in order to remove any high spots or graphics. The Hardtop will then replace all the graphics on the playfield, creating a beautiful playing surface.
NOTE!!! ORDERING AND SHIPPING!!!
- Hardtops Can be ordered in up to 5 Sets in one shipment - please order Hardtops separately from other items
- International shipping - due to size of shipping we will need to quote for shipping
- When ordering multiple sets -
use the "ONLY (PARTS) HARDTOP ADD-ON OPTION for all but the last set
- On the last set select a valid shipping option USPS or Fedex
- Any questions please use the helpdesk
http://support.planetarypinball.com/support/login
PLEASE READ OUR TECHNICAL PAGE BEFORE ATTEMPTING INSTALLATION!
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INTERNATIONAL ORDERS: We love international orders, but our web site does not let us do them easily. For international orders, please follow these directions. We'll be happy to help you!
- Send an email to sales@planetarypinball.com
- Include your shipping address and the Hardtop title you would like. (Please note that we can ship up to five (5) different Hardtops in the same box for no additional shipping charge.)
- We will email you a PayPal invoice with the shipping cost included.
- When the PayPal invoice is paid, we'll ship your Hardtop(s) right away!
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Customer feedback:
"HOLY COW THIS THING IS INCREDIBLE
ITS GORGEOUS
All the routed stuff fits perfectly, putting the star-rollover in was a breeze. These are going to save a lot of machines. You are doing amazing work."
"This is a machine that I received as an unassembled basket case that had gotten water damage to the playfield. The hardtop absolutely saved it."
"...doing one of these is a breeze compared to a complete playfield replacement. If you start with a complete game and just have to remove the topside, apply the Hardtop and reinstall the topside parts, there's no comparison."
"Well let me tell you how incredibly impressed we all were with your marvelous invention...I think this is one of the best things to happen to Pinball collecting in years"
Exceptional playfield repair solution.
.030 PETG, not a thin decal.
Custom anti-abrasion coating is harder than a clear coat.
All art is printed on the underside.
Pre-applied permanent adhesive.
All holes are pre-cut.
.030 PETG, not a thin decal.
Custom anti-abrasion coating is harder than a clear coat.
All art is printed on the underside.
Pre-applied permanent adhesive.
All holes are pre-cut.
Introducing, the Hardtop!
This is NOT a thin stretchy decal. This is also NOT a new playfield, requiring a full removal of all playfield parts.
The Hardtop is a high-quality, dimensionally stable, extremely durable alternative for a game with a very worn playfield, where a quality replacement playfield may not be easily available (or possibly never will be!).
Once a Hardtop is installed, the colors are brilliant, the surface is seamless, and the playing experience is fantastic.
The Hardtop is a high-quality, dimensionally stable, extremely durable alternative for a game with a very worn playfield, where a quality replacement playfield may not be easily available (or possibly never will be!).
Once a Hardtop is installed, the colors are brilliant, the surface is seamless, and the playing experience is fantastic.
- High-quality licensed art is printed on the underside of the clear PETG material so it can't wear off
- The .030 thick material creates a perfectly flat and smooth playing surface
- The entire playfield is topped with an extremely durable clear coating tested for superior abrasion resistance
- Aggressive permanent adhesive ensures it attaches securely and lays flat
- Completely cut and ready to install
Customer feedback
"HOLY COW THIS THING IS INCREDIBLE. ITS GORGEOUS. All the routed stuff fits perfectly, putting the star-rollover in was a breeze. These are going to save a lot of machines. You are doing amazing work."
"This is a machine that I received as an unassembled basket case that had gotten water damage to the playfield. The hardtop absolutely saved it."
"...doing one of these is a breeze compared to a complete playfield replacement. If you start with a complete game and just have to remove the topside, apply the Hardtop and reinstall the topside parts, there's no comparison."
"Well let me tell you how incredibly impressed we all were with your marvelous invention...I think this is one of the best things to happen to Pinball collecting in years"
"This is a machine that I received as an unassembled basket case that had gotten water damage to the playfield. The hardtop absolutely saved it."
"...doing one of these is a breeze compared to a complete playfield replacement. If you start with a complete game and just have to remove the topside, apply the Hardtop and reinstall the topside parts, there's no comparison."
"Well let me tell you how incredibly impressed we all were with your marvelous invention...I think this is one of the best things to happen to Pinball collecting in years"
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WARNING: This product WILL damage the existing playfield art, so installing a Hardtop should not be considered temporary. The existing playfield will need to be top-side stripped, and then sanded in order to remove any high spots or graphics on the inserts. The Hardtop will then replace all the graphics on the playfield, creating a beautiful playing surface.
PLEASE READ OUR TECHNICAL FAQ PAGE BEFORE ATTEMPTING INSTALLATION!
PLEASE READ OUR TECHNICAL FAQ PAGE BEFORE ATTEMPTING INSTALLATION!
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Click here to watch our Hardtop music video
Hardtop (FAQ) -
Frequently Asked Questions
Titles
What titles do you have?
We currently have Space Shuttle, Pharaoh, Taxi, Wizard, Future Spa, Comet, Frontier, Black Knight, Evel Knievel, and Firepower. Mata Hari and High Speed are next up.
Will you be doing (insert your favorite title here)?
We will be putting out new titles, but not on a set schedule (sorry, but this isn't our full-time job). Good future candidates would have higher production numbers and limited playfield repair options available. Some titles are off the table due to difficulty getting reproduction rights. For the latest on new Hardtop titles, click here for the official Hardtops thread on Pinside.
Will you make a custom one for me?
No. We could go into a long explanation about our overhead (we are commercial printers, and this not our day job), how long it takes to develop and test a single title, how we use a $1.5 million printing press to get the quality we need, and all of that, but the short answer is simply no, sorry, we don't make any custom Hardtops.
Do you offer volume discounts?
No. Our licensing contracts that enable legal reproduction of the art are set in writing. If we reduce what we charge, the royalty we have to pay remains the same. Combined with what is a low production volume (for us) and low economies of scale for this product, we can't offer tradeshow or volume discounts.
We currently have Space Shuttle, Pharaoh, Taxi, Wizard, Future Spa, Comet, Frontier, Black Knight, Evel Knievel, and Firepower. Mata Hari and High Speed are next up.
Will you be doing (insert your favorite title here)?
We will be putting out new titles, but not on a set schedule (sorry, but this isn't our full-time job). Good future candidates would have higher production numbers and limited playfield repair options available. Some titles are off the table due to difficulty getting reproduction rights. For the latest on new Hardtop titles, click here for the official Hardtops thread on Pinside.
Will you make a custom one for me?
No. We could go into a long explanation about our overhead (we are commercial printers, and this not our day job), how long it takes to develop and test a single title, how we use a $1.5 million printing press to get the quality we need, and all of that, but the short answer is simply no, sorry, we don't make any custom Hardtops.
Do you offer volume discounts?
No. Our licensing contracts that enable legal reproduction of the art are set in writing. If we reduce what we charge, the royalty we have to pay remains the same. Combined with what is a low production volume (for us) and low economies of scale for this product, we can't offer tradeshow or volume discounts.
Installation
Will you install it for me?
No, sorry, we don't offer install services.
How long does it take to install?
We've heard about 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 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.
Do I need to sand the whole playfield?
No, you just need to sand the inserts to remove any art or high spots. You can sand the whole surface if you like, 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. The art on the inserts will be replaced by new art on the Hardtops.
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 area over the inserts will be crystal clear, so what you see before you install the Hardtop is what you will see after.
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 here.
Isn't this just a decal with a different name?
Not even close. Our material is 1/32 inch thick (a little less than a millimeter). It is semi-rigid, doesn't stretch, and has a custom coating that has been certified via Taber testing to be more abrasion resistant than a playfield clearcoat. It provides a perfectly flat playing surface with no exposed edges that can affect the ball path.
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 brings 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.
No, sorry, we don't offer install services.
How long does it take to install?
We've heard about 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 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.
Do I need to sand the whole playfield?
No, you just need to sand the inserts to remove any art or high spots. You can sand the whole surface if you like, 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. The art on the inserts will be replaced by new art on the Hardtops.
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 area over the inserts will be crystal clear, so what you see before you install the Hardtop is what you will see after.
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 here.
Isn't this just a decal with a different name?
Not even close. Our material is 1/32 inch thick (a little less than a millimeter). It is semi-rigid, doesn't stretch, and has a custom coating that has been certified via Taber testing to be more abrasion resistant than a playfield clearcoat. It provides a perfectly flat playing surface with no exposed edges that can affect the ball path.
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 brings 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 really don't know. What we do know is that we have our first Hardtop-equipped Space Shuttle with about 2,000 plays that still shows no playfield wear at all. We also know of a couple machines that were routed for 6 months with no visible wear. A wipe with a microfiber and they looked great. The custom coating has been tested to be more abrasion resistant than a traditional playfield clearcoat. Lastly, the adhesive is so powerful that if you try to take off the Hardtop, you will bring 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.
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 below 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. We do not recommend installing a Hardtop on a playfield that is in good condition. It is a product designed to save playfields that have few or no other options. Many of the machines with Hardtops were about to be used for parts, and they were able to be saved. In fact, they now look (and play) fantastic!
The Space Shuttle playfield in the picture below is a PERFECT candidate for a Hardtop.
We really don't know. What we do know is that we have our first Hardtop-equipped Space Shuttle with about 2,000 plays that still shows no playfield wear at all. We also know of a couple machines that were routed for 6 months with no visible wear. A wipe with a microfiber and they looked great. The custom coating has been tested to be more abrasion resistant than a traditional playfield clearcoat. Lastly, the adhesive is so powerful that if you try to take off the Hardtop, you will bring 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.
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 below 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. We do not recommend installing a Hardtop on a playfield that is in good condition. It is a product designed to save playfields that have few or no other options. Many of the machines with Hardtops were about to be used for parts, and they were able to be saved. In fact, they now look (and play) fantastic!
The Space Shuttle playfield in the picture below is a PERFECT candidate for a Hardtop.
Buying and Shipping
Do you offer volume discounts?
No. Our licensing contracts that enable legal reproduction of the art are set in writing. If we reduce what we charge, the royalty we have to pay remains the same. Combined with what is a low production volume (for us) and low economies of scale for this product, we can't offer tradeshow or volume discounts.
How do they ship?
They ship flat in a playfield-sized carton, inside a plastic sleeve, with an instruction sheet included.
Can you ship internationally?
Yes, but unfortunately our online store doesn't work internationally. If you would like a Hardtop shipped internationally, please follow these steps.
No. Our licensing contracts that enable legal reproduction of the art are set in writing. If we reduce what we charge, the royalty we have to pay remains the same. Combined with what is a low production volume (for us) and low economies of scale for this product, we can't offer tradeshow or volume discounts.
How do they ship?
They ship flat in a playfield-sized carton, inside a plastic sleeve, with an instruction sheet included.
Can you ship internationally?
Yes, but unfortunately our online store doesn't work internationally. If you would like a Hardtop shipped internationally, please follow these steps.
- DO NOT order through our online store.
- Please send an email to: sales@pinballgifts.com and cc: swood@westcamp.com
- Include your shipping address and the Hardtop title you would like. (Please note that we can ship up to five (5) Hardtops in the same box for no additional shipping charge.)
- We will email you a PayPal invoice with the shipping cost included.
- When the PayPal invoice is paid, we'll ship your Hardtop(s) right away!
Installation videos
We are so grateful to everyone who has taken the time to make these very helpful videos. Thank you!
A Pirate's Life Pinball
Thanks Keith, for saving this Pharoah and Wizard!
Click below to watch Keith save a Pharaoh with a Hardtop.
Keith's Pharaoh Hardtop installation - 1 of 4 - introduction
Keith's Pharaoh Hardtop installation - 2 of 4 - prepping the playfield
Keith's Pharaoh Hardtop installation - 3 of 4 - attaching the Hardtop
Keith's Pharaoh Hardtop installation - 4 of 4 - the finished Pharaoh!
Keith's Pharaoh Hardtop installation - 1 of 4 - introduction
Keith's Pharaoh Hardtop installation - 2 of 4 - prepping the playfield
Keith's Pharaoh Hardtop installation - 3 of 4 - attaching the Hardtop
Keith's Pharaoh Hardtop installation - 4 of 4 - the finished Pharaoh!
Keith's technique for Rollovers (using Wizard as an example)
Pinball Workshop
Thanks Adam, for saving this Space Shuttle!
Click below to watch Adam save a Space Shuttle with a Hardtop.
Adam's Space Shuttle Hardtop installation - 1 of 12 - introduction and Hardtop overview
Adam's Space Shuttle Hardtop installation - 2 of 12 - removing old thin decal sticker
Adam's Space Shuttle Hardtop installation - 3 of 12 - teardown details re: rails, targets, pop bumpers
Adam's Space Shuttle Hardtop installation - 4 of 12 - decal removed, ready for sanding inserts
Adam's Space Shuttle Hardtop installation - 5 of 12 - inserts mostly sanded
Adam's Space Shuttle Hardtop installation - 6 of 12 - inserts sanded, adding clear spray to inserts
Adam's Space Shuttle Hardtop installation - 7 of 12 - clear spray on inserts is done
Adam's Space Shuttle Hardtop installation - 8 of 12 - checking alignment
Adam's Space Shuttle Hardtop installation - 9 of 12 - installing the first half
Adam's Space Shuttle Hardtop installation - 10 of 12 - installing the second half
Adam's Space Shuttle Hardtop installation - 11 of 12 - removing the protective liner
Adam's Space Shuttle Hardtop installation - 12 of 12 - the finished Space Shuttle!
Adam's Space Shuttle Hardtop installation - 1 of 12 - introduction and Hardtop overview
Adam's Space Shuttle Hardtop installation - 2 of 12 - removing old thin decal sticker
Adam's Space Shuttle Hardtop installation - 3 of 12 - teardown details re: rails, targets, pop bumpers
Adam's Space Shuttle Hardtop installation - 4 of 12 - decal removed, ready for sanding inserts
Adam's Space Shuttle Hardtop installation - 5 of 12 - inserts mostly sanded
Adam's Space Shuttle Hardtop installation - 6 of 12 - inserts sanded, adding clear spray to inserts
Adam's Space Shuttle Hardtop installation - 7 of 12 - clear spray on inserts is done
Adam's Space Shuttle Hardtop installation - 8 of 12 - checking alignment
Adam's Space Shuttle Hardtop installation - 9 of 12 - installing the first half
Adam's Space Shuttle Hardtop installation - 10 of 12 - installing the second half
Adam's Space Shuttle Hardtop installation - 11 of 12 - removing the protective liner
Adam's Space Shuttle Hardtop installation - 12 of 12 - the finished Space Shuttle!
TNT Amusements
Thanks Todd, for saving this Comet!
Click to watch Todd, Steve, and the team save a Comet with a Hardtop
00:00 - Todd shows the worn Comet playfield
04:35 - Steve sanding to prep the jewels
07:22 - Everything lines up! Time to peel and stick.
15:13 - Reassembly in progress
16:46 - Todd and the finished Comet!
19:01 - Todd and Steve sum up
00:00 - Todd shows the worn Comet playfield
04:35 - Steve sanding to prep the jewels
07:22 - Everything lines up! Time to peel and stick.
15:13 - Reassembly in progress
16:46 - Todd and the finished Comet!
19:01 - Todd and Steve sum up
Hardtop Technical Information
Please read BEFORE attempting installation! Files are available in either PDF or Word format, or the full text is displayed below. A copy of this information is included with every Hardtop.
| hardtop_technical_information.pdf |
| hardtop_technical_information.docx |
THOROUGHLY READ BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO INSTALL AN OUTSIDE EDGE 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.
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 improves 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 … contact us with “Major “ fitment 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. Anything protruding upwards needs 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 no 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 72hrs 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.
- Do not attempt to install a Hardtop over any playfield that has mylar protectors. These need removed.
- Never use abrasive products to polish a Hardtop! That includes Novus products. 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 and waxed. 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.