# How to Install Mirror Blades on Data East Pinball Machines

**Source:** Cary Hardy  
**Type:** video  
**Published:** 2023-05-24  
**Duration:** 5m 41s  
**Beat:** Pinball

**URL:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83vVCnm5NXw

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## Analysis

Cary Hardy provides a detailed installation guide for mirror blades on Data East pinball machines, covering blade orientation, positioning, drilling, screw installation, and protective measures. The video demonstrates practical techniques for ensuring flush screw installation and proper blade alignment beneath the glass channel.

### Key Claims

- [HIGH] Mirror blades improve playfield lighting when installed correctly on Data East machines — _Direct statement about functional benefit demonstrated in installation process_
- [HIGH] Mirror blades come with mirrored side facing the cabinet interior, not the playfield — _Specific technical instruction about proper blade orientation_
- [HIGH] Three screws are required per blade for installation — _Stated during installation process demonstration_
- [HIGH] Double-sided tape is included with the kit but not necessary if blades are mounted correctly — _Direct statement about included hardware and installation best practice_
- [HIGH] Mirror blades can be scratched if not handled carefully when raising/lowering the playfield — _Safety warning provided at end of installation guide_

### Notable Quotes

> "The blades came within a week of ordering and were well packaged."
> — **Cary Hardy**, early
> _Quality and shipping assessment of the product_

> "This is the side that rests against the cabinet. The film protected side is what needs to be facing towards the playfield."
> — **Cary Hardy**, early-middle
> _Critical technical instruction about blade orientation_

> "I even have the drill bit taped off to make sure I don't screw too far into the cabinet."
> — **Cary Hardy**, middle
> _Demonstrates precision safety technique to prevent over-drilling_

> "I want this screw to be as flush as possible to make sure that my playfield is not going to be rubbing against it."
> — **Cary Hardy**, middle
> _Explains reasoning behind flush screw installation requirement_

> "These blades are rigid and if mounted correctly you shouldn't need them either"
> — **Cary Hardy**, late
> _Clarifies that included double-sided tape is optional with proper technique_

### Entities

| Name | Type | Context |
|------|------|---------|
| Cary Hardy | person | Content creator and pinball technician providing installation tutorial |
| Data East | company | Pinball machine manufacturer; subject of this installation guide |
| Mirror Blades | product | Decorative and protective mirrored plastic components installed on pinball machine sides |

### Signals

- **[community_signal]** Content creator providing detailed technical education on pinball modification installation to support community DIY efforts (confidence: high) — Detailed step-by-step tutorial format with specific techniques and safety measures
- **[product_strategy]** Mirror blades serve as both aesthetic and functional upgrade to Data East pinball machines, improving lighting performance (confidence: high) — Direct statement: 'enjoy how much it improves how well your game is lit' and demonstration of installation benefits

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## Transcript

Let's go over how I install mirror blades on Data East Games. Where I ordered these from will be in the video description. The blades came within a week of ordering and were well packaged. Now Now when you first look at them you will see one side is mirrored but this isn't the side that is exposed to the playfield. This is the side that rests against the cabinet. The film protected side is what needs to be facing towards the playfield. I utilize two strips of painters tape. All you need to do is make sure the larger end is flush against the back panel section of the playfield and adjust the height where you are directly underneath the glass channel. you have it all lined up We Are Pinball ready to drill I use a small drill bit to make the install easier You don want to drill a hole larger than the screw itself This is merely to make a hole so you can easily hand tighten the screw. I even have the drill bit taped off to make sure I don't screw too far into the cabinet. I drill a hole as centered as possible and then install the screw. There are three screws for each blade. You will always see me rub my finger across the top of the screw because I want this screw to be as flush as possible to make sure that my play field is not going to be rubbing against it. Once all three screws are in, you may remove the protective film. The kit does come with double sided tape to help the blades stick to the sides of the cabinet but I personally have never used them These blades are rigid and if mounted correctly you shouldn need them either Once you have performed the same method on the other blade you are done. Lower the playfield back down and enjoy how much it improves how well your game is lit. Now that you have mirrors you will need to take extra precaution when raising and lowering your playfield. these can be scratched if you are not careful. There you go guys, I hope you learned something. When we fall Thanks for watching We see you next time Fire out of love It's bigger than a beating heart Give it to the sky, give it to the sky When we fall to the sun When we fall When we fall To the sun When we fall Thank you.

_(Acquisition: youtube_groq_whisper, Enrichment: v3)_

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*Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-06-06 | Item ID: eb009348-2215-40d1-9dc3-37bb85ab878a*