Some General Questions about A Ms. Pac-Man Arcade Machine That I Might Purchase

[awesomesauce22]

Hi,

I might buy the following arcade machine at an estate sale: http://pictures.estatesales.net/4544/156186/2218095.jpg?lm=733  Now what I'm wondering is:

1.  How much is a reasonable amount to pay for this machine if it still works?
2.  Would it be a bad idea to use this machine as a "project machine" and try to run MAME on it?

[boardjunkie]

It looks to be in OK shape....not minty fresh but I'd still leave it as a dedicated game. There are plenty of beater/generic cabs to hack up for MAME use. Ms Pacs will always have resale value, so I'd have it tuned up and enjoy it for what it is.

As for a price, I dunno. It really depends on what its worth to you. If its been sitting for many years and likely needs some work (does the pix on the monitor look bright, full and focused or is it washed out with caved in edges or foldover?) I'd not go over 300$.

Anyone buying a classic game that's not been restored needs to remember that its now 30 or more years old and if its not been serviced it *will* need to be. Since they were not intended to last that long to begin with, anything that is bone stock is on borrowed time at best......