Should I buy this Neo Geo Cab?

[TopJimmyCooks]

I have the opportunity to purchase this Neo Geo cab, photo attached.  It is 1 slot and comes with Final Fury 2 mvs cart.  I would use it as a mame cab keeping the Neo Geo mvs system intact for  . . . . posterity, resale, whatever. 

Questions: 

The CP doesn't look right, different overlay, 4 buttons but in a sort of diamond configuration, but pics show the CP flips forward giving access to the board/cart.  Is this a conversion of some type or just a molested control panel?

U360s and new buttons, trackball in a knievel style 2 player CP are planned.   Is there any value in using the jamma compatibility able to switch between a neo geo cart and the PC?

How were the monitors on these?  looks like a 25"?

Overall, what's the vibe on reversible mame or restorations on these?  it's local and seems priced decently, I'm going to look at it Monday.  I appreciate any input- Thanks.

[Savannan]

FWIW...just to make sure your getting a good deal..i found 2 neogeo cabs on craiglook...

http://texas.freevideoshopper.com/game-consoles/neo-geo-video-arcade-game2-slots.html

http://arkansas.freevideoshopper.com/game-consoles/neo-geo-mvs-2-video-arcade-system.html

[TopJimmyCooks]

Thanks for the heads up Savannan.  this is was a CL listing as well. It is not in as good a shape as those you linked but is priced appropriately a good bit less.  Plus it's 2 minutes from my office - hopefully it's worthwhile when I check it out.  Clearly it's a common cab even for a generic. 

[mgb]

That one from Arakansas looks really nice (from the front anyway) and its only $325

[TopJimmyCooks]

It appears that there are plenty of good cabs in much better shape, which makes me less concerned about making changes.  If I do buy, I would like to bring back the red/white stripe graphic on the new cp.   I kind of like the idea of the patina of an older game for some reason.  Maybe use a neo geo style startup vid for the fe, have one gamelist just of neo games, use a small MAME graphic for the single mini marquee, etc.

[ark_ader]

No.  Save your money. 

[TopJimmyCooks]

Vote for no noted.  I'm going to take a look at it with an open mind and closed wallet to begin with. 

[RayB]

Just FYI but if it were a 4-slot, it would be worth more.

[Donkbaca]

I vote no on the account it's a one slot and diesn't look to be a teal neo geo can, but rather a conversion

[mgb]

well thats definately not an actual neo geo cp.
It probably is a bad conversion and bad conversions usually have some real hack work done in them

[Nephasth]

well thats definately not an actual neo geo cp.
It probably is a bad conversion and bad conversions usually have some real hack work done in them

If you're located anywhere near northern Colorado, there is a 4-slot Neo Geo on CL with 7-8 games for $175. I'd pick it up...but I don't want to be killed in my sleep.
And if you get that one (or another he has for sale) he'll throw in a MegaTouch that plays blind for free!

[TopJimmyCooks]

The seller has asked $300 and then more recently $250.  Clearly good examples of this cab are available with 4 slot, better condition, correct CP, etc. for similar or less money.  looks like Pinball Jim is right on the money about the value - but not about my budget .  I figured $150 in wood, paint, glass, etc. to make a mame cab with controls and a computer I already have, and I like patina.  More with coin door/mechs/marquee.  I have tools and a shop.    It's worth about $150 to me not to have to build that from scratch, plus no restoration candidate quality cab is harmed.  Thanks for the input on the market for these.  I'll post how it turns out.

[TopJimmyCooks]

Checked it out.
*neither coin mech worked.  coined up by jumping the wire.
*no coin mech lights,
*no marquee light.
*monitor was sick (no red tones?)
*end of power cord cut and lamp cord(!) spliced on.
*previously noted replaced CP.  wasn't bad, just not original. 
*Label inside said the game was Superman received 1987.  So a conversion? by date?
Without a good monitor, just not a lot to work with there.

I offered $100 for the value of the cabinet, glass, ok sticks/buttons etc. and was sadly turned down.

He had a desert strike? 4p with a nasty replaced 4p cp (too narrow for four) and a working ms pac man that looked like it fell off a truck at speed. 

The search continues!

[mgb]

The guy sounds like he's a hack. stay away from him.
Did you say he wanted $250 for that piece of crap?

[TopJimmyCooks]

He didn't do it; he just bought the games and enjoyed them with his family.  He bought them from an out of business arcade op in Myrtle Beach, which explains a lot.  Myrtle beach is the hell evil arcade games go to to corrode away and die.