Ok so I've already done a cap kit (my first attempt at that) which fixed the monitor problems. I also cleaned up the CP a bit. I have a couple questions, though.
Great stuff! I'm glad to hear from
your other thread that you got all the display problems fixed. So it's nice and bright now? No more fading "in and out"?
How did you feel about doing the cap-kit? Since you've said your handy-man skills stink, I think your opinion would really help others that are just getting into fixing their machines gain some confidence in the matter. Everyone starts somewhere, but it sounds like your first time went pretty smooth! Congrats!
1) The cab has what looks to be white paint splatters all over it. I think someone painted a room and didn't cover it. By the look of the splatters, I think they painted the ceiling. Anyway, how do I get those off without taking off the original paint.
I'm not sure if there's an easy way for this. You might be okay to use some paint-thinner mixed with water to lightly brush off the white splatters. I use eco-friendly turpentine (found at any art store), it's non-toxic and can be diluted with water. Start off with a thin mixture, get a small paint brush and apply it to the splatters, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it away with a damp rag. If the mixture doesn't work well, decrease the amount of water that you diluted it with then repeat the process.
It might take off the paint underneath it, in which case you might want to touch it up with the original colour. But hopefully if the mixture is thin enough that it'll only take the splatters.
2) The CP has some spots at the corner where it bends and goes down the from of the dab. It's worn down to bare metal. How do I fix that? Would touch up paint at least make it look presentable?
If you have a picture of this, post it. By the sounds of it the metal is dented in? Disassemble the CP, "sandwich" it between two pieces of wood and and try hammering it back into shape with a small mallet-hammer.
As for the worn down area, I'm assuming you mean the Control Panel Overlay is damaged. If that's the case, you might want to consider getting a new overlay.
QuarterArcade has a Super Pac CPO that looks pretty good, and for a decent price.
After re-shaping, strip off the old CPO -- there are multiple methods to do this, but the best way I've found is to get a scraper and a heat-gun, warm up the metal so the adhesive on the CPO weakens, then just scrape it off. Afterward, use some goo-gone, or citristrip to remove the remaining adhesive glue left over.
Then, strip the paint off the CP using a wire-wheel and drill. You don't want remaining glue left on it's surface, because it'll gum-up your wire-wheel, so make sure the surface is clean. Prime and paint it, let dry, then apply the new CPO.
Take a look at any of Spyridon's restoration threads, he's a wizard at this, and has got it down to a science!
3) It looks like a dog chewed on the front edges of the cab a bit. The T-Molding is damaged and so is a bit of the cab at those same spots. Will any replacement T-molding fit right or do I need to get a specific kind.
It should be standard 3/4" t-molding. You may want to measure the thickness of the wood to confirm.
You can get t-molding from anywhere really. I get mine from
here.
4) I figured a little wood filler could fix the tiny spots where the cab is damaged, but then I'd need to repaint. How can I get paint that I know will match? I'd like to get a small bottle of the dark blue and the yellow (to fix some blemishes on the Pac-Man symbol on the side).
I don't know if you'll be able to find stencils for the artwork. But you might be able to tape off all the art, then strip off the blue paint, sand it down, fill the damage with filler...then repaint.
If you go this route, you can probably chip a piece of the blue paint off and bring it into a paint shop for colour analysis. As for the artwork, get some model paint that's the same colour and touch it up if need be.
Post some picture of this cabinet too, so we all know what you got to deal with.
