Holes in cp plexi slightly too large....advice needed

[Billkwando]

I'm "restoring" a Neo Geo MVS conversion in a Dynamo HS-5 cab. I went to switch the button colors to the proper Neo Geo colors yesterday, and noticed something disturbing. The button holes in the plexi were drilled slightly too large, so when you go to really tighten the nylon nuts, one edge of the button lip will pop down into the hole in the plexi.

Is there a way to fix this without buying a new plexi piece? I thought wrapping a rubber band around the button threads right under the lip might work, but I figured I might as well consult with the experts. Suggestions?

Here's a pic of the cp before I switched out the buttons. I really need a new overlay. Those stick on letters are hideous. If you look closely at the buttons, you can see the light outline around some of them where the oversized plexi hole is:

[DNA Dan]

Another possibility is the buttons you are using as replacements have a slightly smaller diameter specification.

I don't see any way around it, but another sheet of plexi and drill smaller holes. This is a restoration isn't it?

[Billkwando]

Another possibility is the buttons you are using as replacements have a slightly smaller diameter specification.

Nah, these are straight Happ buttons. The holes were already too big. I just didn't notice it til I started poking around. I know for sure because I also moved around some of the existing buttons. The holes in the metal part of the control panel are fine, btw.

I was trying to avoid redoing the plexi because I don't have the tools or experience to do it myself (unless you use a regular-ass holesaw & drill, but even then I'd need to cut the corners). I put the restoration part in quotes cos it's already a conversion cab, as opposed to a dedicated Neo Geo cab. I'm just trying to fix it up piecemeal, so it's never out of commission for any extended length of time.

I'll probably try the rubber band thing for now and do a full on replexi after I get more comfortable with the idea. I just needed something that would go around the button housing to raise it off the metal cp by a uniform amount, or at least uniform enough once it's tightened down.

[Tumerboy]

your rubber band idea isn't bad, but I'd use Orings rather than rubber bands.  That way they keep their shapes a bit better.  Just bring a button to Home Depot or someplace, and see if you can find some that are the right inner diameter.

[sherbert]

home depot has universal washer kits for fixing a leaky sink faucet. It has assorted ring sizes and also solid rubber pieces to cut your own size if none of the included ones fit.

[Billkwando]

your rubber band idea isn't bad, but I'd use Orings rather than rubber bands.  That way they keep their shapes a bit better.  Just bring a button to Home Depot or someplace, and see if you can find some that are the right inner diameter.

Yeah, I really like the o-ring idea. I think they're normally made out of round rubber instead of square like a normal rubber band. Plus, the thickness and uniformity would be a much better option than wrapping a lumpy rubber band around a few times. Thanks!!

I also just found out that the spare piece of clear plexi I took out of my marquee holder (replaced with an original Neo Geo marquee) is the exact same dimensions as my cp plexi, so if I ever wanted to try to make a new one, I already have the piece.

[bobotech]

I thought that most Japanese cabinets used 30mm buttons which are NOT 1 1/8 Happ sizes.  30mm is about 1 3/16 which is about 1/16 bigger than the happ buttons and happ buttons will pull though if used on a panel like that.

[Billkwando]

Yeah, but it's a Dynamo, not a candy cab.

[Useless Eater]

if the thickness of the control panel will allow it you could wrap electrical tape around the button threads to make them fit snug