New Here, New to this, starting a restore project, need advice

[kyomagi]

Hello all!

I have been lurking around for a few weeks and decided to post.  I am new to the cabinet/mame scene.  I have been looking around at a few designs to build my own cabinet, but settled on buying a old stargate cabinet that needed some TLC

(sample photo, actual photos to be uploaded tonight)


There are a few rough spots around the base (water damage) that i am going to need to fix.  Probably going to cut it off and fit it with a new base.  There are also a few chips and cracks along the side and decay around the back/top corners.

The guy i bought it from said i should just use bondo, but others recommended i use minwax wood putty,  which is better?  I am not staining, i am going to prime it and paint it.

Next issue is the CP.  The top of the CP is corroded and the config is not one i am going to use.  Lucky for me i see its attached with glue to a L shape type bracket.  It looks like i can remove it and build a new top and glue it back on.  

My question is, the CP is roughly 22-24" Wide, would it be possible to build a comfortable 2P stick with 6 buttons in that space?

And last thing for now before i get home, snap photos and think of other questions ( ) I am not really new to wiring, i have done it in the past.  Used to wire chips and controllers.

Where do i get started with the CP itself?  I have two joy sticks, 12 buttons, a 1 and 2 player button and a start button.  I guess what i need to know is what else is needed to wire it all up and then connect it to my MB for mame.

Thanks!

(PS, i got the cab for $40.  Not a bad deal at all)

[Vigo]

Welcome! Congrats on your find!

I personally would go with bondo above putty. It is stronger and doesn't warp with temperature and moisture change like putty can. With your control panel corrosion and layout issue, bondo might be able to help there as well. Fill old button holes, fill corrosion. I don't know if it is salvageable, but at least post picks to see if there are any ideas here on if it is worth trying to save.

As far as CP width, 22-24" should be fine as long as you don't put anything else in like a trackball. You will still be shoulder to shoulder, but that is not any different than the 2 player cabinets from back in the day.

To wire you controls up to your computer, you will need to get an encoder. I usually don't hesitate to promote the ones I sell, but for your case, I would recommend the Ultimarc i-Pac2. It sounds like you won't have any admin buttons. The ipac It comes with built in "shift" functions so you can just press a button combination to exit out of games or put in a coin. You can still wire up your coin door if you want as well. Screw in wires from the encoder to the control switches, chain a ground to the other end of the switches, plug the encoder into the PC and you are ready.  

[kyomagi]

Thank you!

is there a wire guide?  I would rather be safe than sorry

[opt2not]

Aww, for a moment there I got excited about another restore thread...but it's being mamed.
  Another one bites the dust.

This should be posted in Project Announcements.

[kyomagi]

as promised, more pics!

[kyomagi]

FYI.  Bondo is the best thing EVER.  

Couple of questions before i go on.  

I am ordering the I-pac2 this week and need to know if there is anything i need to do or add for my LED Joystick and Buttons?

I will have update pictures tonight or tomorrow.  I have filled in the CP holes with bondo and will be sanding it down when i get my new respirator.  I am not sanding bondo again without protection lol

Can anyone also recommend a place to get the T molding and graphic bezels?