New to arcade units - a few questions.

[bgiglio]

Hello!  I'm new to the arcade scene and had a few questions in regards to two cabinets that I recently acquired.

One cabinet is an old Double Dragon machine that I was told that I need a new JAMMA board and a new power cord.  I got these for basically nothing except moving them and the time to transport.

Here are the pictures of the Double Dragon: http://imgur.com/a/kBRC1

I was wondering if there was a tutorial or a guide, checklist, etc on the first things to do when trying to clean it up and assess the cabinet.

I know it's very old and shouldn't look brand new, but it's looking really rough and I'm not sure what to do with it or where to start.  I have the time and I'm very eager to learn though.

I also got an Atari War: Final Assault cabinet (pictures here: http://imgur.com/a/F2XLA).

I know that I can replace the t-molding and I'll get that done.  The monitor seems to take a few minutes to get to a bright lighting, but other than that - everything works great.  I want to make sure that it's working OK, nothing needs to be fixed, repaired or have it be a ticking time bomb til something breaks.  The people I got this from hadn't used them in a few years and I'm looking at these as you would with buying a used car.  I want to make sure that I get all of the "maintenance" work done.

Is there anything I can do to verify that it's working 100% and give it some type of inspection in case I ever sell it? I'd want to disclose everything, but want to make sure that it's OK to sell down the road, if needed.  I'm so concerned with what the previous owners over the last 10-20 years did to these - I want to make sure they're OK.

Basically - what tools do I need, how should I start to clean/inspect the cabinets and where is the "manual" for new people who want to get into this hobby?

Thanks everyone!

[lcmgadgets]

I found Saint's book a huge help ('Project Arcade, by John St.Clair--who is 'Saint' on this forum, if u don't know). Good luck, & keep posting!

[DickTurpin]

I agree the book Project Arcade by John St Clair is excellent for all of this information is set out in an easy to understand manner. It is very much a book version of this site but without all the discussion and differences of opinion. Sets out your options and some useful contacts and suppliers.

http://www.amazon.com/Project-Arcade-Build-Your-Machine/dp/047089153X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1373527528&sr=1-1

Also,

Might find these links useful.

First is a manual with whole service instructions. Second is a website that had a database of high res scans from original cab art. It costs a token fee to join but then its all you can eat downloads. Links are for the Bezel monitor surround and the Marquee.

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http://www.arcade-museum.com/manuals-videogames/D/Double%20Dragon%20GTC100%20Cabinet%20Service%20Instructions.pdf

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http://coinopart.com/index.php?d=411 Bezel

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http://coinopart.com/index.php?d=415
Marquee

Hope this helps

[PL1]

I agree the book Project Arcade by John St Clair is excellent for all of this information is set out in an easy to understand manner. It is very much a book version of this site but without all the discussion and differences of opinion. Sets out your options and some useful contacts and suppliers.

Project Arcade

Also,

Might find these links useful.

First is a manual with whole service instructions. Second is a website that had a database of high res scans from original cab art. It costs a token fee to join but then its all you can eat downloads. Links are for the Bezel monitor surround and the Marquee.

Manual

Bezel

Marquee

Hope this helps

FIFY.   

For artwork sources including a few that have original or New Old Stock (NOS = original part that was never installed) Double Dragon marquees, check out this list.


Scott