My Nintendo Cabinet - Repair, Mod & Document

[Buick455]

This story starts over a year ago. My brother tells me he has a Street Fighter II cabinet in his garage that has been there 3 years (4+ now). Someone gave it to him that probably got it from someone else that never had time to fix it (I can’t see anyone liking it as it is). He wanted to fix it also but knew it would never happen, so told me I could have it. He knows I will at least start it, finishing projects is the hard part.. I really wasn’t looking for a SFII cabinet, so I was in no rush to get it. His garage is just storage and the thing has been burred in the back all this time. So deep in fact that I never saw it until it got to my house and I have been in his garage a dozen times.. Anyway, he went all Indiana Jones and dug out the fertility idol you see in the below pics.. (I would have called it a crystal skull but that movie sucked)

When we pulled it out of the back of his truck my jaw dropped, It was a Nintendo cab. If I had known it was a Nintendo cab I would have dug it out myself years ago. It was Popeye, then after no less then two other conversions it became SFII. The machine looks as tho its been broken into more then once (laundromat machine?), coin door is mangled, wood on back is screwdrivered to hell, the kick panel looked as tho it had been kicked in and the one side was half pulled off on the bottom. Not to mention the CP was wired by a basket weaver and made from 3/4” ply.. It has a fair bit of wood damage but its a plywood cab so not to bad for 30+ years of all out torture. Could have been a pile of swollen mdf and rat turds..

It did power up, had sound, color and screen were way off and about 6 out of 22 switches were working. Needless to say SFII was no fun at all.. I dont know what the person that put SFII in it was thinking, the cabs way to skinny for 2 plrs.

The plan thus far is to get it back to a Nintendo cab on the outside, MAME on the inside. 2 player CP (1 player at a time) (1-8way & 2 action buttons), hidden admin and coin buttons & no idea on start and escape yet. The wife really wants me to get the FIFJr artwork for it, I was thinking Mario Bros. Either way its got a long way to go before art is decided..

I have gutted the cab, sanding and woodworking has begun. I am trying my best to save as many parts as possible and not replace or convert it in a way that it can’t be changed back into a Popeye someday. I am going to have a lot of questions since this is my first major re-do of an arcade cabinet so might as well get started.

Questions:
It had a 19” monitor (hori) mounted in it that just didn’t seem like it was working correctly. I planned to replace it with a bigger 4:3 LCD (so vertical games don’t look to small) mounted in the same orientation. It didn’t have any bezel art on it so.. What size 4:3 monitor you think I can get away with considering the bezel art getting in the way? The inner width of the cab is 22.5”

Also:
I have seen a few ppl say the jakobud plans are a little off. If anyone needs measures taken from this cabinet before I start reassembling just ask..

[Generic Eric]

Also:
I have seen a few ppl say the jakobud plans are a little off. If anyone needs measures taken from this cabinet before I start reassembling just ask..

Of course! Please do.    Make sure to measure on a level surface.  Take note if all of your horizontal surfaces are parallel to each other.  When you do measure yours, have the jakobud version present so you can remark how & what was different.

As far as jakobud's collection of measurements go:  No one has done anything similar since.  I think he deserves a lot of credit for helping enthusiasts. 

[yotsuya]

Also:
I have seen a few ppl say the jakobud plans are a little off. If anyone needs measures taken from this cabinet before I start reassembling just ask..

Of course! Please do.    Make sure to measure on a level surface.  Take note if all of your horizontal surfaces are parallel to each other.  When you do measure yours, have the jakobud version present so you can remark how & what was different.

As far as jakobud's collection of measurements go:  No one has done anything similar since.  I think he deserves a lot of credit for helping enthusiasts.

Good point, Eric. I've always been curious on how the Jakobud measurements are off? Meaning if you cut it exactly, nothing fits right? Or it just doesn't match up with an original, but otherwise everything fits?

[ChanceKJ]

I'd be really interested in knowing how his plans are off as well.  For... Scientific purposes... (Yeah, that'll do...)

[Cobolisdead]

Nice find!

[Buick455]

I completely agree J''s plans are an asset to anyone trying to recreate a cabinet. I used them myself when I was trying to make a sketch-up model of this very cabinet. They were very helpful, but lacking some details that until I tore down this cabinet I had no idea how it was done. I hope these measures and pics will help someone understand the things I couldn't without seeing a cab broke down in person. Are J's exact? correct? I don't know.. I do know ppl have said they are off (I have no idea how they came to those conclusions).

First of all I can verify that on this Popeye Cab the (hori) monitor is at 50deg, I have seen ppl asking about that..

== All my measures are NOT counting T-Mold ==

Anywho, I printed up J's plans for Popeye cab and headed out to the garage. I think the most crucial dimensions are the height and depth. Having a stock cab and a scratch build next to each other needs to look identical. The rest of the cab could be fudged a bit without being noticeable I believe. I started with the side panel. The plans say side panel overall 64 3/4" (63.25" + 1.5"). My measurement is 64 5/16". Is this off by a lot? no, just 7/16" but if you put it next to a stock cab it would be noticed.

Next I measured the depth of the cab overall. Getting the depth from J's plan is a bit of maths. J's plan (pg1) shows 32 7/8" + 3/4" reveal (pg2) = 33 5/8". My measurement is 33 7/16". So a difference of 3/16". My cab doesn't have a 3/4" reveal, its 5/8".

I think at some point I will just re-create this cab in sketch-up. It would be the easiest way to document it. The 2 above differences are enough for me to just say things are off, but not by much. If there is a spot you think is wrong and would like me to check it tell me. Who knows maybe the cab I have was built on a Friday and my measures are all wrong, lol.. My honest opinion is that all the original cabs were subject to the builders ability to control his OCD. If there are specific parts of the cab ppl need measurements for let me know.

[Buick455]

more pics..

The 5/8th dado is at a 15deg angle

[Generic Eric]

My honest opinion is that all the original cabs were subject to the builders ability to control his OCD.

This is key.

If Rosanne taught us anything it is that the workers on the assembly line at the plastic fork factory don't care.  As cool as building an arcade cabinet seems to us now, surely it was another factory line job. 

@Buick455.  You are doing a fantastic job.  Please continue.  I look forward to your model.

[jdbailey1206]

Psh.  Nobody wants this information.  Jakobud plans forever!!!     

[Buick455]

Psh.  Nobody wants this information.  Jakobud plans forever!!!     

I still have not found where they are that off unless it all about the radius's and such.. I am getting different numbers but were talking 1/8ths not inches. I have got a bit done with the sketch, some things still seem a bit off to me but its all working out. After I get the T-molding off I think I am going to make a template copy of the side with a sheet of door skin. I will prolly never need or use it, but the thought of finishing this cab and then wanting to trace it later seems like a lot of work..

I have to hunt down a 4:3 19" LCD, the widescreen one I have is just too wonky looking in the cab.

I am going to try pulling the lower wood bezel retainer out of the machine. It looks as tho it was originally Formica or vinyl from the dent and bubble/chip thats missing (see pic). Was it Gloss, Satin or Flat Black?

[jdbailey1206]

I would wait until you have all of your measurements to really compare the two cabs.  As for the wood bezel holder I believe it was black satin vinyl.  This Old Game sells it here.

[Buick455]

I would wait until you have all of your measurements to really compare the two cabs.  As for the wood bezel holder I believe it was black satin vinyl.  This Old Game sells it here.

I did get it removed, then filled in the chips and dents with bondo. I also got one whole side of the cab bondo-ed and sanded, the edges of the cab were very de-laminated and lose so I chipped off what was super loose, glued down the rest with epoxy & clamped before bondo.

Just to verify, the inside of the cab is also painted satin black then? I am dreading the painting. no matter what the project is paint always seems to go sideways on me..

[jdbailey1206]

[Generic Eric]

[Generic Eric]

[yotsuya]

[Buick455]

It occurred I swear!!!

I didnt get pics of the epoxy and clamping but here is the wood retainer all dents & chips filled... Also some of the bondo-ing. This is the side that had the most de-laminating of the 2 along the back edge.

[Buick455]

Can someone please verify my Bezel art measurements? I think my numbers are off..

I know I have seen this info some place but cannot find it now.

[jdbailey1206]

I can give you the measurements from my FFJR artwork but it may be off.

[Buick455]

I can give you the measurements from my FFJR artwork but it may be off.

My bezel plexi is 22 1/4" (wide) x 20 1/4" (tall) I think it is the original to the cab.. If yours is the same that should work, thanks..

[jdbailey1206]

The plexi I cut for my FFJR was 22 3/8 x 19 1/2.  Are you going to build a FFJR or a DK?  I can get measurements for both monitor bezels.

[Buick455]

The plexi I cut for my FFJR was 22 3/8 x 19 1/2.  Are you going to build a FFJR or a DK?  I can get measurements for both monitor bezels.

It will probably end up as a FIFjr. If its not to much trouble I'll take the DK numbers also 
I guess I should look for the FIFjr art files also, whos did you use?

[Buick455]

Well not to much got done, still doing more staring at it then anything else. I haven't quite decided on the final goal here.. It keeps changing

During my never ending pondering I decided that a rotating monitor might be a good idea, or at the very least something I will want to do in the future. Lazy Susan bearings (LSB) are extremely cheap so I ordered one. Its in there if I decide to go that route (the software side is what I'm scared of). My Dell monitor was a swivel type so the mount on the back was centered to the screen. All I had to do was make an adapter plate (LSB - 3/4 mdf - swivel mount/monitor). Installed a backboard at 45deg and made the mount height adjustable (top holes only). Was a lot easier then I thought it would be. The backboard will need some work if it becomes a rotating setup. One nice feature of the monitors mount is it can be removed by just pressing a latch button. Only thing I dont like about the monitor is the viewing angles, I will have to run it upside down when in horizontal so it doesn't wash out for short ppl.

[Buick455]

I also started breaking down my coindoor. This thing is so mangled it wouldn't even close right. I dont have keys anyway. I removed the mechs (or whats left of them) and beat the dents out of the door. I also haven't decided if I am going to use these mechs. I would need 2 coin catches, 1 return lever (inside & out parts) and the faces are scratched to hell. I started cleaning one up and some of the scratches are just too deep to remove. I think I might steal jd’s idea that he stole from chopper by modding coin returns into coin buttons (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,135095.msg1423439.html#msg1423439)

I got a little more done on the sketchup of the cab but not enough to get excited about, lol..

[Generic Eric]

It occurred I swear!!!

I  don't  know if everyone saw it, or rather, also did not see it, but initially jdbailey's meme didn't show on my dislpay.

I opened it  in another tab and it displayed.  I made my on meme and quoted his that didn't display.  It was so funny. I laughed; out loud even!

[jdbailey1206]

I wondered why you got all crazy with the responses.  I thought you were just ribbing me for putting such a big meme up.

[Buick455]

I  don't  know if everyone saw it, or rather, also did not see it, but initially jdbailey's meme didn't show on my dislpay.

It was there for me, then it disappeared, then it came back also..

[Buick455]

Worked on the Sketchup model a bit last night and I have a part that I will need some help with. I dont have the CP that belongs to this cab. Can someone get measures from an original panel for me? 

[jdbailey1206]

Buick see my response in your BST Topic.

[Buick455]

Buick - I found this thread over on KLOV.  It gives the dimensions and a couple of jpegs of the control panel.  Hope it helps.  You might be able to get the .dwg files from the OP so you don't have to recreate  them for your CNC machine.

If you end up creating your own .dwg file from the dimensions I think it would be an excellent idea to share the file on your build thread.   

I tried to get the info from a few people over on KLOV. Jeff and another guy named JDGjr that was also CNC'ing panels.. I am still waiting for a response, hoping its just the holidays keeping us all busy. The best numbers I have found are from a post Jeff wrote back in 2011:

All measurements are from the left and top (unless noted)

Joystick: 7 1/4" x 4 3/8"
Player 1: 11 3/16" x 2 3/8"
Player 2: 12 11/16" x 2 3/8"
Jump: : 16 11/15" 2 3/8"

Hole 1(top left): .75" x 1 1/8
Hole 2: 7 11/16" x 1 1/8"
Hole 3: 14 11/16" x 1 1/8"
Hole 4: 21 5/8" x 1 1/8"
Hole 5(bottom left): .75" x 7 1/4"
Hole 6: 7 11/16" x 7 1/4"
Hole 7: 14 11/16" x 7 1/4"
Hole 8: 21 5/8" x 1 7 1/4"

Slot is 3/16" wide 5 5/8" long and at 3/4" from the bottom

There is a notch cut at the top on the reverse side this is 1" wide 1/8" deep for the full length of the board.

But then in August 2011 he posted this:

Some of the control panels that were shipped out had an error in the positioning of the joystick hole. I believe I have emailed everyone that may have been affected. If yours is one of them, please contact me and I will send out a replacement at no charge.

I used these numbers to start drawing the panel but even with these numbers I'm still missing:
-Hole sizes for CPO bolts, buttons & joys
-Hole size, position and Countersink depth for CP latches
-Joystick pocket depth

[Buick455]

Well I have a handful of updates..

I have bought a used/original CP from a KLOVer to get my own numbers from, should be here Saturday (as long as USPS doesn't ---fudgesicle--- it up). I'm willing to spend a few bucks to get my own measurements instead of mixing and matching other ppls numbers. I will end up still needing measurements for the CPO though..

Started working on the software / hardware / controls side of the project. I bought a KADE, 2 servostiks and whatnot, had 2 blue and 4 yellow buttons on hand. Wired up a 2plyr panel and I don't think it will be the way I go. The Ninty cab is pretty cramped for 2 ppl. How did they get away with VS in this cab? Really sucks b/c 19XX are the games that me and my brother play all the time and 1942 is the only "2 player Alternating" out of the bunch. bummer... On the bright side, the CP I bought might workout if I decide to go 1 player. All I will have to do it a little routing and drilling for servostik & 1 new button hole. Built a quick box for my temp panel to sit in while on desk. Setting up the PC in the cab got old quick. The wife's feelings about the "ARcard Table" in the family room also getting old quick 

Setup a fresh install of Hyperspin & Mame and it was laaaaaagggggyyyy on this machine (P4-2.9ghz w/1gb ram and on-board video), even with animations turned off. I had Mala on this machine before sooooo.... 

Setup a fresh install of Mala, Created a new compile of Mame 0.150 (to match my romset). Made a MalaLayout that displays all the Game info so I can weed out games I don't want from my lists. Created a preliminary gamelist with just games compatible with: Joy2,4,8way  -  2 or less Buttons  -  2 Player Alternating.  Installed Joytray & Joychoose and bing! bang! boom! it worked. I really dont know why I was dreading the servostik setup, it only sounds scary..

Pay no attention to the wiring! Its far from final, I left everything extra long until I have the final panel built. I am no ninja so the final might look only a tad better 

[yotsuya]

Setup a fresh install of Hyperspin & Mame and it was laaaaaagggggyyyy on this machine (P4-2.9ghz w/1gb ram and on-board video)

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

[Buick455]

For the time being I take back all the awful things I have thought & said out loud about USPS.. The CP just got here a day early!! I guess I have some measuring and drafting to do.

[yotsuya]

Actually, good progress so far. I have a similar reclamation project, but it's been on the backburner for a while now.

[Buick455]

My New Years resolution this time is "Finish all started projects or toss them before starting anymore". When I told the wife she was happy, then sad b/c she knows its impossible 

[Fursphere]

Setup a fresh install of Hyperspin & Mame and it was laaaaaagggggyyyy on this machine (P4-2.9ghz w/1gb ram and on-board video), even with animations turned off. I had Mala on this machine before sooooo.... 

I wouldn't run HyperSpin on anything less than a Core2Duo 2.8ghz processor....  with a real video card and at least 2GB of ram.    Just sayin....   

[Buick455]

Well another small victory for me today. I wanted to get Fix it Felix to show up in my main list in mala instead of under another emulator. I found this extremely dated post http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,91263.msg957672.html#msg957672 and followed it and it worked. There is a bit of a pause between game selection (Mame or FIFJr) and loading, I don't like it but its not too bad.

Question though, Is there a better way to have done it? That post was from 2009...

[BorgDog]

That seems to be pretty much how I did something similar following the guide in the MaLa Frontend sticky section.  http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,68419.0.html

[Buick455]

It's been a while but I have been doing more planning then actual work on the cab lately..

I have made the 1plyr panel & wired it. I had an issue with button placement and had to plug the hole, oops.. Mounted my Kade & Servostic boards inside cabinet so that I can use them with multiple panels if needed. I would like to also build a VS panel for this cab but thats down the road. I'm getting closer 

[Buick455]

another small victory..

I installed a 7 outlet Smart Strip to the cab. It needed to be adjusted but works great. Not having to reach inside the cab to flip a switch every night makes it well worth the $30..