So I'm really fighting the urge to convert this to a white Galaga

[nitz]

Picked this up a few months ago, life's been crazy, other than cleaning out the inside, haven't had time to do anything with it until now.

Bosconian cab in pretty good shape, artwork fairly scuffed up but not horrible, gutted except for the original power supply and a newer switching power supply, CP completely stripped save for the joystick which looks/feels pretty rough.

Now, I've wanted a vertical Pac or Ms. Pac style cab forever. So I'm not planning on restoring this to Bosconian, but would rather make it into a vertical mame cab. I know people are going to say I shouldn't tear off the original art, but man, I've wanted a white Galaga (which were factory converted Bosconians if you didn't know) since the first time I saw one, so I am soooo tempted...I guess if this offends you, talk me out of it lol. 

If I resist the urge to go full on white Galaga, I may just "soft" convert it to Galaga by only doing the marquee, bezel, and CP or even possibly go a different Midway game or use generic multicade art since the art not matching is gonna bug my OCD anyhow.

The pics:








The temptation...

[Generic Eric]

Why not keep it as is, and take measurements for a replica?

[Le Chuck]

A lot of the white galagas were conversions and the bosco art was still visible somewhat underneath the galaga art.  Get it printed on white vinyl and just cover the bosco.  That would be more in keeping with how white galagas were, would be totally bad ass that you did that, and would be reversible if down the line you move the cab out and somebody just HAS to have an original bosco.  Hell, you could even leave the kickplate art, that looks pretty good from the pics.  I'd do it, white galagas are boss. 

[nitz]

Why not keep it as is, and take measurements for a replica?

It's a good idea that had crossed my mind. What's holding me back is frankly, my woodworking sucks ass. I've come to terms with it. I could probably throw together something semi-competent, but it would never be as nice as the original.

A lot of the white galagas were conversions and the bosco art was still visible somewhat underneath the galaga art.  Get it printed on white vinyl and just cover the bosco.  That would be more in keeping with how white galagas were, would be totally bad ass that you did that, and would be reversible if down the line you move the cab out and somebody just HAS to have an original bosco.  Hell, you could even leave the kickplate art, that looks pretty good from the pics.  I'd do it, white galagas are boss. 

Would it be reversible? I mean, would the Galaga art strip off without wrecking the Bosco underneath it? I'd probably have to be pretty careful about what I get it printed on, or more accurately I guess, what adhesive is being used.
 
If it matters at all, I will be putting a good quality LCD in it, and the CP, which I've already bought, is going to be more Pac style than Galaga style - joystick in the center, with buttons on the sides - but I would definitely go with Galaga CP artwork albeit modified to fit the layout. I guess I'm saying I'd kinda be going for a Galaga/Multicade sort of setup rather than full on hard core Galaga. But I'd like to do it in a way that let's the cab keep its dignity if that makes any sense. 

So looks like it's one nay, and one yay. Heh, I'm really torn. A part of me wants to be talked out of this because it's extra money, work, and semi-defacing a cab (though it's all reversible really if someone wants to buy the Bosco art down the line or if I go with Le Chuck's suggestion), but OTOH, look at that sexy white Galaga!!!

[jaharr01]

Why not keep it as is, and take measurements for a replica?

It's a good idea that had crossed my mind. What's holding me back is frankly, my woodworking sucks ass. I've come to terms with it. I could probably throw together something semi-competent, but it would never be as nice as the original.

A lot of the white galagas were conversions and the bosco art was still visible somewhat underneath the galaga art.  Get it printed on white vinyl and just cover the bosco.  That would be more in keeping with how white galagas were, would be totally bad ass that you did that, and would be reversible if down the line you move the cab out and somebody just HAS to have an original bosco.  Hell, you could even leave the kickplate art, that looks pretty good from the pics.  I'd do it, white galagas are boss. 

Would it be reversible? I mean, would the Galaga art strip off without wrecking the Bosco underneath it? I'd probably have to be pretty careful about what I get it printed on, or more accurately I guess, what adhesive is being used.
 
If it matters at all, I will be putting a good quality LCD in it, and the CP, which I've already bought, is going to be more Pac style than Galaga style - joystick in the center, with buttons on the sides - but I would definitely go with Galaga CP artwork albeit modified to fit the layout. I guess I'm saying I'd kinda be going for a Galaga/Multicade sort of setup rather than full on hard core Galaga. But I'd like to do it in a way that let's the cab keep its dignity if that makes any sense. 

So looks like it's one nay, and one yay. Heh, I'm really torn. A part of me wants to be talked out of this because it's extra money, work, and semi-defacing a cab (though it's all reversible really if someone wants to buy the Bosco art down the line or if I go with Le Chuck's suggestion), but OTOH, look at that sexy white Galaga!!!

I think what Eric was saying is you have a template right in front of you. Keep the bosconian and use it as a template. It takes all the layout error out of the equation. Lay it on it's side and trace the sides. that's 3/4 of the battle. then you could have a galaga and a bosconian cab

[yotsuya]

I dunno, that's a REALLY nice Bosconian...

[nitz]

I think what Eric was saying is you have a template right in front of you. Keep the bosconian and use it as a template. It takes all the layout error out of the equation. Lay it on it's side and trace the sides. that's 3/4 of the battle. then you could have a galaga and a bosconian cab

Oh I knew what he meant. And yes, having a template to work from would help...but I would still end up with a third rate cab because woodworking has just never been my forte. And it's frustrating, because I like making things and I get some satisfaction whenever I do a little woodworking and come out with something that isn't completely crappy. But it's always a struggle, I get so little free time during daylight hours and the only workspace available to me is mediocre...I can't justify the frustration when I've got a gorgeous cab right in front of me that even without going full Galaga is still like 90% of what I want in a vert cab.

If it sounds like I'm making excuses to not do woodworking, well, I'll concede there's a bit of truth to that. Work + a lot of personal stuff I'm dealing with keeps my free time to a minimum. So I like to spend the little time I do have doing stuff I love, and I just don't love woodworking right now. Maybe I could love it someday if time and money become no object and I can put in the hours to get good at it, but not now. Anyway, I'm just rambling and veering off topic...so I'll just state that I don't consider cloning the cab an option at present and leave it at that.

I dunno, that's a REALLY nice Bosconian...

That it is yotsuya. That it is.

*Sigh* Deep down, I know I should just soft convert it, but it is gonna bug my OCD to have the side art mismatch with everything else. I may have to compromise by trying to position it in a way that the sides aren't really visible...would be easy if I had a row of machines, but unfortunately I don't and probably won't anytime soon.

I'm open to suggestions as to the best way to tastefully make this a vertical mame cab...my best idea now is to just go Galaga marquee (maybe the white version) Galaga bezel and Galaga style CPO, stop obsessing, and just play some games. 

[Malenko]

mannnnnnnnn dont ruin that bosco.

if you wanna vertimame it, then do it, but why bother destroying the existing art? I think that bosco looks tits, big fat Oprah tits.

[danny_galaga]

mannnnnnnnn dont ruin that bosco.

if you wanna vertimame it, then do it, but why bother destroying the existing art? I think that bosco looks tits, big fat Oprah tits.

Yep. Also, I don't know about over in the US, but in Australia I reckon Bosconian would be a much rarer cab. I don't think I've ever seen the Bosconian artwork. I get where you are coming from with making a replica. Personally, I would embrace the extra rareness of that artwork and just keep it as is (",)

In the end of course do what you like, I'm sure it'll turn out fine.

[yotsuya]

Do a soft conversion and stick it in the middle of a row so you can't see the sides. 

[nitz]

Yep. Also, I don't know about over in the US, but in Australia I reckon Bosconian would be a much rarer cab. I don't think I've ever seen the Bosconian artwork. I get where you are coming from with making a replica. Personally, I would embrace the extra rareness of that artwork and just keep it as is (",)

In the end of course do what you like, I'm sure it'll turn out fine.

Good point. I'm in Canada actually, but the cab situation here is pretty much identical to the US as far as I can tell. Bosconian would be way rarer than Galaga, that's for sure.

Yeaaahhhh, don't think I can do it. The Bosco art actually is gorgeous...I'm just not terribly keen on the game, I like the Galaga art better, and I like the vertical classics better, so I just had that twinge of temptation you know? Feel like I needed to share with the group and have them tell me what I already know just to get it out of my system, haha! 

Verticade it I must. The Midway cabs make the sweetest verticades IMO. But everything will be easily reversible, so that someone can easily make this back into a Bosconian if they want. 

So just gotta finalize what I want to do with the artwork...I'm even toying with doing a Jr. Pacman conversion. Pretty big mismatch on the art, but I figure if it's not gonna match anyway, meh. I love the game, love the art, and a quick google image search shows that these cabs were usually a cannibalized mess in terms of art mismatch anyway, since it was mostly sold as a conversion kit and most ops couldn't care less about the artwork matching...so that would actually be kind of authentic and help placate my OCD, right? Right? 

[Le Chuck]

It's already gutted, I don't see what the fuss is about personally.  It's not like Bosconian is a grail for anybody and those style of cabs are common.  Any converting I recommend will still preserve the side art, there are lots of low-medium tack vinyls (souldraw) and you could even put a little release agent over the bosconian art before application so that the other art is held on just by the edges.  Marquee is an easy save.  The cab is in nice enough condition but this isn't exactly a maim for mame scenario. 

I also think the idea of building a duplicate just to preserve an already gutted cabinet's scuffed up art is asinine and a waste of money. 

Do what you want, it is yours, and however you'll be happiest with it is the way I'd go.  If you've always wanted a Galaga then make yourself a Galaga man.  Don't go half way because someone on the internet wants you to do something different.  My two cents is that it is easily reversible so why bother not doing it?  Whatever you decide, it is a sweet cabinet and I think you're going to enjoy it.  Have fun!

[Cobolisdead]

Add me to the put it int he middle of a row column. Seriously, just replace the Marque and control panel overlay and you should be set like that. Leave the rare game as it is, so that one day someone else might want to restore it.

[Thenasty]

If it's in my hands, I'll just put a PC inside running MAME.

I mean you can't see the Sideart when your playing GALAGA 

If you want a GALAGA side art, get one and stick to a wall next to the cab

I save money by not doing anything to the cabinet, its got a nice art on it already (seen my CP-Artwork, Marquee, Monitor Bezels and kickpanel ?)

my .02

Enjoy the game(s) cause you can't play it looking at the sidearts 

[taylormadelv]

WOW! An intact Bosconian cabinet! In my travels of working on dozens of games and many, many Midway cabinets; I have never seen an actual, original Bosconian cabinet. Bosco is one of my favorite games and Bosco as we well know, gets absolutely NO LOVE whatsoever. Bosco is horizontal and as far as I know, is only on one multiboard (619 in 1) and I can't even get Bosco to run on Mame4droid at all.
Yes, you have a very nice Galaga cabinet, provided you purchase and install some relatively expensive artwork. A marquee is no big deal. Even the kickplate and side art is not that bad. A cpo is a no brainer. BUT a "real" screen printed bezel will cost big $$$ or you will have to custom print and go with plexi.
Personally, I would turn this into a semi-dedicated Bosconian mame and not hack up that control panel. Good luck!

[Richardgregory]

My vote is to keep the Bosconian cab as is.....it"s a classic as well

[pbj]

In the thread - lots of people offering you a galaga for that "rare" bosconian....

Oh.  Wait.

[Malenko]

In the thread - lots of people offering you a galaga for that "rare" bosconian....

Oh.  Wait.

If he wasnt in Canada, I would.

[nitz]

Any converting I recommend will still preserve the side art, there are lots of low-medium tack vinyls (souldraw) and you could even put a little release agent over the bosconian art before application so that the other art is held on just by the edges.

I've been thinking of giving souldraw a try for some other art I want anyway...have you used them Le Chuck? Would it be a good option here? I know the quality is not gonna be on the level that you'd normally get side art printed at, but if it looks good, isn't gonna start peeling up on me after a few months, and can be removed later without wrecking the Bosco art underneath, I feel like that's worth consideration.

You can't tell from my pics due to distance and poor lighting, but really, the art on this thing is in decent shape only considering the age of the cab. Otherwise, it is definitely not in "great" shape, and even calling it "good" would be generous. It's probably average for a 34 year old cab, and maybe I'm being a little picky since it's going in my living room and I want it to look nice...but it's scuffed everywhere, scratched right down to the wood in a few places, the corners on the side art look like someone's tried to peel them, the whites are discolored, the kickplate is really scraped and scuffed (the dark colors do make it not very noticeable though unless you get in close). I'd wager there are some restorers out there who are picky enough and have enough money to burn that they'd want that art replaced anyway.

I also think the idea of building a duplicate just to preserve an already gutted cabinet's scuffed up art is asinine and a waste of money.

Yeah, 100% agree with this. Even if woodworking wasn't a big deal to me, it's pretty tough to justify the time, effort, and $$$ of cloning basically for the sake of side art.

Do what you want, it is yours, and however you'll be happiest with it is the way I'd go.  If you've always wanted a Galaga then make yourself a Galaga man.  Don't go half way because someone on the internet wants you to do something different.  My two cents is that it is easily reversible so why bother not doing it?  Whatever you decide, it is a sweet cabinet and I think you're going to enjoy it.  Have fun!

Naw, I wouldn't make the decision solely based on what folks on the internet say, but I do genuinely believe that classic cabs should be preserved, and just wanted to get a feel for a) whether people consider this a classic, and b) if there's a non-destructive way to do what I want.

I mean you can't see the Sideart when your playing GALAGA 

I suppose...but by that logic, no one can see the Bosco art when they're playing Bosconian either, so then what's the difference? 

WOW! An intact Bosconian cabinet! In my travels of working on dozens of games and many, many Midway cabinets; I have never seen an actual, original Bosconian cabinet. Bosco is one of my favorite games and Bosco as we well know, gets absolutely NO LOVE whatsoever.

See, it's this kind of passion that makes me not want to do anything destructive to the cabinet.  If I ever got a hold of a vertical Midway game, I'd love to sell this to someone who cares about Bosconian and would do it justice.

Personally, I would turn this into a semi-dedicated Bosconian mame and not hack up that control panel. Good luck!

To clarify, there won't be any CP hacking going on regardless what. You can see in the second pic above that the CP had the art stripped off and 4 extra button holes added, and in odd places at that. That CP is trashed as far as I'm concerned, and Midway CPs are easy enough to source that breaking out the bondo and trying to half-ass fix this thing would be silly IMO.

[Le Chuck]

I've used souldraw a few times.  Their adhesive is low tack imo, and for permanent installs I recommend using some 3m to help it out.  For something like this I wouldn't use that, or just brush some on on the white - not on the art.  The other thing you could do - which would be fully fun - get the fullsides vinyl printed so you have a nice bright white and then do that so it's completely skinned.  You wouldn't even have to adhere it, just use the T-molding to hold it all on and then you'd protect the 34 year old high value varnish underneath

Seriously tho, I think souldraw will work, order them a bit large so they cover and use a trial piece of the vinyl on the back.  Put it down nice and hard somewhere not noticeable and leave it for a month.  Do a lift and see if it brings off anything other than dirt.  If it does put the art up for sale and somebody will buy it off you. 

[Generic Eric]

I'll concede I may have misinterpreted things.  That said, my suggestion wasn't to save damaged art, but to let you have both a bosco' & a galaga, because you seemed torn on what to do.  I note your report on your confidence of your woodworking and I won't  press the matter.  I'm sure you'll make a choice that you will be happy with.   Have fun gaming!

[nitz]

I've used souldraw a few times.  Their adhesive is low tack imo, and for permanent installs I recommend using some 3m to help it out.  For something like this I wouldn't use that, or just brush some on on the white - not on the art.  The other thing you could do - which would be fully fun - get the fullsides vinyl printed so you have a nice bright white and then do that so it's completely skinned.  You wouldn't even have to adhere it, just use the T-molding to hold it all on and then you'd protect the 34 year old high value varnish underneath

Ha! I appreciate the irony here Le Chuck. Sometimes we do need to take a step back and remind ourselves that we're grown men fussing over what to do with 30+ year old wooden cabinets and videogame art that your average person doesn't even know exists let alone gives two shits about.

I know that was only half serious at best, but seriously, full art would still need some glue since there's no T-molding down the back, and as crazy as this sounds, that 34 year old varnish is actually pretty nice. When I first got it, that finish looked and felt so smooth, for a moment I actually thought it was laminate...turns out they used some kind of paint that just gets rock solid and shiny when it dries apparently. That's held up remarkably well...a few dings, but nothing to get worked up over.

I'll concede I may have misinterpreted things.  That said, my suggestion wasn't to save damaged art, but to let you have both a bosco' & a galaga, because you seemed torn on what to do.  I note your report on your confidence of your woodworking and I won't  press the matter.  I'm sure you'll make a choice that you will be happy with.   Have fun gaming!

Thanks man.

Well, I think I'm going to give the souldraw route a try and turn this into a Galaga. Hope those of you who are against it can trust that I'm going to take care that this is done in a way which could be reversed later. Gonna take a bit of time for me to get all the art together for this plus the other unrelated art I want to order from them.

To be continued...

[pbj]

In the thread - lots of people offering you a galaga for that "rare" bosconian....

Oh.  Wait.

If he wasnt in Canada, I would.

Ah yes, the "shipping kills the deal" post. 

[Malenko]

Ah yes, the "shipping kills the deal" post.

Tell ya what, roll on up here to Delaware, pick up my Galaga, take it up to him, and bring his Bosconian to me. I'll give you $20 cash in hand.

[n3wt0n]

Yes! I am excited to hear you are going to turn this into a Galaga. It's one of my favorite games but I didn't even know they made a white one.