Author Topic: Total Arcade Restoration (water damaged cab to complete restore) (Read 5318 times)

copyimitation · « **on:** July 01, 2015, 07:46:24 pm »

So after several years of staring at an ugly cabinet, i finally decided to do things the right way. First let me start by saying that my carpentry skills have gotten much better over the last few years and when i first converted this cab i had no idea what i was doing. I basically took an old "The Main Event" arcade cab, stripped off the artwork, cut out a spot for this Street Fighter control panel that i bought with my cab, and painted it. I didn't try to sand or fix any imperfections. I did have a broken arm at the time, and close to 0 carpentry skills working against me. Well that was about 5 years ago and now i'm a little better at fixing things. So i took my cab outside (after first starting the project in my living room) and started to bondo the crap out of it.

In the first few pictures you can see what it sort of used to look like. It has a mock cardboard control panel, i can't find a picture of the old metal panel and i forgot to take one. Time to bring the cabinet outside and let the fun begin.

copyimitation · « **Reply #1 on:** July 01, 2015, 08:09:50 pm »

I started by sanding down the corners. Then i made a mold out of cardboard and filled it in with bondo. (Forgot to take pics of that step) Bondo is freaking amazing!!! The bottoms of the cab were all rotted out, so again bondo to the rescue. I took plexi from the old control panel and mounted it to the front of the cabinet (with tape and an allen wrench stuck in the wheel) so that i could get a straight edge. I slapped some bondo on the bottom/front edged of the arcade, & after a nice amount of sanding i was pretty happy with the results. (Bondo doesn't stick to plexi so it's a great tool for this)

copyimitation · « **Reply #2 on:** July 01, 2015, 08:22:12 pm »

So basically i repeated the process to bondo the entire bottom of the cabinet. I would use the plexi to give me a straigt edge and make a cardboard mold. Fill in the mold with bondo and sand smooth. You can see how i formed a corner mold out of cardboard in the second picture. I used some random wood blocks to try and hold the mold up while drying. Again, i am pretty happy with the results. (I did fix up the corner and sand it more)

copyimitation · « **Reply #3 on:** July 01, 2015, 08:37:10 pm »

In between all the bondo dry times i made my control panel. I used a bunch of scrap wood for the sides and bottom. I used gorilla wood glue and cheap harbor freight clamps to hold it together. I made some corner supports out of a random piece of wood i had lying around. Then i used a $20 harbor freight brad nailer to ensure everything stays in place. (I love Harbor Freight if you can't tell.)

copyimitation · « **Reply #4 on:** July 01, 2015, 08:46:37 pm »

For the top of the control panel i used a piece of 3/4" thick 2' x 4' birch plywood. I originally made one from mdf but didn't like it. Then i made one from sanded plywood and i didn't like how rough it felt. So an expensive piece of birch plywood it was. I layed out my design and used a screw/hammer combo to mark my holes. (I designed my control panel in Visio) I clamped my panel to a scrap piece of wood and cut my holes. Then i rounded out the corners with my orbital sander. I think it's looking pretty good, although i don't like the button color combination anymore. I need some help picking out a good color scheme.

copyimitation · « **Reply #5 on:** July 01, 2015, 08:52:21 pm »

I went to the pawn shop and picked up a router. I also ordered a slot cutter bit from Amazon -http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001NIA3QO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00 -
I've never used a router before and it was pretty easy.

vwalbridge · « **Reply #6 on:** July 02, 2015, 12:24:02 am »

I commend you sir for this restoration. This looks like a lot of tedious work. A mighty fine job thus far as well. Keep up the good work.

Also, I remember the first time I used a router...it was life changing.

copyimitation · « **Reply #7 on:** July 02, 2015, 09:36:46 pm »

Quote from: vwalbridge on July 02, 2015, 12:24:02 am

I commend you sir for this restoration. This looks like a lot of tedious work. A mighty fine job thus far as well. Keep up the good work.

Thank you, and yes it is a ton of work but it will be well worth it in the end. Now I just need to figure out a color scheme.

Also, I remember the first time I used a router...it was life changing.

aldub516 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 02, 2015, 10:37:30 pm »

i recently started rehabbing my old cab, and i am LITERALLY in your same position. Heres the build just so you can see how identical our issues are. http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,145750.0.html

I used bondo for the first time and i didnt not have immense success, but blame it on lack of planning and patience. It was the end of my day for building and before i left the shop i decided to lay some bondo down so next time i can atleast start sanding. I found this thread incredibly helpful and even inspirational lol.. I will read over this a few times and take notes, and will probably bug you for some advice. Nice to see someone at the exact same process as me lol... AND GREAT JOB!

copyimitation · « **Reply #9 on:** July 03, 2015, 09:42:34 am »

Aldub516 - cardboard molds will be your savior! Also have patience. Bondo only takes about 30 minutes and it is ready to sand, but it usually takes a couple layers to fill in a large gap. I use 60 grit with my orbital sander for the main chunk and 100 grit to smooth it out. Heading to Lowe's now to get some euro hinges. If you have ANY questions at all feel free to ask! I can make videos to help out if needed.

copyimitation · « **Reply #10 on:** July 03, 2015, 05:14:39 pm »

So here is my control panel with inset hinges installed. In the store they are labeled as Richelieu Frameless Inset Hinges. Here is the link for them on Lowes website, they are listed as Blum surface hinges. http://www.lowes.com/pd_176461-93052-BP91M27521180U_1z0zzat__

I made a video on how to install these that i will post after i get it edited.

copyimitation · « **Reply #11 on:** July 06, 2015, 10:20:32 am »

It was a beautiful Sunday yesterday so i decided to try and get a couple friends over to help me sand. We spent almost the entire day just fine tuning the details. I finally finished the bottom of the cabinet. I took a 3/4" board and screwed it onto the bottom of my cab and used that as a guide to sand down the bottom. It worked like a charm. The bottom went from crumbled, water damaged, particle board, to a brand new sharp edge.

copyimitation · « **Reply #12 on:** July 06, 2015, 10:24:13 am »

Now it's time to bust out the router again. I couldn't make it all the way around my corner because the bottom front edge of the arcade got in the way. So, i busted out my dremel to finish the job.

copyimitation · « **Reply #13 on:** July 06, 2015, 10:27:34 am »

So now it was time to flip the cab over and have a beer. I don't always drink and build arcades, but when i do i drink Dos Equis. Anyways..... Here is the other side all routed and looking sexy.

copyimitation · « **Reply #14 on:** July 06, 2015, 10:32:39 am »

So here she is! I am EXTREMELY happy with how it's turned out! It's been a LONG and tedious journey, but it looks freaking awesome. Today i am going to do a final sand with something like a 220 grit or so and then start priming. I will post updates later.

vwalbridge · « **Reply #15 on:** July 06, 2015, 10:38:54 am »

Wow!

You must really love this cab to put that kind of labor into it.

I'm surprised you were able to get the bondo built up so much on those corners. Looking forward to watching your progress.

copyimitation · « **Reply #16 on:** July 06, 2015, 10:48:13 am »

Quote from: vwalbridge on July 06, 2015, 10:38:54 am

Wow! You must really love this cab to put that kind of labor into it. I'm surprised you were able to get the bondo built up so much on those corners. Looking forward to watching your progress.

Honestly this all started with wanted to fix the control panel. Then somehow it spiraled into a full blown restoration. I guess it is a combo of love/bordom and the fact that i just enjoy to build and fix things.

Slippyblade · « **Reply #17 on:** July 06, 2015, 05:31:18 pm »

I love that little brad nailer that you are using, very similar to mine. I've found that wood glue and 18 gauge brad nails are plenty for almost any application.

yotsuya · « **Reply #18 on:** July 06, 2015, 05:43:32 pm »

I commend you for taking the time to do this right. Good for you!

BGoulette · « **Reply #19 on:** July 06, 2015, 08:00:50 pm »

Yeah, this'll be interesting to watch! So much Bondo! Glad it appears to be working the way you want it to!

copyimitation · « **Reply #20 on:** July 07, 2015, 09:59:15 am »

Yesterday i added a back door. I used some concealed surface hinges that i originally had bought for my control panel, but didn't work out. Then, it was FINALLY time to prime!!!

I was only able to get one coat on before it got too dark and the bugs were attacking my lights and sticking to my cabinet. I think i have spent about 12 hours or so just sanding this arcade in the past 2 days!!!!! I'm going to go outside today and do another layer or 2 of primer and then paint tomorrow if it doesn't rain. Any tips for sanding between coats? What grit to use?

reptileink · « **Reply #21 on:** July 07, 2015, 11:53:23 am »

This is what it's all about folks!! (Karate Kid quote)

Great execution slapping on all that bondo and getting it down to prime status. It looks amazing right now! Can't wait to see going forward what you have in mind.

Sadly, I am a noob with sanding, but Malenko gave me this advice:

get a random orbital sander

step 1
60 grit the whole side

step 2
100 grit the whole side

step 3
prime the whole side
150 grit the whole side

repeat step 3 as desired

step 4
300-400 grit the whole side
paint desired color

repeat step 4 as desired

hand sand 1000 grit whole side
final coat of paint

aldub516 · « **Reply #22 on:** July 07, 2015, 04:39:20 pm »

^^^ this is the bible of answers to my current project. I shall follow that closely

Slippyblade · « **Reply #23 on:** July 07, 2015, 05:39:46 pm »

Wow. The difference is night and day - can't wait to see the "After" shot when it's done!

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #24 on:** July 07, 2015, 08:42:05 pm »

Yeah. I agree looks great!

Just be careful not to depend too much on using bondo for severely damaged edges. I once repaired a damaged edge near the bottom of an older cabinet and when moving it around it crumbled off in small spots. If it's really severe, it may pay to cut off the damaged wood and splice a new piece of wood onto it using dowels or wooden joints.

DeLuSioNaL29

yotsuya · « **Reply #25 on:** July 07, 2015, 11:44:08 pm »

If I have to rebuild a corner, I use corner protectors on the cab for extra strength.

SpaceHedgehog · « **Reply #26 on:** July 08, 2015, 03:50:13 am »

Great work on restoring this

I'm sure you're going to feel mighty pleased / proud once this is complete.

copyimitation · « **Reply #27 on:** July 08, 2015, 08:35:23 am »

Quote from: DeLuSioNal29 on July 07, 2015, 08:42:05 pm

Yeah. I agree looks great!

Just be careful not to depend too much on using bondo for severely damaged edges. I once repaired a damaged edge near the bottom of an older cabinet and when moving it around it crumbled off in small spots. If it's really severe, it may pay to cut off the damaged wood and splice a new piece of wood onto it using dowels or wooden joints.

DeLuSioNaL29

Yeah, I actually thought about that. But the bottom was so damaged that I would have had to cut the entire bottom off. I will just do my best to not smash the bottom against anything. But that is good advice to follow.

Malenko · « **Reply #28 on:** July 08, 2015, 08:38:33 am »

Quote from: reptileink on July 07, 2015, 11:53:23 am

Sadly, I am a noob with sanding, but Malenko gave me this advice:

Yeap that's how I do it and I get great results

Quote from: DeLuSioNal29 on July 07, 2015, 08:42:05 pm

Just be careful not to depend too much on using bondo for severely damaged edges

My little rule of thumb is, Bondo is meant for aesthetics not support.

copyimitation · « **Reply #29 on:** July 09, 2015, 06:09:57 pm »

Well my bondo doesn't physically support anything, just some corners and the bottom which doesn't touch the ground. I am going to put a kick plate on the front as well.

Malenko · « **Reply #30 on:** July 09, 2015, 07:06:15 pm »

Should be golden, my TMNT was the same way. Great work so far

copyimitation · « **Reply #31 on:** July 14, 2015, 12:31:05 pm »

Quote from: reptileink on July 07, 2015, 11:53:23 am

This is what it's all about folks!! (Karate Kid quote)

Great execution slapping on all that bondo and getting it down to prime status. It looks amazing right now! Can't wait to see going forward what you have in mind.

Sadly, I am a noob with sanding, but Malenko gave me this advice:

get a random orbital sander

step 1
60 grit the whole side

step 2
100 grit the whole side

step 3
prime the whole side
150 grit the whole side

repeat step 3 as desired

step 4
300-400 grit the whole side
paint desired color

repeat step 4 as desired

hand sand 1000 grit whole side
final coat of paint

So are you saying that after i put my first layer of paint on, that i should then sand it with 1000 grit sandpaper and then apply my second/final coat? Because i have already applied my first coat of paint.

copyimitation · « **Reply #32 on:** July 14, 2015, 12:38:52 pm »

So i keep having this spot that cracks and i don't understand why. It's sanded smooth, i tried putting bondo on it and it cracks. I tried putting wood putty on it and it looked good, but when i applied paint, it cracked. I put bondo on over the putty and painted it and it still cracked. I ended up just putting a small glob of paint on it and not sanding it smooth. You can only notice it if you are a right on it, but it will be hidden by the control panel anyway.

So here is the cab with about 3 layers of primer, it would have been two but the above problems forced me to do a third coat. Then it rained here for what seemed like eternit. It's been raining now for almost the whole summer it seems. Anyway, the rain stopped and i was finally able to put a layer of paint on.

harveybirdman · « **Reply #33 on:** July 14, 2015, 12:42:46 pm »

Looking good, I SO feel your pain on the rain!

Malenko · « **Reply #34 on:** July 14, 2015, 01:09:55 pm »

Quote from: copyimitation on July 14, 2015, 12:31:05 pm

So are you saying that after i put my first layer of paint on, that i should then sand it with 1000 grit sandpaper and then apply my second/final coat? Because i have already applied my first coat of paint.

if doing 2 coats, yes. depending on how many coats your project needs it varies. My method is basically put a coat on, use a fine coarse sandpaper then put another layer on, if it looks like the coverage is good, hit it with 1000 grit and then apply a final coat. If you want the cab to shine, look up Ond's painting process, it puts mine to shame.

copyimitation · « **Reply #35 on:** July 14, 2015, 01:21:41 pm »

Quote from: Malenko on July 14, 2015, 01:09:55 pm

Quote from: copyimitation on July 14, 2015, 12:31:05 pm
So are you saying that after i put my first layer of paint on, that i should then sand it with 1000 grit sandpaper and then apply my second/final coat? Because i have already applied my first coat of paint.

if doing 2 coats, yes. depending on how many coats your project needs it varies. My method is basically put a coat on, use a fine coarse sandpaper then put another layer on, if it looks like the coverage is good, hit it with 1000 grit and then apply a final coat. If you want the cab to shine, look up Ond's painting process, it puts mine to shame.

I cannot find "Ond's painting process". Can you link me?

Malenko · « **Reply #36 on:** July 14, 2015, 01:39:40 pm »

its in his project thread

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,88912.msg1187754.html#msg1187754

direct link to one of the videos:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,88912.msg1309689.html#msg1309689

copyimitation · « **Reply #37 on:** July 18, 2015, 12:47:17 pm »

A few days ago i tried repainting my coin doors. I actually had a friend, who said he could paint, do it while i was painting my cabient. Bad mistake. He painted too quickly and there were bubbles everywhere. So i tried stripping the paint with Citri Strip. It did a pretty good job, but i didn't have enough to get off ALL the paint. Then i realized that i had a friend who can sand blast stuff for me. I will post an updated pic of the sandblasted doors in a few days.

I was able to set up a diy paint booth and paint a few random coin door pieces though.


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