I got myself a few components to get started:

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In the picture you can also see a testfitting I did with the buttons. Inspired by the illuminated controls on
Flynn's Arcade by ChanceKJ.
Some components (for example the Servosticks) are still in my old cabinet- but I'll remove them once needed.
At the start of the project, I checked a lot of other
Vewlix builds so I had a clear picture of what to do and get some
sense of dimensions.
Most of those builds start out with a "box" as a base unit. I figured to do it a bit differently. I feel it would reduce a bit of complexity without sacrificing
the looks of the cabinet.

The idea is that the two side panels stack to create the outer frame part of the Vewlix look, however the inner half is also part of the box. Luckily I have a mill to copy the sections.
The sides will rest on a piece 3cm x 4cm x 50xm.
This is the result for the side sections:

This is the result with the front panel not yet fixed:

The front panel is fitted with
ball catch fastener so the panel sits firm but can be easily removed. This way the cabinet can sit against a wall while I'm still able to access the PC inside the cabinet via the front.
For finishing I use Vinyl used to cover cars; it is flexible but also durable enough for the arcade. I picked black with a carbon finish.

This is a preview with the mockup control panel:

Another shot with the artwork behind plexiglass:

Finally a shot of the test with the lightbar:
