Help needed. Would it be difficult to replace this joystick panel???

[nigel1210]

I'm new to arcade machines, and have seen a machine for sale but it has only got three buttons per joystick. Any idea how difficult it would be to put a new panel in and fit new joysticks and 6 buttons per player. I can't see the joystick been that difficult, but any idea how difficult it would be to fit the panel?

Also would it be possible, to get a new graphic fo the joystick panel?

As you've noticed i'm new to this, so any help would be appreciated  

Here's a pic of the panel:

[paigeoliver]

Well, that picture is tiny and hard to make out. But it appears to me that it is a metal panel, possibly a Pac-Man type.

Those joysticks appear to use the standard Happ/Wico bolt pattern, and thus are replaceable with most standard sticks (except for the japanese ones, which have a different bolt pattern). But those look like pretty standard microswitch sticks, and won't really be any different than most others that fit

The main problem with that panel appears to be the start buttons stuck right in the middle. A very easy solution would be to switch out those 2 buttons for standard ones, add one more (given a slightly misshaped but still nice six button layout), and then add 3 more in the same layout to the other side.

Yes, you can get a new graphic for the panel, search ebay for "arcade overlay" there will be many different ones available.

If the panel has already been converted once it may have too many holes to try and fill to get the proper 6 button layout, which is why I suggested trying to work with what you have. If that IS a Pac-Man (or Ms. pac, Super Pac, Galaga, Rally-X, or Bosconian) cabinet, then you can buy a new blank control panel for it from Two bit score, and then drill it however you want.

[nigel1210]

Thanks for the reply, that a great help.

There is a larger picture now, do you think it would be difficult to make my own panel?

I've also got some more details if this would help identify the type of cab it is.

"The panel unclips and drops down so you can change games from the front instead of having to pull the cab out."

sorry about been so vague but i'm new to this and just want to make sure i don't buy a rubbish machine.

[NoOne=NBA=]

I think the current cabinet art is trying to hypnotize you into buying it, so I'd be careful.
Make sure that any decision you make is not made while staring at it.  

As far as replacing the controls, I don't think it would be a big problem.
I think Paige is right that your biggest problem will be the start buttons.
You can probably move those to the front of the panel, and rework the top to fit more buttons.
I would at least try to work with the existing panel before replacing it though.
The only other possible problem I see is that it may be tough to match the current button spacing in the available area without running into the sticks, the existing start button holes, or the edge of the control panel.

I think this is a "do what you need to, and cover it with a new overlay" project.
Is the underside of that CP wood like the Defender CP?
If so, you can actually create a replacement piece for the top of it, with a little creative routing.
This would allow you to move the left joystick a little to the left, and make all new button holes as a worst case scenario.

[paigeoliver]

Ok, now that I can actually SEE the thing.

It is not a Pac-Man panel, but it should not be too hard to rework to what I assume is a six button need.

#1. Purchase replacement overlay that you are sure of.

#2. Remove all controls.

#3. Strip the current overlay.

#4. Superglue (or weld, your call), a thinnish piece of sheet metal over the top of the now bare panel.

#5. Recut as many of the old holes as possible (the sticks themselves and the two lower buttons from each layout should be reused).

#6. Drill new holes for the remaining buttons to bring you up to a full standard 6 button layout.

#7. Drill new start button holes (both to the left of player one, or one in each corner would be best).

#8. Install new overlay.

#9. Reinstall old joysticks and install new/old buttons.

The sheetmetal application is key here, it provides the strength needed to do that much drilling out on the panel and still have it hold up. If the panel ALREADY has extra holes, then you may want to try sheetmetal top AND bottom. It MUST be on top though, otherwise your overlay is gonna end up jammed in those extra holes.

But if it is a wooden panel, then just replace the top section.

[Stingray]

This is just me of course, but I don't see the point of first stripping the old overlay and then putting another sheet of metal over the existing panel. That's a very simple metal control panel. I'd just make a new one if it were me. Looks like one bend, and you'll have to spot weld the clamp brackets on the back (I'm assuming this is held on with panel clamps. Then you've got a nice fresh panel with no holes in it and you can cut the holes where ever you like.

-S

[mahuti]

Build a wood one to replace it. NO problem.





(probably)

Numerous people on this board have done just that. Just browse the examples for a while. You'll see this has been done over and over again.

[Sephroth57]

yeah i had this same problem, metal CP too small to fit 2p 6 button layout. so i took the measurements of the CP, built one out of wood the same width but extended it out a little for some added room. made it slotted on the bottom with clamps to hold it on, so i can unclamp, swap out for different CP.

check out my thread on it, some good links for pics and info in there
http://www.arcadecontrols.org/yabbse/index.php?board=1;action=display;threadid=15679;start=msg123868#msg123868

[nigel1210]

Thanks for all the tips guys, i've manged to get hold of a cab with six buttons so shouldn't have to do anything like this.

Looks like i'll be around here more often then