If you got the time....
I'd suggest checking craigslist and marketplace to get a cheap Arcade1up to mod. In doing so, you can get a good sense of the fit and finish of these units. If it's not your thing, you could probably resell it for most of your money back, or even a small profit.
I currently own 3 of these machines, but I've owned about a dozen total. One is a 60-n-1 conversion, a heavily modified to Gorf cabinet, and a stock Mortal Kombat cabinet. My biggest gripe is 1/2" MDF, but if you know what you're getting in to, you could be cool with it.
Good luck!