I am
restoring my dedicated Wrestlemania cabinet and found a huge lack of resources for it online. I already scanned and
uploaded all the documentation, and the artwork is up next! My cab has very good artwork all over, besides the CPO. I took it all apart and got to scanning.
Looking around, you'll find most of the pro's using the HP Scanjet 4600/4670 see-through scanner. The reason for which is the fact it can scan whilst laying on top of artwork. Normal scanners are focused on the glass and have raised edges making it impossible to get a sharp picture.
In the year 2020, the HP 4600 is getting really hard to find as it's a niche scanner from 2003. After looking for a month I caved and decided to go for a DIY alternative. The steps are as following:
1. Get yourself a random 10 dollar second hand flatbed scanner. Look for one with minimum 600DPI resolution, windows 10 support, and look at pics online to see how hard it is to cut the plastic. I went for a local Canon LiDe 110. Take off the top cover first and try to scan a piece of artwork upside down. Maybe you lucked out with a high focus range scanner.
2. If the image is blurry, it's time to take off the raised edges. Pry the removable parts off first. I added tape immediately to prevent dust from getting in.
3. If your scanner is like mine, you need find a way to cut off the raised sides as well. I used an old screwdriver and cigarette lighter to melt it off..
4. Clean the glass and make sure there is no dust inside the scanner. Now the glass is loose we need to find a way to keep it to the scanner. I used a combination of hot glue and electrical tape I has laying around.
5. Profit... If you did not break the scanner in the process of course.
Mine came out well, though. Here is a zoomed in sample scan:
At this point I already scanned and mostly cleaned up all the control panel artwork. I will upload it when it's ready. Any requests? I just want this artwork to be available for everyone.