Whats it worth?

[menace]

I have no pics as this is more of a general question--what would a classic cab (pacman, ms. pacman, joust, defender, sinstar etc.) completely gutted, but in fair condition be worth? On one hand its a classic cab with original (if a little beat up artwork) but on the other hand its no longer pristine (i.e. scratches, cracked paint, peeling).

What would make these more or less valuable do you think?

What would YOU pay for one? (assuming its not your holy grail cabinet that you would sell your kids for )

[FractalWalk]

The value is almost completely derived from its rarity. Surface defects are pretty much irrelevant to the value. Some classic cabs are common (Asteroids) and not worth much. Some are impossible to find.

[Stingray]

I'd pay $50 for any of the cabs you listed in that kind of condition. Maybe as high as $100, if it was one that I REALLY, REALLY like. Joust would be one I'd be willing to pay a bit more for.

-S

[Wade]

I'd pay $50 for any of the cabs you listed in that kind of condition. Maybe as high as $100, if it was one that I REALLY, REALLY like. Joust would be one I'd be willing to pay a bit more for.

-S

I agree, 0-$50 for most cabs (people are often giving them away, sometimes with a lot of good parts still attached), maybe $100 if in really nice shape or a game I REALLY like.

These are rarely worth much because even if in really nice condition.. the cost to re-add the parts to have a complete classic game is usually much higher than just buying the game complete and working.

If you are just buying it to paint it and Mame it then it might be worth some money to you to save yourself the trouble of building.

[menace]

So basicaly we're talking 100$ tops--this blends well with my experience but I wanted to gauge what other people had experienced.

[GGKoul]

Manace

Where did you find these "empty" cabs?? From this mystery guy in Brantford?? Tell him I'm still waiting for my email reply.  

-GGKoul

[menace]

yeah he's got a few empty cabs, and when talking to him, we had different ideas as to what things were valued at, so i thought i would ask around and see what the general experience was.  I was more worried I was passing him inaccurate info on the value of things and look like I'm trying to take him in the process.

As far as contacting him goes--all i can offer is to keep at it--it took a few weeks from my initial call to eventual conversation.