Thanks for the ideas, please keep 'em coming!
patrickl: I have tried many of the MAME emulated games and I like a lot of them from old-school to the newer fighters. I may need more buttons for Neo-Geo/Capcom games. For this first timer's cab I'll probably stick with 1 player mode although I really like the cp example that JoyMonkey posted below a lot.
4/8 ways from Ultimarc with balltops look good to me, gotta have that Pacman action!
Replaceable panels may be the way to go, except for the expense and my lack of wiring experience.
This thing has already gotten out of hand!
Illustrator is also, unfortunately over 100 MB download, I only have dial-up so I can't tie up my line that long. I have VERY basic drafting/design experience (from over 25 yrs. ago, high school!) and usually use M$ Publisher when I need a print project. I tried Poster 7 but couldn't get the printing right. I may just go for a pre-printed Marquee and other art. Any suggestions?
JoyMonkey: What type of sticks are those? I assume that the button on top would be a useful firing button for Afterburner and similar games?
You are obviously using a metal CP, steel or aluminum? Do you do work for others (for hire of course)? Adding 2 more buttons (for fighters) would be a stretch wouldn't it? I have 23 1/2 X 6 inches to work with. Also have 3" on the front edge and about 3" on the bottom side as the cp is rolled steel in a kind of C-shape. Its an Atari cab. Are sid ebuttons for pinball emulation possible on the sides of the cab itself? Which pinball emulator would use them?
Thanks again for all of your help, I really appreciate it! Arcadiac