Advice on Restoration Bulk Buy

[RayB]

This message is aimed at all the classic arcade game collectors who visit here. I have a dilemma...

I have found a source for several classic arcade cabinets for about $100 each. This guy has ALOT of them. They are all painted black and converted to some dumb JAMMA games.

How expensive is it to restore those old puppies? I'm talking Robotron, Centipede, Dig Dug, and maybe even a Donkey Kong (though Nintendo cabs don't interest me as much).

I'd have to rent a truck and drive about 6 hours each way. Then I'd have to rent a storage unit, cuz my basement is full and I'd probably kill myself bringing so many machines down our stairs. And then of course, the hunt for rare parts begins. Am I asking for a big fat headache (and empty wallet?) or is this viable? I'd keep some of them, and sell others. (We're talking 10 cabinets here... maybe 11 if I go for the cockpit game he's selling too).

Thanks for your advice.
Ray B.

[Generic Eric]

This message is aimed at all the classic arcade game collectors who visit here. I have a dilemma...

I have found a source for several classic arcade cabinets for about $100 each. This guy has ALOT of them. They are all painted black and converted to some dumb JAMMA games.

How expensive is it to restore those old puppies? I'm talking Robotron, Centipede, Dig Dug, and maybe even a Donkey Kong (though Nintendo cabs don't interest me as much).

I'd have to rent a truck and drive about 6 hours each way. Then I'd have to rent a storage unit, cuz my basement is full and I'd probably kill myself bringing so many machines down our stairs. And then of course, the hunt for rare parts begins. Am I asking for a big fat headache (and empty wallet?) or is this viable? I'd keep some of them, and sell others. (We're talking 10 cabinets here... maybe 11 if I go for the cockpit game he's selling too).

Thanks for your advice.
Ray B.

$100 peanuts for a machine that can be restored...  
How much money do you have?  Do you have $1000 to $1100 that you may or may not see profit from?  Can you affored that much?

I am in texas, where is this "source" at?  If I can't help you, maybe you can find others here that can help you with the bulk buy...

[RayB]

I can afford the whole lot, I'd just end up having to waste money on a rented storage unit. I'd keep the best machines and sell the rest restored. I'm not sure if it's worth it though. if I spend more than I can sell for.

[ChadTower]

In many cases you're not going to make a ton of profit.  That's not really what this hobby is about.  If you want a more detailed piece of advice you're going to have to give us more information.

[RayB]

Well there isn't much more to add. 10 working cabinets. $100 each. All painted black conversions with crappy Jamma games from the late 80's. (Originally they were: 1 centipede, 1 DigDug or Kangaroo, and 8 Robotrons).

[ChadTower]

There's a lot more to add.  Is  the original artwork under that paint or was it removed?  How about any of the other parts?  How much of the original cab is there aside from the wood?  Are the monitors working WELL or just working?  These are all things that will have varying effects on the profitability of these cabs.

[menace]

Should PM oscar or Zakk and get a rough time estimate to restore a game given the condition.  they have done alot of work between them and could estimate it fairly well.

That said, you'll likely make your money back eventually with a small profit i would think, but it will take alot of time and cash up front to do it right--and by the time you figure in the time you've spent you have to ask yourself if it's worth it.

If i was in your shoes I would buy say 3 or 4 now and ask your buddies to go in on it with you--this would help defer the shipping costs and eliminates the storage costs and you'll still have 3 or 4 machines to work on, with a nicer profit margin.  I know people that would be more than willing to get a machine for $100 thats for sure. (including me if its at least complete...)

[pathdoc2]

I would think renting a storage unit would ruin your thin profit margin.  I'd buy the best of the crop without needing to rent a space.

[RayB]

Unfortunately I don't know the precise condition of them other than through photographs. The seller can do cap kits and fix up everything but for $75 extra each. I don't know about the art either. I do now they have that tell-tale crappy black paint, much like that guy's Moon Patrol (shown in another thread on this board).

He's located quite a few hours away, so the problem is I gotta negotiate a deal by phone and won't really be in a position to inspect the merchandise until I'm there to close the deal.

Oh well, I'm still thinking about it!

[Lilwolf]

Do the monitors work?  Power?  (ie, they are working jamma cabs?).  19" monitors I'm assuming.

I would guess that they aren't going to be a deal.

Do it for the love of it... or dont do it.

You will not be able to push 7 robotron cabs out the door after refinishing them.  

So look at the artwork repositories here and find out how much it would cost to get robotron sideart printed up and that they are available.  But they are mostly paint and a small sideart so it shouldn't be all that bad.  $50ish?

hows the control panel?  did they drill more buttons in?  Does it have the overlays?  This might cost as much as the side art.

How about the marquees?  Assuming none... Again 25-50ish.

Bezels... I don't have any idea how hard it would be to reproduce them.  Printing on stickers over glass should do it right?? anyone?

Next... Real boards?  Can you even get them?  Sure you can get a pc and add just robotron but that will reduce their resale value considerably.

Anyway... take the robotrons and get a list all it will take to redo them for the one game.  Guess your time.

Then ask Paige to see what they are selling for at the auctions.  He usually has a great eye on the value of all cabs.  

I'm guessing that you will not make a profit.

but...

you might be able to make a profit by doing a sudo crap job.  Not going for original quality... but looking for mamers who want a robotron look.  You might get a away with cheaper sideart, and cheaper control panel layouts and marquees.  And throw a cheap computer and a trident64 with the drivers or maybe go dos + advancedmame.

I'm guessing this will be your best bet at a profit... smaller, but less investment.

[SirPeale]

$75 each?  Sounds like one of Amusement911's stuff.

[RayB]

Lil Wolf... I'm looking to keep the best for myself, and then offset the cost by selling the rest. You're right though... there's lots of little costs that will add up. That's what has me sitting on the fence about this...

[android]

Lil Wolf... I'm looking to keep the best for myself, and then offset the cost by selling the rest. You're right though... there's lots of little costs that will add up. That's what has me sitting on the fence about this...

Assuming that monitors work and you can restore the CP off the top of my head (having gone through tron and crystal castles restorations in wood-box-with-monitor condition):

Marquee: 35
CPO:        40
Harness:  45
Bezel:       55
CPU board: 75-150 depending on game
Side Art: 140 for professional or kinkos
Power supply: 30
New T-Molding: 20
Original joystics, buttons: 35?
Paint, hardware, tools, supplies, time, elbow grease: ??

So you are talking at least 550 each on top of the 100 for the wood. If the monitor is shot, then add another 100 at a minimum.

I've seen digdugs go between 550 and 650 on ebay. Robotrons about 750-800. So you do the math. Not much of a profit if sold through eBay.

-- Android