Author Topic: Missle Command in trash pile (Read 2840 times)

vader · « **on:** September 17, 2004, 03:08:56 pm »

Hey guys......on the way to work today found a original Missle Command in a bulk trash pickup pile, went back home and got the truck. The cabinet is in horrible condition so I figured this thing was trashed. Well, plug it in and it works perfectly. Trackball needs some love....I figure nothing a lilttle time won't fix, marquee is in perfect shape....hell the speakers still work and the coin mechs are in perfect working order along with a great door. My question is, do I restore and build another cabinet for it or use the monitor for the machine I'm building and part the PCB and PS out ? BTW, all the cone buttons still light up although 2 of the rings are cracked with age. I'll post some pics later tonite....any input appreciated. BTW, I do enjoy playing the game ocassionally on my panel

Hoagie_one · « **Reply #1 on:** September 17, 2004, 03:28:29 pm »

what a find

Darkstalker · « **Reply #2 on:** September 17, 2004, 03:30:35 pm »

No kidding, congrats on the save.

spocktwin · « **Reply #3 on:** September 17, 2004, 03:50:16 pm »

What a find......my favorite game of all time. If it were me I would restore it to its former glory. Hell with everthing intact souns like elbow grease may be the largest expense. Good luck and please post some pictures lkgj a kjdo lkaje aqlalfk a oops sorry fingers slipping on the keyboard from the drool about finding such a beauty intact.

RayB · « **Reply #4 on:** September 17, 2004, 03:53:00 pm »

Depends what's wrong with it. We can't offer an opinion without pics.

vader · « **Reply #5 on:** September 17, 2004, 05:11:23 pm »

I'll take some pics shortly, but I can tell you the cabinet is totally wasted and the trackball is real sticky....display and sound rock....well as good as mono can sound

vader · « **Reply #6 on:** September 17, 2004, 05:26:37 pm »

Here's the pics guys....

vader · « **Reply #7 on:** September 17, 2004, 05:27:19 pm »

vader · « **Reply #8 on:** September 17, 2004, 05:27:58 pm »

this is the good side, lol

vader · « **Reply #9 on:** September 17, 2004, 05:28:27 pm »

vader · « **Reply #10 on:** September 17, 2004, 05:29:05 pm »

vader · « **Reply #11 on:** September 17, 2004, 05:29:34 pm »

menace · « **Reply #12 on:** September 17, 2004, 05:37:48 pm »

Shame about losing that sideart to rot, but man what a find! Look at allthose great parts--everything you need to build your own missile command! you lucky SOB

RacerX · « **Reply #13 on:** September 17, 2004, 05:38:02 pm »

That doesn't look that bad. You should see my Tron cab. It is *covered* in dirt inside and out.

Your Missile Command looks brand new compared to that. Restore that puppy!!!

And congrats on finding that. That's amazing that someone would throw that away. Haven't people heard about this great thing called Ebay?

AlanS17 · « **Reply #14 on:** September 17, 2004, 06:14:22 pm »

I fear it'll never look new, but you could certainly make it look better. Good find.

RayB · « **Reply #15 on:** September 17, 2004, 07:42:45 pm »

WOW, that thing has seen alot of moisture. Look at the thickness of those swollen sides. But isn't it amazing how the electronics hold up to that same moisture exposure? Amazing.

Is it only the sides that are kacked up or what? Cuz the front doesn't look too bad. If you don't mind plunking down some cash for new side-art, and refurbishing the trackball, you'll have a decent machine. Will take a couple hundred $ probably though. You'll have to cut new sides.

Thenasty · « **Reply #16 on:** September 17, 2004, 08:46:21 pm »

that like finding cash in the trash. If you decide to sell parts, those 3 volcano buttons, you probably get $35 or more.
If you can restore it, do it.
I wish I found it

spriggy · « **Reply #17 on:** September 17, 2004, 10:32:15 pm »

I classic find like that... especially working relatively fine.... DESERVES to be restored.

I know money is the issue in a lot of cases.... but slowly and surely!!

Great way to learn how to restore these beasts, if you haven't learnt already that is. This one looks like she needs a bit of everything. Hence, a bit heavier on the pocket (if you look at it that way) but even heavier on the restoration knowledge gained!!

Nice to see trash saves are still happening.
My 2 cents.

RayB · « **Reply #18 on:** September 18, 2004, 12:21:46 am »

Quote from: Thenasty on September 17, 2004, 08:46:21 pm

that like finding cash in the trash. If you decide to sell parts, those 3 volcano buttons, you probably get $35 or more.

5 volcano buttons. 2 that light up and 3 that don't.

vader · « **Reply #19 on:** September 18, 2004, 02:07:26 am »

decided to restore it....already got the trackball out and will be ordering new bearings and rollers for it, any recommendations where to get them at.....found one site...arcade depot or something like that

spriggy · « **Reply #20 on:** September 18, 2004, 07:27:38 am »

http://www.arcadeshop.com/index.htm has replica Missile Command CPO 's and Sideart, 4" trackball bearing and roller set... as well as replica black cardboard bezel.

God Bless 'em.

danny_galaga · « **Reply #21 on:** September 18, 2004, 11:43:16 am »

oh man. that's a perfect doer-upper!! myself id strip everything out and build a new cab using every part that can be cleaned up. in anyones eyes it will still be the original. hell with wooden boats sometimes when they rebuild it the only original thing is maybe a brass porthole and ONE rib!!

since its complete you should be able to (like a wooden boat) make patterns for every damaged part. and like a wooden boat (from what owners say) it's gonna be a labour of love. not a money-making exercise...

vader · « **Reply #22 on:** September 18, 2004, 12:33:36 pm »

Exactly what I'm going to do....cabinet is still in good enough shape I can get exact measurements off it....marquee glass....coin door...all still in great shape....

spriggy · « **Reply #23 on:** September 18, 2004, 10:41:23 pm »

Quote from: vader88 on September 18, 2004, 12:33:36 pm

Exactly what I'm going to do....cabinet is still in good enough shape I can get exact measurements off it....marquee glass....coin door...all still in great shape....

If you're going to document the cabinet dimensions during your rebuild, please feel free to send the dimensions to 'Jakobud' or myself so as they can be compiled in CAD format for everyone to enjoy!

Cheers

vader · « **Reply #24 on:** September 18, 2004, 11:10:26 pm »

Thanks for the headups spriggy......I was already planning to take all the measure ment before I start tearing apart and uploading to jakobud. He'll be on his own cause I'm just giving him some hand-drawn schemi's because my cad skills suck....lol, don't get to anxious guys.....I'm estimating about month to 1 1/2 before I have the cabinet finished and hardware mounted. Then save the money for the side art.....don't have the bankrolls u guys do....j/k, just out of curiosity, I won't part out anyway, but what does something like the pcb and ps, marquee trackball and stuff like that go for, btw...the trackball is like the size of a duckpin ball ( northerners know what that is ).....are the fire buttons supposed to light up....those have the lcd's in them too....I put power to them and they light up....didn't know if the original did that or not though....also, I'm heading to a arcade warehouse tomorrow....I'll see what they have and post here....in ft lauderdale

daywane · « **Reply #25 on:** September 19, 2004, 12:11:19 am »

I forgot how HUGE the track balls were.
wow.

Magnet_Eye · « **Reply #26 on:** September 19, 2004, 07:20:39 am »

dude, you are stoked! excellent find!

yes you have your work cut out, but good choice to restore that thing. a new cabinet to the exact specs would be brilliant! and you might be able to replace some other things like CP art, etc if need be....

damn dude, you scored...really. even though its messed up, but it was in the "trash" but works fine? omg!

best of luck, and keep us posted!

DarkSoul1 · « **Reply #27 on:** September 19, 2004, 09:26:51 am »

That cabinet is actually mine. It fell out of my back pocket the other night. I was wondering where it got to.

Please post to:

DarkSoul
Adelaide
South Australia 5000

That's a great find. I can't believe you guys find things like that in the USA just thrown away. Here in Australia they ask up to $200 ($140 US) for a no name, generic, stripped cocktail cab (no overlays, no nothing).

Minwah · « **Reply #28 on:** September 20, 2004, 07:15:22 am »

Good save

Lilwolf · « **Reply #29 on:** September 20, 2004, 09:27:41 am »

There was someone who did an amazing job refurbing a missilecommand trackball.

He got one that wouldn't even turn it was so rusty. And after a week of work / soaking it looked brand new.

search around and see if you can find it. (anyone remember the site I'm talking about?)

Wade · « **Reply #30 on:** September 20, 2004, 11:17:39 am »

What a find! I'd make new sides and any other wood that needs replaced, and restore that game. Sideart is available!

Wade

MinerAl · « **Reply #31 on:** September 20, 2004, 11:43:19 am »

Quote from: Lilwolf on September 20, 2004, 09:27:41 am

There was someone who did an amazing job refurbing a missilecommand trackball.

He got one that wouldn't even turn it was so rusty. And after a week of work / soaking it looked brand new.

search around and see if you can find it. (anyone remember the site I'm talking about?)

The link died.

The basic info from that article breaks down to:

1. Take it all the way apart and clean everything thoroughly.
2. Soak the bearings for a few days in WD-40, clean off the WD-40 and lube with 3-in-1 oil.
3. Replace whatever bearings aren't fixed by 2.

I'd suggest using your dish washer for the large items like the ball and aluminum blocks and plates. The fasteners can be soaked with the bearings if they are rusty.

If your ball is pitted, scarred, or otherwise not a nice smooth ball anymore, you might want to consider getting a new 4.5" candle-pin bowling ball like they use in Canada. Otherwise find some plastic polish and go to town getting your used ball all shiny.

Here are some links to other giant ball threads.

Giant Balls!!
Missile Command Ball thread

Hope that's useful.

Al

vader · « **Reply #32 on:** September 20, 2004, 12:45:21 pm »

Thanks for the links MinerAl, just got off the phone with www.arcadeshop.com and ordered new bearings, rollers, and a CPO since they were all in pretty rough shape...3 out 5 bearings seized, rollers were very worn and CPO has seen better days.....tried soaking the bearings in industrial lube aircraft oil....and those puppies said...uh NO...we ain't working no more your cheap SOB, were 25 yrs old. Sorry I have these delusional fits everyone now and then....taking the panel off now and sanding it down....I'll post pics of it by end of week...

Stingray · « **Reply #33 on:** September 20, 2004, 01:55:53 pm »

What an amazing find. I agree that building a new cab and then transfering over all of the gut is the way to go.

I love missle command, and am terribly jealous.

-S


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