How much is this Donkey Kong 3 cabinet worth?

[Lutus]

How much is this Donkey Kong 3 cabinet worth?

I live in Panama City, FL.  Just so you know.

Any advice on what to look for when I go meet the guy to look at it?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=016&item=260014931864&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

[MaximRecoil]

It is a bit beat up, it is not working correctly, missing sideart on one side, missing its back door (?), wrong color T-molding, wrong color buttons, not a particularly desirable title (that is subjective of course) and who knows what else you might find when you get there.

What it is worth is up to you, but I think that machine would be lucky to fetch $50 at a real auction. However, the fact that it is close and available is a bonus because that same machine, even if it was free but located say, in another state, would cost you more than the $120 starting bid to have it shipped. So if you are really itching for a Nintendo cabinet and you have exhausted all other options in your area, then $120 isn't terribly unreasonable (I doubt there will be a bidding war for that machine).

[Lutus]

Thanks MaximRecoil!!

I am an electrical engineer so I should be able to bring the monitor back around.  I am not looking for a Nintendo cab and will probably just construct another CP to put in there.  If I can get the monitor working I will put 4-way vertical games on this one.  I'll offer him $75 to begin with and see what he'll really take.

Any more ideas or suggestions?!?

[MaximRecoil]

BTW, the random letters and numbers on the screen is not a monitor issue. That is an issue with the gameboard, or something else downwind of the monitor.

[Lutus]

Good to know

[Lutus]

Ok, update:  I went and looked at the cabinet.  It may be hard to believe but the machine actually looked pretty good.  Better than the pictures.  He does have the back door and the locks on the coin door and the back door work and he has the key.  The coin mech also works.

He said he bought it a year ago along with a horrid Street Fighter conversion, will look for a picture later, for $300.  When he bought it it worked except after playing a few minutes the monitor would turn white.  He was in talks with MikesArcade or something like that and they said to replace the motherboard.

Of course they sold him one for $90.  He put it in and then he got the scrambled screen.  He called MikesArcade back and they said he should now replace the power supply.  He just wants out of it now.

Any ideas what is wrong with it?

[MaximRecoil]

If Mike Halland suggested replacing the power supply, then that would be a good place to start. When a board is not getting correct voltages all sorts of funky things can happen.

[Sizzler]

Ok, update:  I went and looked at the cabinet.  It may be hard to believe but the machine actually looked pretty good.  Better than the pictures. 

Unless you're a die hard DK3 fan, I wouldn't pay $120 for this cab.   As Maxim stated, missing and torn side art, a non-working game with dings and chips.  I'd pay $50 or so for it.

You just missed a Super Auction in Orlando, and there's one coming up in Atlanta.  Obviously neither are extrememly close to Panama City, but personally I'd make the drive before paying $120 for that machine.  I'd wait until the auction ends with no winners and then make him a lowball offer to take it off his hands.

[97thruhiker]

It's worth depends on the individual.  If I lived in Panama City I would definitly try to buy it from him.  I love the old Nintendo styled cabinet.  I paid $100 for a Nintendo cabinet at the last Orlando Super Auctions that was in much worse shape (I'm sure many people think I'm crazy for paying that much but I was happy and I knew the potential of the cabinet).  These cabinets are easliy restorable as many venders sell just about every part for them.  Also you have the ability to convert it into one of many Nintendo titles from that time period (Donkey Kong, DK Jr, DK 3, Popeye, Mario Brothers, etc.).
 
Here's a link to the cabinet I bought at the Super Auctions and what I've done with it.  I probably have a total of $300 - $400 in this (this includes the $100 I spent for it at auction).

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=56041.0

[westell]

If its local 120.00 isn't a bad price but I'm a sucker for a solid Nintendo cab. I also love them monitors, once recapped they look great!
   
Like thruhiker said you can convert it to any of the more desirable Nintendo games of that time period if you choose to go that way. Good quality sideart, cpo's or whatever you need is readily available.

[Lutus]

Thanks everyone for the great input.  If it doesn't sell I will try to lowball him but then again I also have the money to buy it outright.  (Engineer salary, no bills, still live at home.... don't laugh.  house prices in Panama City are outrageous.)

I think I will fix it up a little, but keep the artwork DK3, and place all vertical games on it like 97thruhiker did.  As far as the auctions go I would love to go to one, but the gas to drive 5 hours one way, bid on a machine and carry it home makes a $100 price tag quite desirable.

I will keep you updated as usual.