Tron Cabinet Conversion

[jimmy_bored]

Anyone have any ideas on what would be the best game to convert a Tron cabinet to.  The cabinet was orginally Twin Tigers and that game stinks.  I am thinking either Galaga, Galaxian, or 1943.

What do you think?

Jimmy

[MYX]

Um...how bout Tron?

[jimmy_bored]

Um...how bout Tron?

LMFAO...  Don't like Tron either and the costs associated with getting it back to Tron are just not worth it.  If I wanted Tron i would just buy one thats done for around $400 - $500 bucks.

I was browsing KLOV by year and Bally Midway for games between 1982 and 1984 that would have used the same cabinet, but i have not found one that matched the same tron cabinet. 

But great suggestion...

[Havok]

Post some pictures of it, so we can get a better idea what would be a good match...

[jimmy_bored]

Post some pictures of it, so we can get a better idea what would be a good match...

Heres two:

[CheffoJeffo]

I was browsing KLOV by year and Bally Midway for games between 1982 and 1984 that would have used the same cabinet, but i have not found one that matched the same tron cabinet. 

Because there wasn't one (that I know of, anyway).

You might want to try and trade it for whatever classic cabinet you want to convert to. Unless you go back to Tron with it, you will be mocked. That's just the way it is.

Putting a Galaga or Galaxian in a Tron cabinet will probably get you doubly-mocked -- the boards, artwork and sticks are far more expensive than the cabinets, so it makes little sense.

At the end of the day, it is your cabinet ... do what you will.

Cheers.

[jimmy_bored]

Because there wasn't one (that I know of, anyway).

You might want to try and trade it for whatever classic cabinet you want to convert to. Unless you go back to Tron with it, you will be mocked. That's just the way it is.

Putting a Galaga or Galaxian in a Tron cabinet will probably get you doubly-mocked -- the boards, artwork and sticks are far more expensive than the cabinets, so it makes little sense.

At the end of the day, it is your cabinet ... do what you will.

Cheers.

While I hear what your saying about be mocked, I just wish the mockers would have been around when the arcade operators converted it to Twin Tigers and then Silk Worm...    From a purist view you are total right, but at the end of the day and maybe at the most only .03434343433 percent of the worlds population would even say, "That's a Tron cabinet.  What moron would put Galaga in that cabinet".  Out of all the cabs I have done this is the only one I am having problems with.  I just don't want to spend the money to restore it and I really don't like the game (or the ones it was converted to).  That's why I am at this dilemma. 

[leapinlew]

Because there wasn't one (that I know of, anyway).

You might want to try and trade it for whatever classic cabinet you want to convert to. Unless you go back to Tron with it, you will be mocked. That's just the way it is.

Putting a Galaga or Galaxian in a Tron cabinet will probably get you doubly-mocked -- the boards, artwork and sticks are far more expensive than the cabinets, so it makes little sense.

At the end of the day, it is your cabinet ... do what you will.

Cheers.

While I hear what your saying about be mocked, I just wish the mockers would have been around when the arcade operators converted it to Twin Tigers and then Silk Worm...    From a purist view you are total right, but at the end of the day and maybe at the most only .03434343433 percent of the worlds population would even say, "That's a Tron cabinet.  What moron would put Galaga in that cabinet".  Out of all the cabs I have done this is the only one I am having problems with.  I just don't want to spend the money to restore it and I really don't like the game (or the ones it was converted to).  That's why I am at this dilemma. 

Your asking the wrong crowd. If you want something that 99.9656565657% of the world wouldn't recognize as a tron cabinet than you may not want to be asking the .03434343433% of the world who would.

I bet you could find someone who would trade you a tron cabinet for a classics cabinet that would look better. If that were mine, I would find someone to trade or sell it and buy a different cab. Not just because it's Tron, but because another cabinet would work and look better in my opinion.

[ArtMAME]

Don't like Tron either

 !!!

I think that calls out for a TRIPPLE MOCK!!! ...we don't have an emoticon for mock do we???

Just kidding dude  , even though Tron is my favorite...

I know this may be a long-shot but why don't you try to sell the cab to some one who would do a restoration, then invest that into something you really want?

Just a suggestion...

[ahofle]

You don't like Tron?!?
Talk about 0.03434343433% of the population! 

[CheffoJeffo]

While I hear what your saying about be mocked, I just wish the mockers would have been around when the arcade operators converted it to Twin Tigers and then Silk Worm...   

Oh, they (we?) are ... they (we?) just recognize that for ops, it was a matter of feeding the family rather than collection and preservation. Hard to fault them there.

From a purist view you are total right, but at the end of the day and maybe at the most only .03434343433 percent of the worlds population would even say, "That's a Tron cabinet.  What moron would put Galaga in that cabinet".  Out of all the cabs I have done this is the only one I am having problems with.  I just don't want to spend the money to restore it and I really don't like the game (or the ones it was converted to).  That's why I am at this dilemma. 

Actually I think from *any* point of view, I'm right ... you *will* be mocked (I'm not condoning the mocking, although I would likely snicker at a Galaga in a Tron cab), although the mocking will be confined to knowledgable folks. It is your cabinet and you can do what you want with it (after all, there are fewer pieces of Tron hardware/artwork than Tron cabinets).

I would be surprised, though, if you couldn't trade an empty Tron for an empty Galaga (or MsPac) ... more aesthetically pleasing, better game and less mocking involved (plus the Galaga artwork is cheap right now).

You could always go Gorf, as the cabinet was close, but I'm not a big Gorf fan. Satan's Hollow might work, but the handles are harder to find than Tron.

In your spot, I might make a vertical classics cabinet (either multi or MAME) with a topfire stick and a spinner.

EDIT: Man, 3 responses while I wrote this ...

Cheers.

[Hoopz]

I'll make you an offer.  You find someone to swap cabinets with who won't bastardize that poor cabinet anymore and will restore it to Tron.  If you do that, I'll send that person a Tron marqee for free.  May help you find someone to trade with.   Deal?

[CheffoJeffo]

I'll make you an offer.  You find someone to swap cabinets with who won't bastardize that poor cabinet anymore and will restore it to Tron.  If you do that, I'll send that person a Tron marqee for free.

* CheffoJeffo wishes he was near jimmy_bored and had a spare Galaga/MsPac cabinet ...

[Hoopz]

I'll make you an offer.  You find someone to swap cabinets with who won't bastardize that poor cabinet anymore and will restore it to Tron.  If you do that, I'll send that person a Tron marqee for free.

* CheffoJeffo wishes he was near jimmy_bored and had a spare Galaga/MsPac cabinet ...

* HooPZ will remember to contact CheffoJeffo if he ever wants to unload his Tron marquee and CP that doesnt have the joy or spinner in it...

 

[RayB]

I don't like Tron either.

Hey, not only has his cab been converted, it's had the control panel modified. (That's not the original control panel).

I'd.. umm, just throw in a JAMMA board (assuming it's JAMMA now?)

[jimmy_bored]

I'll make you an offer.  You find someone to swap cabinets with who won't bastardize that poor cabinet anymore and will restore it to Tron.  If you do that, I'll send that person a Tron marqee for free.  May help you find someone to trade with.   Deal?

   Tell you what...  I will do the conversion if you throw in a working PCB and a spinner with that marquee.

I will take care of the rest...

[jimmy_bored]

I don't like Tron either.

Hey, not only has his cab been converted, it's had the control panel modified. (That's not the original control panel).

I'd.. umm, just throw in a JAMMA board (assuming it's JAMMA now?)

Yeah is a jamma...  I really like the cabinet thought..  Its very easy to work on and provides easy access to everything on the inside.

Its one bazaar control panel... Take a look:

[jimmy_bored]

Here's the strip down job:

[Infinity_Yak]

*puts on flame retardant suit*

Those pics bring back good memories of my restoration project

November last year, I picked up a broken/free Two-Tigers converted TRON just like yours.  Personally, I hate Two-Tigers, and TRON, so I turned it into a custom-themed MAME cabinet. 

I did a pretty thorough rework, designing and building a custom control panel, artwork, custom lighting where the old under-controls neon went, etc...  But the whole thing cost less than $150 to rework into a fully-functional MAME cabinet that I use to play games that *I Like

I'm pretty sure a lot of people here would punch me in the junk me for not restoring it to its original TRON, but hey, I didn't have the money, and more important, I never really liked the game.

This hobby is all about doing things that *you like*, and while the majority of people here probably would never do that if *they* were in the same position, that doesn't make wrong...

[CheffoJeffo]

I'm pretty sure a lot of people here would punch me in the junk me for not restoring it to its original TRON, but hey, I didn't have the money, and more important, I never really liked the game.

This hobby is all about doing things that *you like*, and while the majority of people here probably would never do that if *they* were in the same position, that doesn't make wrong...

I am kinda curious who appointed you the arbiter of what this hobby is "all about" (did DrewKaree make the pronouncement and I missed it?) ... I don't entirely disagree with you, but what this hobby is all about isn't up to you anymore than what you do with your cab is up to me.   

For the most part, I think those who would prefer to see unique cabinets restored get upset when people hack them up (and, to be sure, not everybody hacks them up) when there are better options available to them (e.g. swap the cab for something more suitable to the project) -- there are far too many Dynamos and big 4-player Midways in the world to be cutting into classics.

Having said that, there are also more Tron, MsPac and Pole Position cabs than working hardware, so doing things other than restoration make some sense (although I heard on the weekend that someone is putting together a repro PP board).

And just because *you* did it doesn't make it right ... 

Cheers.

[jimmy_bored]

For the most part, I think those who would prefer to see unique cabinets restored get upset when people hack them up (and, to be sure, not everybody hacks them up) when there are better options available to them (e.g. swap the cab for something more suitable to the project) -- there are far too many Dynamos and big 4-player Midways in the world to be cutting into classics.

The real purists would know that a Tron cabinet is not that rare... Secondly any purist who puts any sort of econmic value on his collection understands that depleting availability increases value.   So real Tron lovers should be rejoicing at my decision.  Its not like there are only 4 left in the world... The cabinets can be easily reproduced, but original PCBs cannot.

This would be the first time I have ever done anything like this.  Every cab I have ever done has been restored to its original shape.  I just don't like Tron and the parts are way to expensive to bring it back.

[jimmy_bored]

*puts on flame retardant suit*

Those pics bring back good memories of my restoration project

November last year, I picked up a broken/free Two-Tigers converted TRON just like yours.  Personally, I hate Two-Tigers, and TRON, so I turned it into a custom-themed MAME cabinet. 

I did a pretty thorough rework, designing and building a custom control panel, artwork, custom lighting where the old under-controls neon went, etc...  But the whole thing cost less than $150 to rework into a fully-functional MAME cabinet that I use to play games that *I Like

I'm pretty sure a lot of people here would punch me in the junk me for not restoring it to its original TRON, but hey, I didn't have the money, and more important, I never really liked the game.

This hobby is all about doing things that *you like*, and while the majority of people here probably would never do that if *they* were in the same position, that doesn't make wrong...

Thanks for your input... Since I don't have a MAME machine yet this may be the opportunity to have one.  I was also thinking of DC unit too.

[MYX]

I'm pretty sure a lot of people here would punch me in the junk me for not restoring it to its original TRON, but hey, I didn't have the money, and more important, I never really liked the game.

This hobby is all about doing things that *you like*, and while the majority of people here probably would never do that if *they* were in the same position, that doesn't make wrong...

I am kinda curious who appointed you the arbiter of what this hobby is "all about" (did DrewKaree make the pronouncement and I missed it?) ... I don't entirely disagree with you, but what this hobby is all about isn't up to you anymore than what you do with your cab is up to me.   

For the most part, I think those who would prefer to see unique cabinets restored get upset when people hack them up (and, to be sure, not everybody hacks them up) when there are better options available to them (e.g. swap the cab for something more suitable to the project) -- there are far too many Dynamos and big 4-player Midways in the world to be cutting into classics.

Having said that, there are also more Tron, MsPac and Pole Position cabs than working hardware, so doing things other than restoration make some sense (although I heard on the weekend that someone is putting together a repro PP board).

And just because *you* did it doesn't make it right ... 

Cheers.

Mmmm Hmmmm! I gotta agree with the Chef here. Drew did not make the pronouncement at all.
Please check this out...http://arcadecontrols.com/arcade_manifesto.shtml (Link left visible for cut and paste ability)
This document is listed on the very FRONT page of this web site. More or less, this IS what the comunity of this site believes with or without the Royal pronunciation from the High and mighty and most honerable Mr. DrewKaree. 

I'll tell you what, I will trade you a really nice Virtua fighter cabinet or an even nicer neo geo cab for that Tron.
Your momma oughta slap you right upside yo head, den come back up de other side.

[CheffoJeffo]

The real purists would know that a Tron cabinet is not that rare... Secondly any purist who puts any sort of econmic value on his collection understands that depleting availability increases value.   So real Tron lovers should be rejoicing at my decision.  Its not like there are only 4 left in the world... The cabinets can be easily reproduced, but original PCBs cannot.

You know, I have been pretty open-minded and supportive in this conversation (I would prefer to see this restored, but have completely recognized your right to do with it as you will and have actually made suggestions as you requested), but this is about the most ridiculous set of statements I have ever seen.

OK, Tron is not a rare cabinet by any stretch ... you get no points for that statement of truth, however, because I have already said that there is a lesser supply of hardware/artwork than cabs twice in this thread.

Your suggestion that "real Tron lovers" should rejoice because the value of their collection increases is simply ridiculous as it is predicated on at least two conditions that you cannot possibly establish:

1) "real Tron lovers" already have a Tron cabinet in their collections
2) "real Tron lovers" are more interested in the monetary value of their collections than in preserving a piece of arcade history

While you haven't established either as even a reasonable assertion, I would further suggest that (1) and (2) aren't likely to coexist since if (2) were true, then collectors would be selling Tron cabinets (due to steady price drops), which would rule out (1).

All pieces of this cab can be reproduced, although I think that the shroud would be the toughest pieces to get repro'd. FWIW, I have come across more Tron PCB sets than Tron cabs/joys/spinners/etc. Neither of these is overly germane since you don't want a Tron cabinet, but since you brought the issue of parts up ...

I have no idea what you expected out of this thread ... I tend to think that my viewpoint here is more moderate than most  ... hey, I supported Todd at TNT when he threw the MSPsc and BK off the roof in his infomercial!

An honest "Good Luck" with whatever you end up doing ... although I still think a vertical MAME with spinner and topfire joy would work out well in that cab (get all those good vertical shooters, some Arkanoid, Tron to keep the theme) ... or trade for a Galaga/MSPac ...

I'm out of this thread!

Cheers

EDIT: This post came off as harsher than I intended ... it should have been a more logical argument conceing the statements. I have removed a couple of lines as they really didn't serve much purpose other than to inflame.

[Infinity_Yak]

I am kinda curious who appointed you the arbiter of what this hobby is "all about" (did DrewKaree make the pronouncement and I missed it?) ... I don't entirely disagree with you, but what this hobby is all about isn't up to you anymore than what you do with your cab is up to me.   

Well I'm certainly not claiming to be the official spokesmodel for arcadecontrols.com, but I'm just claiming my opinion based on experience, not saying you have to agree with it...  Nothing against having an opinion in the grand manifesto, and jimmy_bored doesn't seem to be acting as a "mutilator" here...

Sure, there are tons of dynamo cabs out there, and naturally, that's what I would have preferred to get, but finding one in a reasonable radius became the great equalizer in my case- you can't buy what there's no supply of.

Anyways, I can appreciate the dilemma- to restore or just get to something that plays what you like...

There's a lot of fun to be had in tearing a cab apart and bringing it back up to something fun and playable.  On my Two-Tigers cab, removing the few bits of original Tron sideart was my biggest headache.  Overall, a pretty easy cabinet to work with - all the wiring is pretty logically laid out in those cabs, and lots of access. 

I'm a fan of doing custom themes - a multi-vertical mame cab with custom artwork, marquee and control panel would be sweet... You'd be able to get your Galaga and Galaxian and have a nice, clean conversion with an originality factor without any kind of permanent damage.

But once again, just my opinion, and I certainly don't think it's anything worthy of the degree of sarcasm/hostility that my original comment generated.

[Havok]

Why don't you put a feeler out there in the Buy\Sell forum to see if there is someone local that would be willing to trade? A Tron cab is not really a good Mame candidate, as others have said there are ton more easily "Mameable..."

[MinerAl]

Although not identical, the GORF machine is quite similar to the TRON you could go that way, especially if you like Galaxian...

If you are in or around KC, I'll trade you a Pacman cabinet with a terrible golf game in it for your TRON cab.

I just happen to have a TRONesque project in mind...

[CheffoJeffo]

I'm back in to clarify one thing:

I certainly don't think it's anything worthy of the degree of sarcasm/hostility that my original comment generated.

It was sarcasm ... seemed funny to me that you were telling everybody "what the hobby was all about" at the same time that you were telling everybody that folks can decide for themselves what to do.

If I was being hostile, then I would have used someone meaner than DrewKaree ... 

Sheesh ... some people are so sensitive ... guess that suit wasn't so flame retardant.

As for the rest of my post -- I was specifically not referring to any one individual as a mutilator, but rather trying to explain a point of view that had been repeatedly misclassfied as "purist" or elitist in this and other similar threads. Cabs are not that hard to find ... I used to think they were and now there are so many that I have to walk away. There are a few exceptions, but all too frequently people will say "there aren't any other cabs near me" when there are tons of opportunites that they likely don't even know about. So, I try to point things like that out.

I was the very first person in this thread to say that this is jimmy_bored's cab and he can do with it what he wants and one of the first to make suggestions.

OK, I'm back out.

Cheers.

[jimmy_bored]

The real purists would know that a Tron cabinet is not that rare... Secondly any purist who puts any sort of econmic value on his collection understands that depleting availability increases value.   So real Tron lovers should be rejoicing at my decision.  Its not like there are only 4 left in the world... The cabinets can be easily reproduced, but original PCBs cannot.

What is a "real purist" (tm?) and how is their opinion more valuable than anybody else's ? So those who would like to see restoration are not "real" ? GMAFB.

Per Wikipedia, "A purist is one who desires that a particular item remain true to its essence and free from adulterating or diluting influences. The term may be used in almost any field, and can be applied either to the self or to others. Use of the term may be either pejorative or complimentary, depending on context. Because the appellation depends on subjective notions of what is "pure" as opposed to "adulterating" as applied to any particular item, conflict can arise both as to whether a person so labeled is actually a purist and as to whether that is desirable."

In this context a REAL purist would be someone who would keep everything original.  No Repos, No unit swaps, Just the way it was...

When I use the term, "Real" I am referring to "True".... Whereas most people are not REAL they are selective on purity.

Your suggestion that "real Tron lovers" should rejoice because the value of their collection increases is simply ridiculous as it is predicated on at least two conditions that you cannot possibly establish:

1) "real Tron lovers" already have a Tron cabinet in their collections
2) "real Tron lovers" are more interested in the monetary value of their collections than in preserving a piece of arcade history

1) How can you be "lover" of Tron without a Tron machine?  If you cannot afford one then your love is not deep enough.  Love knows no price.

2) If you are a "real Tron lover" there is no price you can put on the machine.  Hence you would never part with something you loved.... unobtainable has no price.

Lets also be realistic on what preservation means.  Preservation is for keeping things from becoming extinct.  Believe me in a 100 years there will be plenty of Tron machines.  I cannot even think of 1 electronic item that was mass produced where there is only one of them left in the world...

While you haven't established either as even a reasonable assertion, I would further suggest that (1) and (2) aren't likely to coexist since if (2) were true, then collectors would be selling Tron cabinets (due to steady price drops), which would rule out (1).

Yowsers!  I had to build a logic table for this crap...   But my previous statements address this as well.


While I appreciate your comments, I think you didn't read my question, " Anyone have any ideas on what would be the best game to convert a Tron cabinet to".  As you can see I never asked about restoring Tron, nor did I ask if it was okay to change it.  All I wanted know is if there was an ideal game that this Tron cabinet could be converted to.

Thanks for all your support...

[CheffoJeffo]

Everytime I think I'm out, they pull me back in ... 

While I appreciate your comments, I think you didn't read my question, " Anyone have any ideas on what would be the best game to convert a Tron cabinet to".  As you can see I never asked about restoring Tron, nor did I ask if it was okay to change it.  All I wanted know is if there was an ideal game that this Tron cabinet could be converted to.

Um, I have made more suggestions, beyond keeping it Tron, than anybody else.

Now, you may have missed that in the discussion that ensued, but I DID read AND answer your question with multiple opinions.

Cheers.

[jimmy_bored]

Although not identical, the GORF machine is quite similar to the TRON you could go that way, especially if you like Galaxian...

If you are in or around KC, I'll trade you a Pacman cabinet with a terrible golf game in it for your TRON cab.

I just happen to have a TRONesque project in mind...

Gorf would be nice, but how hard is it to get the arcade stick for that?

Im in Idaho.. But thanks for the offer.  I got the cab for $100 bucks and everything works.  I really like the cab.  Its got wheels to move it around, handles that help tilt and push the unit, and a great on/off switch!  I am not not going to part with it... And actually I would like to pick a few more of these up.

[jimmy_bored]

Everytime I think I'm out, they pull me back in ... 

While I appreciate your comments, I think you didn't read my question, " Anyone have any ideas on what would be the best game to convert a Tron cabinet to".  As you can see I never asked about restoring Tron, nor did I ask if it was okay to change it.  All I wanted know is if there was an ideal game that this Tron cabinet could be converted to.

Um, I have made more suggestions, beyond keeping it Tron, than anybody else.

Now, you may have missed that in the discussion that ensued, but I DID read AND answer your question with multiple opinions.

Cheers.

I agree... And thanks for your suggestions and comments... Some how we got off track.

Have a good day.

[CheffoJeffo]

Some how we got off track.

Always happens in "What should I do with this classic cabinet threads".

Cheers

[Texasmame]

You might want to try and trade it for whatever classic cabinet you want to convert to. Unless you go back to Tron with it, you will be mocked.
[/quote]

ROFL!!!

YES, YES!  CONVERT IT BACK TO TRON OR I SHALL TAUNT YOU A SECOND TIME!!!   

No, in all seriousness, I've always been a proponent of "it's your stuff, do as you will."

[johnvv]

I've spent a ton of time this past year doing a total Tron restore.  I think the nicest thing about the tron cabs is their great 'piano black' finish.  Don't know what condition the sides of yours is in.  If they are in still really good shape or if you want to get into a specialized paint job, I recommend preserving or restoring the nice black sides and then clean up the front, top, and back.

Once restored, it will look really nice.  You could then do a smaller CP with some LED lights on the panel or joysticks.  While it is not Tron anymore, it would still have a bit of the Tron theme and style to it as a tribute to its heritage.  The 'piano' finish on the Tron gives it a bit of class over the standard arcade cab so, in my opinion, can still look quite nice as a conversion.

If you are interested in the details on how to restore the paint on it, check these forums or let me know.  The original sides are a melamine wood with an automotive paint on them - that's why there are so smooth and the finish is so hard.  It does look like black melamine, but it is paint.

[MYX]

Um...how bout Tron?

Or again...

I'll tell you what, I will trade you a really nice Virtua fighter cabinet or an even nicer neo geo cab for that Tron.

I'll even leave the JAMMA harness in the NG

[ArtMAME]

If you want to avoid scorn and flames from the forum members, just remember this:

"Please be wise, do not baster-dize... "     


Well the bottom line, it is your cab, and you can do what you want with it. 

If you want to convert to another game, may I suggest Gottleib's Mad Planets...Triggerstick and spinner game baby... I play it with my Tron control panel on my MAME cab...lots of fun...doable if you can find parts for it. 

Or you can MAME it, add some extra buttons and you can play Mad Planets, Archanoid series, Gorf, Satan's Hollow, etc... tons of possibilities.

Good luck 

[Havok]

Hey - how about converting it to Discs of Tron instead?

 

[jimmy_bored]

I've spent a ton of time this past year doing a total Tron restore.  I think the nicest thing about the tron cabs is their great 'piano black' finish.  Don't know what condition the sides of yours is in.  If they are in still really good shape or if you want to get into a specialized paint job, I recommend preserving or restoring the nice black sides and then clean up the front, top, and back.

Once restored, it will look really nice.  You could then do a smaller CP with some LED lights on the panel or joysticks.  While it is not Tron anymore, it would still have a bit of the Tron theme and style to it as a tribute to its heritage.  The 'piano' finish on the Tron gives it a bit of class over the standard arcade cab so, in my opinion, can still look quite nice as a conversion.

If you are interested in the details on how to restore the paint on it, check these forums or let me know.  The original sides are a melamine wood with an automotive paint on them - that's why there are so smooth and the finish is so hard.  It does look like black melamine, but it is paint.

Actually I could use your input.  Do you have the dimensions for the lower back door.  When I got the cab it was missing.  And if you know the exact type of paint that would be great also.  I do have a paint gun.

The cabinet is in good shape.  It just needs to be cleaned up.  Most likely I will restore the outside to the original Tron style, but the insides will be different,  Then if I come across a good deal on parts I can slowly put it back together as an original Tron machine.  I think that's going to be a win win situation.

[johnvv]

Actually I could use your input.  Do you have the dimensions for the lower back door.  When I got the cab it was missing.  And if you know the exact type of paint that would be great also.  I do have a paint gun.

The door dimensions are as follows:

- 23" wide, with two sections: upper and lower which are joined at the angle of the cab.
- 3/4" thick
- lower section is 7 1/4" tall with the lower 1/4" being a notch or lip that faces outward.
- upper section is 25 3/4" tall with the upper 1/2" being a noth or lip that faces inwards.
- there is a lock at the top of the back
- there are four rounded rectangle vent holes in the upper section of the back door with metal mesh covers on the inside.
- each rounded rectangle is 5" wide and 1 3/8" high.  They first row of two is 3" from the top of the upper back.  The next row of to is 1" below the first row.  Each vertical pair of rectangles start 2 5/8" from a side.

See rgvac.com for paint codes and great tips on restoration.  You'll need to do a bit of hunting around to find everything.

For the paint, you have two options.  The first is Rustoleum Satin Black (oil-based).  It can only be thinned with acetone.  It is suitable for the sides, back, front, and top of the cab.  To make the Tron cab look really nice, the best option is to clean the surfaces, fill any big holes with bondo, and then prime with an automotive primer (Evercoat FeatherFill G2 is great).  You'll need several coats, but they gone on fast and you already have a gun.  Once dry, follow the directions and sand to get an ultra-smooth (glass-smooth) finish.  You can then apply the Rustoleum Satin Black.  For the front, back, and top, 2 coats should be plenty.  For the sides, you will need 2-3 light coats.  You can wet sand between coats if you get an bumps, but you should not with the auto primer and a gun.  Let the Rustoleum cure at least several days between coats.  It will harded to a nice shell over the course of the next few weeks.

The second option is to prep with the automotive primer as noted above, but use a black automotive paint.  You'll need to go to the auto paint store to find a match.  The House of Kolor brand of auto paints are very nice and they have lots of choices.  For application, you can do it yourself (practice first and read the instructions) or take the cab to an auto paint shop.  You should be able to make a deal with them to paint your cab with auto paint for a reasonable charge - it is a very easy job for them.  If you bring the paint and do the masking, it should save you a few $$.

Sanding is important for all cab prep work.  In the case of Tron, the original sides are so 'hard' due to the melamine foundation and the orginal auto paint, sanding is just about futile.  If you try to paint the side, just clean them up good and spray with the auto primer if you have scratches.  The auto primer is self-leveling, so will provide a great base for this type of cab.  Obviously, you may want to have the cab horizontal an do one side at a time to get the best perforamance from the auto primer.

[jimmy_bored]

Wow Johnvv thanks for the all the info I will keep you posted on the progress! 

[johnvv]

Forgot to add that you might want to apply an automotive clear coat to at least the sides if you paint them.  The clear coat will help protect your hard work and add a bit of the sheen that the orginal had.  Your auto paint store should be able to help you find the right one.

Finally, wear a mask or respirator when you do the paint.  The auto primer is two-component with the add-in being an adhesive.  You don't want to breathe that.  Better safe...


John VV

[markrvp]

Mock.

[Hoopz]

Usually, I can follow all of your posts Mark, but that went right over my head. 

Care to elaborate?

[More Cowbell]

I mock 2.

[horseboy]

Additional mock.

[Stingray]

Double platinum plated mock with extra cheese.

-S

[MYX]

Mock goes the weizle.

[jimmy_bored]

For the mockers....



 

[MinerAl]

Flock.