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My first conversion and real build
TeamTEOR:
I wish that I had that type of tallent! That is a picture that I found around somewhere. To make that control panel picture I used Paint Shop Pro, and created two layers. One layer was the CP buttons and the second layer was the picture. THen I flattened them down to one layer and using the eraser I cleaned up the edges. I really like that artwork, and I might just go with it. My only problem is getting something like that printed nicely at the size that I need. This fighter CP will have one set of controls in Black, and the other in Blue. I know I did the picture above in red, but I was fighting sleep to get that done.
Speaking of artwork, I am hoping to locate something for the trackball panel. No idea yet, but the trackball is a 2.5 Happs unit, and is blue. Also it will have a light installed to make it glow. I might just order up some luminated switches for that panel as well.
TeamTEOR:
I am trying out a new OS out. It is the new freebie from Linspire called Freespire. Their C.N.R. (Click & Run) service is free, has tons of downloads, and included is Mame, and a bunch of emulators. Now if there is a linux build of Dalphine I think we are set. There is NES, SNES, Gameboy, and a couple of others that will install with just one click. Tomorrow I'll bust out the system that I am going to use for the build and see how it works with my big TV, and if it is any good then I'll use it, otherwise it is back to the Viewsonic A90 monitor. That TV didn't do so well in the past with the S-Video connection and the PC, the bottom viewing area of it was really messed up in that mode. Maye a TV repair shop could adjust it (this way there is no incident with me blowing myself up!).
TeamTEOR:
Not to sure on the OS right now, it looked good, and works really fast, two items tho... I am having problems with it being solid on the network and also the CNR (Click and Run) feature works great, but the mame stuff it put in (yes I have been testing it all morning) is not easy to get to, or find a front end for. I will try to contact them, and if not I'll try out that other Linux build specifically made for Mamers.
Today's work, there are no pics (sorry), I started sanding with 220 grit on the orbital sander and also layed down some bondo. That stuff stinks, but does it ever work great! I found a trick to use cardboard to help make the curves needed and to help the area build up. It has been working out real nice. I have to flip the machine tomorrow in order to continue building up the damaged area, but that water damaged area is totally gone. After the second sanding there were a few pits that needed to be filled though, so I hit it again with another layer of mud. I can't wait to see how it looks tomorrow outside when I sand it down for the third time. It might just be ready for a second layer of primer. As it is most of the side I am working on feels super smooth. I am really happy and surprised at how well it is turning out.
TeamTEOR:
Things are coming along nicely today. I got the other side with its first layer of primer. Sanded the first layers of bondo down. I am getting close to be able to sand the whole side panels with 360 or 400 and then with some 1500 after another layer of primer or two. It is looking sharp tho, and the top of the cab is almost completely repaired.
I have also chatted a bit with Scott over at MameMarquees.com. So very soon I will be placing an order for my overlays (maybe even some side art). Whoot!
Tom
TeamTEOR:
Bondo is just awesome stuff. I have completely fixed all of the areas that were cracked, broken, and water damaged. There is no way spackle would have done as nice of a job. I sanded everything down again today, and put down another layer of primer.
Tomorrow if the primer is not very tacky I'll sand it down with 320 grit or 400 grit sandpaper and put another light layer of primer on there. If I am lucky I can then sand with 600 grit and get it ready for the black paint. Also I plan on using the router to make my slot for the t-Molding in the top areas that I repaired. I will be sure to go very slow so that I don't crack anything.
I am kinda torn here, I am not sure if I should continue to use a foam roller for the black paint, or if I should try a sprayer. I have never been very good with spray, and I am not sure if the roller is going to give me the finish that I want.
New stuff, I have been working with Scott from MameMarquees.com for the artwork since I am close to needing it to complete the cab. Maybe I'll post up some pictures once I have paid for it, and have settled on all of the artwork.
Here are some pictures after todays session of sanding and painting.