Ebay Purchase-Question on Restoring

[am_monkee]

I just received my ebay purchase-an original centipede cocktail coin door. As the pic shows, though, it's quite dirty and I'd like to restore it and clean it up. I found a lot of info on how to restore standard happ doors, but not these.

I've already taken a steel wool pad to it and some of the gunk has come off. Can I just use a metal polisher to get it shiny and looking new? Thanks in advance.

[RayB]

Can I just use a metal polisher to get it shiny and looking new? Thanks in advance.

Yes.

[ArtMAME]

I would image the info you found for standard coin doors would apply to these as well...

Don't think there is much you can do if the original paint job is toast... re-painting would probably be your best option.

First tape off the coin slots and returns with masking tape. Then I usually sand lightly to remove rust and gunk.

You don't really have to completely remove all the old paint, but just dull it up a little.   Or you can remove all the old paint if it is easy to do.  (I have done it both ways with good results)  If you do decide to remove all the old paint, use a metal primer on the bare metal before you put the top coats on. 

 After that I just spray paint the front with Rustoleum Black for metal surfaces... I have mostly used the Hammered finish paint and it looks pretty good.

If you are painting the back of the doors as well, remove any coin mechs and mech frames that might be on there.

[am_monkee]

thanks for the suggestions- i appreciate it. i'm also going to have to wd-40 the mechs b/c when i push the coin reject button, it makes a horribly loud sound. oh well...a quick day project for this weekend. it's worth it...

[RayB]

ArtMAME: There is no paint on that coin acceptor. It's all unpainted metal.

[am_monkee]

yes, it's unpainted. but, the sanding was a great idea. i tried it and it took off what the steel wool pad wouldn't. the only problem now is debating on whether or not to replace the very old wires to hook it up to my ipac.

[RayB]

IPAC?
you mean this isn't going to be used to restore a Centipede cocktail?
 

[am_monkee]

man...i knew i was going to get called out on that from someone as soon as i wrote it. no, unfortunately the door is being put to use on a mame cocktail. but, at least the cab isn't a centipede (or other original) that i converted to mame. that, i feel, would deserve an angry face.