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Conflicts with Defender Cabinet Dimensions?
pmc:
I'm trying to build a cabinet very close to authentic dimensions but I'm finding conflicts.
I have a Williams Defender flyer I found somewhere on the net that shows the machine at 72" x 28.5"(w) x 32.5(deep).
Arcade Restoration Workshop shows actual measured dimensions at 70.5 x 26 x 26 (base plate).
http://www.arcaderestoration.com/index.asp?OPT=3&CBT=66
I figure that the depth discrepancy is because you need to add the coin-panel/control panel depth to the base-plate. No biggy there (close enough).
Width appears to be 26" on the outside. With 3/4 MDF. that's 24.5" on the inside. Very different than the flyer that shows 28.5" on the outside. Does anyone know why there's a discrepancy?
I want it to fit through most doors, and a 26x26 square baseplate seems to result in a very nice proportions. So I'll likely go with that. But I'd like to know if I'm cutting down from the original versus staying true to the original.
Lastly, control panel space on that cabinet is very narrow. 6.5" deep. But I've seen other homebuilts in that style with 8" panels
http://members.shaw.ca/kevinu/arcade/layout.htm
Bigger is better in this case (I'm doing 2-sticks with 6-buttons each plus 1/2 coin/start at the top. If there's room, I'll put a spinner dead center). But which is authentic in demensions? Anyone have experience trying to fit a full two-player layout in 6.5 of depth? Futile?
Any assistance would be appreciated. I'm ready to cut panels, but this has me scratchin' my head.
- Patrick
mahuti:
I don't have the time to check the dimensions right now on my original Defender cabinet, but I will sometime this evening.
The control panel is very small, but I managed to fit a 2 player fighter setup comfortably. I wouldn't put a spinner in the middle, though. I think the usable area is about 6 inches deep, the actual control panel is about 7 3/4" or 8" deep.
See the link in my signature to the Defender resto pics.... there's a page with details about the control panel.
If you really want the feel of a Defender cabinet, I would definately suggest picking up an original williams coin door (both the arcade and the pinball coin doors are almost identical)
paigeoliver:
The flyer might possibly have the crated dimensions listed on it. It is definitely not 28" wide. I have had a couple of the things, and they are the same width as every other cabinet. (Most all cabinets seem to be 24" - 25", and my Defender cabinets seemed the same width as all the rest).
pmc:
--- Quote from: mahuti on May 19, 2003, 10:48:22 am ---I don't have the time to check the dimensions right now on my original Defender cabinet, but I will sometime this evening.
The control panel is very small, but I managed to fit a 2 player fighter setup comfortably. I wouldn't put a spinner in the middle, though. I think the usable area is about 6 inches deep, the actual control panel is about 7 3/4" or 8" deep.
See the link in my signature to the Defender resto pics.... there's a page with details about the control panel.
If you really want the feel of a Defender cabinet, I would definately suggest picking up an original williams coin door (both the arcade and the pinball coin doors are almost identical)
--- End quote ---
Totally awesome pictures. Great detail I will definiately use as I cut the panels. I haven't seen a real cabinet in years (I grew up and the machines disappeared since I last entered an Arcade in the early 90's). Some detail has been hard to get from pictures. Yours help alot.
I'll definately get the coin door. That front panel will look naked without it! I figure I'll add it later when I find one (any suggested sources?).
I'm planning on swappable control panels with the same idea that you appear to use (IPAC mounted inside the cab and a (round?) IDE cable to interconnect). I can put the spinner on a second panel later since I agree, you don't really have the space for the spinner without interfering with Player-2's J-Stick. I only want the spinner for Tempest anyway (a really big reason though).
I really appreciate your help!
mahuti:
I'm glad I could be of help.
I can easily take detailed pictures of any parts of the cabinet as well, or get detailed measurements.
Though I am converting it to a MAME cabinet, I'm trying to keep the original feel to the entire cabinet (including the insides-- using the original defender power supply & power switches) Except for the orange t-molding... still I feel that is apropos.
As far as the coin door, I have an extra door that you could HAVE (plus shipping) but it's a bit beat up, though workable... needs some cleaning. You might have a hard time finding the mounting hardware for it, unfortunately. Ebay, though, seems to have a fair numer of them floating around, that's where I got my second door (mentioned above) I got that one for about 12$ You can find them in good shape for about $30. It was pretty easy to wire the coins, lights and standard coin mechs fit just fine.
You can try metalica@metrocast.net, a guy named Chris Ferland. He sold me the bezels for my coin door, and has more parts. He may have access to a williams coin door & mounting hardware.
If you are interested, I have vector Defender side art files, high DPI marquee scan, high dpi control panel overlay (an original & a custom version, with live dimensions marked on them, and a 2 player overlay vector file based on williams multicabs / joust... looks good with defender. I'd be willing to trade all for a high dpi picture of the monitor bezel / overlay or high DPI scan of the monitor overlay. I also have original wiring diagrams & various other scans from defender cabinets / doors.
Anyway, good luck with your project.