Ideas about building Atari cabaret cabinet - suggestions?

[joeycuda]

I've followed RGVAC for 10yrs, but just got on this forum.  Maybe you guys have some opinions about this:

I have a Battlezone mini project and the, while the front of the mini cab looks fine, the sides are very rough around the edges.  Top of the cabinet (3/4" presswood) is crumbling. .  I've owned 2 of the full size Bzones, and while the art and periscope are cool, they are a beast to move.  BTW - I'm usually a freak about originality, minimal restoration needed, etc..

I recently bought a Grizzly cabinet saw and I've built speaker cabinets out of 3/4" MDF.  I know this will be challenging, but I think a replacement cabinet is in the works.  My thoughts so far:

-disassemble old cabinet
-use as many of the original interior braces as possible
-use a cabinet side as a template, if possible, using flush trim bit
-make all replacement pcs (sides, top, etc) from 3/4 MDF, since much of that will be painted black
-instead of staples, use pocket joinery and Titebond glue
-premium woodgrain laminate

I'm thinking I could cut the cabinet pieces in a weekend.  I realize MDF will be heavy, but I can seal it, then spray it black, so that it looks very similar to the original cabinet.

The front will be very tricky.  Would be nice if I could reuse the front panel..maybe I can.  I could use the flush trim to easily cut the coin door hole, but the marquee recess would suck.

Of course, with all of that work, it would have to be a keeper and it would be the only mini in my collection.



Thanks for any advice,

Joey