Scavenger arcade

[KapnKerfuffle]

I was looking at this link and having a laugh over it.

Ultimate Hobo Arcade

But it got me to thinking...
Has anyone here ever considered building a cab totally out of found parts? 

I'm not talking about a refurb cab, but a totally customized cab made for $0.  I think it would be an interesting challenge.  You could probably find the wood and even a computer pretty easy.  The hard part would be finding or building your own controls.  I think it would be cool to build your own joystick out of microswitches you find on old refrigerator lights or something similar.  Could you make a cab for $0?  Anyone ever attempt this or something similar?

[ark_ader]

I used to think with all the unusual crap you find on the side of the road, you could build anything.

[Mauzy]

Ive thought about a "found" cab for a while. I have all the guts to one (old computer from the trash, playstation 2 to usb adapter that was given to me) but I've never known how to execute a cabinet with found materials...

[SavannahLion]

Not that I think highly of his work or anything, but Xiaou has a website somewhere that illustrates some truly old school or bottom of the barrel (literally) building techniques for his er... cabinet. If I recall correctly, he constructed a Star Wars yoke based on plans from another builder using carved wood and PVC pipes and simple springs. He constructed a simple Hi/Lo shifter using a piece of metal tubing or pipe, a bit of wood and a common house light switch. I don't recall any of the other work he's done however.

[Jack Burton]

I fantasize about this constantly.   

To be up and playing games you need:


Display device- TV, PC monitor, Projector, whatever

input device- buttons of some type.  They don't have to be arcade buttons.  Joysticks are not needed.  Many arcade games play just fine with a buttons only interface.

wires- time to scrounge around and cut the cords off some old stuff.

guts- any old game system will do.  A computer would be best, but a PS2 would also work nicely.

controller- hack up a controller.

a cabinet-  Saw up coffee tables and countertops.  You can even turn the one in the kitchen into a cocktail if you cut its legs in half!

[CheffoJeffo]

Not that I think highly of his work or anything, but Xiaou has a website somewhere that illustrates some truly old school or bottom of the barrel (literally) building techniques for his er... cabinet. If I recall correctly, he constructed a Star Wars yoke based on plans from another builder using carved wood and PVC pipes and simple springs. He constructed a simple Hi/Lo shifter using a piece of metal tubing or pipe, a bit of wood and a common house light switch. I don't recall any of the other work he's done however.

http://xiaou2.homestead.com/arcade.html

Whatever differences he and I may have, he is definitely a creative guy.

Edit: Be sure to do a Select/All to see the text (it's black on black)