Almost embarrassed to resurrect this thread after being away so long, but wanted to try to tie up a couple loose ends and throw up a couple newer (better) pics of the cab.
One the major issues left unsolved in the thread was my audio/speaker situation. As mentioned previously, I had originally purchased some nice Infinity car speakers to use, along with an amplifier. Well, as it turned out they didn't play nice with the CRT monitor and attempts to shield them myself failed. So, for a long time I was left with empty holes in my cab and speakers sitting on the floor behind the cab. Lame!
So eventually, after the burnout from the project subsided, I decided to tackle the problem. The challenge was I needed a high quality shielded speaker that wouldn't negatively impact the marquee lighting (i.e. cause shadows). This meant I couldn't really use computer speakers as they were all too bulky in their enclosure and most are too small -- or have poor acoustical characteristics -- out of them. So after some searching I ran across Dayton Audio RS100S-8 full range speakers. The key for me being that they are magnetically shielded, by all accounts good sounding, and relatively low profile. Bingo!
They are a bit smaller in diameter than the holes I had cut, so I had to improvise and built some plywood mounting 'plates' which I painted black and installed on the back side of the speaker panel. Once I installed speaker grills over the holes, it all blended in perfectly.
To power them, I found a Cambridge Soundworks Microworks system with subwoofer I had sitting around. This turned out to be a perfect solution and saved me some time because it has a remote (wired) volume control, which I was able to run up through the cab and mount on the back side of my control panel for easy access.
This solution sounds great, and in the end I'm honestly glad it worked out this way. I had not planned a subwoofer before, but it turned out to be a nice addition. Really gives the audio a nice full sound.
And a couple updated pics of the final product:
The only other major to-do item is to fix my TT spinner. Sadly, I never resolved the problem where MAME wasn't playing nice with the spinner connected on the Z-axis of the controller. I had to unplug it and it's never been used! I suspect the issue can be resolved with some additional tweaks and a recompile of MAME (ugh). I had tried that before without success, but I may give it another shot. My other option is to simply buy another opti-wiz and be done with it.
Oh, and on a separate note I just ordered some of these tokens from Santoro's site. I can't believe I waited so long, as they fit the theme of my cab PERFECTLY. I mean even down to the Galaga ship with rays behind it (my marquee) and the space invader on the opposite side (my coin rejects). And it also just so happens these are dated the same year I 'finished' my cab. It's like they were custom made for me!
Anyway, the machine has been an absolute hit with my family and friends, and a great conversation piece when we have parties and get togethers. My kids have really enjoyed it as well. Makes me proud to see them playing and enjoying the same great games I played when I was their age. I'm so thankful to this forum and all of the hobbyists and vendors out there that make it possible for us to build and enjoy these wonderful machines!