Gut Cabinet, or buy Kit?

[Cozmo]

hello all...been lurking here for a while, reading reading reading.....first post, just got approved

I've done allot of research, and found few systems I like the size/layout/aesthetics of...looking for min of 27" & 4 players.  I've found some, thought I had it all sorted, and was getting ready to start a stand-up build, and ran into a dilemma....

I can acquire a Atari Gauntlet Dark Legacy system, within driving distance, near mint condition, fully working, for not much more then a similar shaped precut kit would cost for the cabinet alone.

1) is this a rare/limited/coveted machine??  Will I catch flak for gutting this to make an emulator system?

2) is it worth the work required to convert an existing cabinet, versus buying new?

3) I've been unable to find much on this system/cabinet/specs online....can anyone point me in the right direction?



thanks, looking forward to this build, and participating in this community

[mwong168]

First off do you have all the necessary tools (table saw, router, drill, etc) and skills to make a cabinet from scratch?  I don't so a few years ago I acquired a mint MKII cabinet for $400 off craigslist.  At the time I figured materials and tools to make a cabinet from scratch would run more then $400 and it won't look as polished either without buying artwork from mamemarquees to dress it up.   I was planning to gut and use a J-PAC and ArcadeVGA card to take care of video and make use of the existing monitor. This combination works but bear in mind it will run you over $150 once you factor in the shipping, taxes and possible brokerage and handling fees.  This is also assuming that Gauntlet Dark Legacy is JAMMA based too but I'm sure someone will chime in shortly.

ArcadeVGA $87.00
http://www.ultimarc.com/avgainf.html

J-PAC $59.00
http://www.ultimarc.com/jpac.html

Then you have to buy another interface such as an I-PAC4 or KeyWiz (ps2 interface) GPWiz (usb interface) combination from GroovyGameGear since you want to have a 4 player control panel.

I-PAC4 $65
http://www.ultimarc.com/ipac1.html

or

KeyWiz $35.95
http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=76_80&products_id=303

GPWiz $37.95
http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=76_81&products_id=235

As you can see from my signature, I ended up starting my showcase build from scratch last summer with the help of my retired brother in-law who had his own company making wood furniture for over 35 years.  The MKII cabinet I sold because my original plans of moving it down to my games room in my basement never worked because it couldn't fit down the stairs so it sat in the corner of my living room for 2 years.  Wife wasn't very happy and with my baby girl due soon we needed the extra room so put up a few feelers on craigslist/kijiji and ended up making a small profit off it for someone who was looking for this game.

Having gone through some of the decisions and research I have done over the years I would say build from scratch.  It's a hobby and the process of seeing your creation from paper plans to completion is very satisfying.  Also good to know how things are wired so if you ever come into any problems you know exactly how to troubleshoot.  Since the cabinet you are buying if functioning probably better to just leave it alone or search for a non functioning cabinet and gut that instead.  If you need the plans for this cabinet I have the Midway MK plans which you can use as a starting point.  If there is one thing I learned from using other people's plans is that you will always change them as you go alone to suit your own needs.  You can also check out jakobud.com which has plans for a few popular cabinets there.  Good luck with whatever you decide.