Vintage Cocktail Cabinet Control Panels...

[slapaham]

Perhaps a bit daft as I haven't got one YET... but I wanted to get my head around what it is that I want exactly. There is a possibility of me picking up a vintage Irem generic cocktail table soon-ish. I'm going to rewire it for jamma but want to keep everything else pretty much original - this includes the control panels. However, I'd like a 3 button set-up as this will allow for much more compatibility with games (I may J-Pac it as well) - The guy says there will be plenty of space to drill 2 extra button holes to allow for this but I have to say, it kills me modifying original hardware. So, my question is (I know the answer might vary from machine to machine but I haven't got any photos yet!) - do most cocktail tables from the late 70's upto mid 80's have control panels which are removeable? And if so, do they have metal plates that are removeable? What shape are they usually? The reason I ask is because I can probably ask my CNC machinist mate to make me two new plates which I can swap out with the originals while I'm using it and keep the originals in storage. If this is a possibility I would be very happy as I could make whatever custom control panels I wished!

If anyone can offer any feedback/advice/tips, I'd be very grateful!

 

[NOP]

Miday machines use a metal CP, and they are not only removable, they are easily replaceable and you can buy new pieces of metal and make your own.   I don't know anything about irem's.

My Galaga machine has (IIRC) a 9" CP, and I did a 3 button layout like this:

http://waste.org/~winkles/winterMAME/pix/IMG_0145.jpg

[slapaham]

Cool... thanks for that... your cocktail looks good!

I'm assuming most/if not all have removeable plates... but just wanted to see what people had to say as I'm not massively familiar with vintage cocktail tables (I've got a big collection of candies )

I've seen some more like this...



... that are stepped... however, they shouldn't be too difficult to CNC from what my friend has told me..

I guess the good thing will be if it is removeable is that I can remove the existing panel... measure it up, design the layout and then it will be just a case of manufacturing it twice over... artwork should be cheap as well as the control panels on these aren't usually particularly big or cumbersome.

[bkenobi]

You don't need a CNC to build that CP plate.  You need a break and a way to cut the holes.  I'm guessing a hole saw would be best for the larger round holes and a punch for the square ones.  Either way, this is not even a challenge for someone with a machine shop.

[slapaham]

You don't need a CNC to build that CP plate.  You need a break and a way to cut the holes.  I'm guessing a hole saw would be best for the larger round holes and a punch for the square ones.  Either way, this is not even a challenge for someone with a machine shop.

Well, that's definitely reassuring. To be honest, my friend will probably be able to do this for me very cheaply and as it will be CNC'd the production will be of a higher standard... Thanks for the info!

I'm just trying to think of artwork now... I want it to be sympathetic to the styling of the cabinet.