Would this ms pac man be worth it to restore?

[Arcadejp]

Never done this before but would be willing to learn, the cabinet is ms pacman with stern on the sides. Guy wants 175 and says when plugged up it just hums. I'm going to call tomorrow to see if a picture comes up or anything when plugged in. Here's the ad I'm referring to. http://tricities.craigslist.org/vgm/3703395097.html

[IG-88]

Worth it to restore as a Ms Pac or a Berzerk which it looks like it once was. I would get it and make it back into the Berzerk..

[Arcadejp]

I don't know what the berserk thing is your talking about but if this thing was complete junk and wasn't fixable, what do you think would be a good price to offer? I ask because if I can't fix it, at least I would have the cabinet I could maybe use for a multicade arcade project.

[IG-88]

Berzerk was a video game from 1980. GREAT game made by Stern. IIRC Stern put that game into the style of cab you see in that picture. Along with several other games in that era. If you are wanting an authentic Ms. Pac you won't be "restoring" it in that cabinet. Ms Pac was made in a totally different style of cabinet. What you would be doing is a rebuild of a conversion. Not being able to see the cab very well from the pictures provided it's hard to tell if it is worth the $175. Your area has a fairly active collector base so if it was a steal it would be gone already.

If you are wanting to build a mame machine. Build one from scratch. There are tons of plans to be found on the internets. You could build it to your specifications  and you wouldn't be hacking up a classic machine which sometimes is frowned upon...

[Arcadejp]

Thanks for your reply, I see what you meant by the cabinet, the top is totally different. Ill probably skip it then and build one of the mame machines once I figure out the process. Thanks for your help though. How much would a ms pac man in good condition be worth paying for? I ask because another person is selling one for $500 but haven't got a picture yet

[IG-88]

Depends on your area and what YOU consider to be in good shape. My buddy and I just bought one on auction last Sat for $450. It had a million "miles" on it so to speak but was working and not water damaged. (which is a major hurdle IMO to restoration). You won't just find a 7-9 out of 10 (10 being a primo cab) in my area for under $1000 unless you're damn lucky. Where you are at, there may be more to choose from. I live in an arcade desert so to speak.

Best thing to do if you are really interested in getting into the hobby of collecting arcade cabs is start meeting people and get your name out there. I will bet there is someone here or over on KLOV that lives in your area that has some connections... The best deals to be found are by a friend of a friend if you know what I mean.

If you just want to build a mame machine for now to see how you like it then you are at the right place! These mothers on this forum know their stuff. There are some amazing things done here!

Oh, and you are welcome!    You will not believe how fun this can be!