Project attempt #2 - Mortal Kombat mame panel almost done

[MK3FAN]

Looks good. Did you use 1 1/4" or 1 1/8" bit for the stick holes? Looks like they are 1 1/8." They are supposed to be 1 1/4." Also, make sure you route out a gap around the joystick holes for the dust washers, unless you plan to have them on top of the plexi instead.

[Gatsu]

Thanky. It took a lot more work than it should have to get it to this point.

I used 1 1/8" for all the holes. Does it need the extra space for stick motion? Just curious because I haven't had any issues with 1 1/8" holes for the competition sticks before.

I'm gonna put the dust washers on top of the plexi to cover up my crappy routing skills. lol.

As for the side art, did you remove the original art from your MK1 before you installed the new side art? Or did you just cover up the original?

[MK3FAN]

Thanky. It took a lot more work than it should have to get it to this point.

I used 1 1/8" for all the holes. Does it need the extra space for stick motion? Just curious because I haven't had any issues with 1 1/8" holes for the competition sticks before.

I'm gonna put the dust washers on top of the plexi to cover up my crappy routing skills. lol.

As for the side art, did you remove the original art from your MK1 before you installed the new side art? Or did you just cover up the original?

1 1/8" should be ok, but all the factory machines had a 1 1/4" hole. I sanded down my original sides to make them as smooth as possible, painted them black to reveal any imperfections I needed to re-sand and then applied the art. If you go that route, make sure it's a high-gloss paint so you have the best chance for maximum artwork adhesion.

[Gatsu]

Ah so it would be better to remove the old art then. I don't have the space in my apartment to lay it out and paint it. Not a good idea to paint indoors anyway. So I may need to transport it somewhere to work on temporarily when I get to that point.

As for the dust washers on the original control panel, since the joysticks are mounted under, is it layered between the metal plate and wood? Or is it between the wood and the joystick?

[MK3FAN]

Ah so it would be better to remove the old art then. I don't have the space in my apartment to lay it out and paint it. Not a good idea to paint indoors anyway. So I may need to transport it somewhere to work on temporarily when I get to that point.

As for the dust washers on the original control panel, since the joysticks are mounted under, is it layered between the metal plate and wood? Or is it between the wood and the joystick?

No, you don't want to remove the old art. The new art will not stick very well to the rough wood under the original factory art. Just sand it down (not completely off, just to make is smooth) and install the new art over it. You don't have to paint the sides if you don't want to. I do just to help me see the areas that I might need to work on more to smooth out.

The original washers are between the metal panel and the wood in a little routed out area around the joystick hole.

[Gatsu]

No, you don't want to remove the old art. The new art will not stick very well to the rough wood under the original factory art. Just sand it down (not completely off, just to make is smooth) and install the new art over it. You don't have to paint the sides if you don't want to. I do just to help me see the areas that I might need to work on more to smooth out.

The original washers are between the metal panel and the wood in a little routed out area around the joystick hole.

Ah that's good. I wasn't looking forward to possibly having to move the cab somewhere else to paint it. Last time I left a project at someone elses place, it ended up being ruined.

Thanks again for all your help and info. It is IMMENSELY appreciated.

[MK3FAN]

You're more than welcome. I know how frustrating it can be having a project stall because there's know one to help.