Need to Replace about 14" on Tron Base

[whoamonga]

Okay, I'm trying to weigh my options here.  I've got a Tron cab that looks good from top, to about 14 inches off the bottom... where it sat in water for a length of time.  The base has crumbled away, leaving a free floating IT and other goodies, and there's a water mark that goes up about 10" off the bottom.

I'd like to restore this bad boy as it'd make for a fun project, but I have limited tools, know-how, and space.  I'm just trying to avoid parting it out... but it doesn't have the game board or linear power supply... stuff I'd have to buy later.

I was thinking about taking a skil saw and chopping off the bottom 14 inches, and cutting new replacements out of the same style of wood.  It's pretty thin stuff, maybe 1/4" ?  I didn't know if that was enough space to use biscuits to help hold the wood together, or if I should use some sort of internal support. 

I read the stickied post about replacing bottoms, but this is a little more drastic.. I'd be bondo-ing up alot higher.  This isn't a problem as I'd like to learn, but I'm worried about stability.

So, all you experienced buffs out there, what would you tell somebody in my shoes?  I've got some of the tools needed for this like the sander, skil, bondo, and wood... but I'd need to invest in a jig and whatever's used to cut placements for biscuits (3" cutting wheel?).

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[ChadTower]

Make it shorter?   

You should be able to replace the bottom just like those directions but with added internal supports for the joinery.

[moloch]

I am kind of in the same boat. I just got a tron this last week and the bottom is pretty bad. The game works and everything is there, but the bottom is showing some serious water damage at some point and I want to replace it as well. I was thinking of following the directions for the bottom replacement and doing it one side at a time.

I will not be doing this until the end of the winter though. I have too many other projects and want to save this one for later - especially since my cabinet does work "as is" for now......

[Xiaou2]

Just an FYI.. Dont use a Jigsaw for such a project.   Those tend to make inaccurate cuts
which will be a huge problem with this project.   The blades are thin and they are
prone to bending... and thus often create angles cuts.   Its also hard to keep them in
a straight line.

 You will need to get a circular saw for this job.

 
 Once you build the cabs bottom,  simply put internal vertical 2x4 structures inside it,  sticking up about  6" past the bottoms top edge.    Then you can fasten the cabs top to the 2x4s internally.     And if you are really paraniod..  you can also glue wood sections
to the seam areas that are not covered.

[ChadTower]

It's not a bad way to go except I'd recommend a hardwood brace for more strength.  Pine may work but why go to all that effort with a loose grained support?

[whoamonga]

I'll try and post some pics and show you guys what I'm talking about.