First MAME project, Need some input

[dieseldogpi]

I picked up an old atari 720 cabinet that was converted to a single slot neo geo cabinet.  I need some ideas on what to do with this cab, more specifically, the marquee area.  As you can see from the pics, the speakers take up most of the marquee area, with only a small cut out for light (its actually a regular light bulb behind there).  Im not sure if I just want to leave it and come up with a small marquee, or rebuild the upper area to be more conventional (then I think I should do something different). Thanks for the input.

[IG-88]

Looks like a cool project. I'd leave it as it is. (marquee) Since it's your first you may not want to tackle too much. Your call of course.

Got a few 720 lovers on here so you may catch some flack. 

And that avatar of yours is disturbing! Freaked my 4 yr old out! 

[dieseldogpi]

Sorry about the avatar, its just how i feel at work everyday. I was thinking that some 720 lovers might get pissed.  Its not a game I would be interested in.  Feel bad if this is one of those cabinets your not supposed to MAME.

[IG-88]

Don't sweat it. It's your cab. Do what you want with it. Some guys get really bent out of shape over it. I think it will be a cool project!

Should've seen my son! Doesn't hurt him to get freaked out once in a while.

[dieseldogpi]

Well if it makes anyone feel better, the 720 cabinet was already hacked up.  Where they put the new control panel, they cut away some of the original cabinet.  So hopefully the 720 fans won't be too pissed.

[Turnarcades]

720 may not be everyone's cup of tea, but original cabinets in good shape that had unique design or unique controls should really be left as is and restored.

That said, it will make a nice cabinet for conversion and as you've already started you may as well carry on.

[dieseldogpi]

Well I haven't started anything really.  All I did was tear it down and try cleaning it up a bit.  I wouldn't mind working something out with someone who specifically wanted this cabinet.  Like I said, I'm not looking for a restoration or anything, just looking to MAME. 

[IG-88]

I really wouldn't worry about it too much. Maybe if you have some of the original 720 parts that you can "part" with, and see if someone needs them for a restore, you may receive good karma in return! Especially since someone has hacked it up already.

[dieseldogpi]

Since I got the same response on the KLOV forum, which I figured was more on the restoration side then the MAME side, I am going to go ahead as planned.  If anyone does have any cool ideas, let me know.

[Turnarcades]

Well for a start, don't forget to rotate your pics when you post! Seriously though, the steep angle of the monitor section and the open control panel area would make this good for a 4-player conversion as the viewing angle is going to be good. You could also mount a couple of those sound-reactive 'crackle discs' in front of those forward-facing speakers in the marquee area.