Restoring an Arcade - My MVS 4 Slot, help / info?

Hi guys - I've only posted here a couple of other times. I am, however, a hard core lurker, about once a week or so. Last time I posted was almost immediately after I got my Neo Geo unit.

Well, I've calmed down a bit since then. I wanted to do everything at once and know everything at once about my unit, and I got some great help here. Eventually though, I just started playing and enjoying my machine. Now I'm going to start something that I feel is pretty ambitious.

Here is a link with a lot of pictures of my cabinet, and an introduction to what I want to do with my machine. The upshot is as follows:

1. I want my cab to look great. I mean, as close to factory as I can get, without costing a fortune. Basically, if it costs more than a cab that's still in good condition... Well, there's no point in doing it. The cab looks like crap now, so I'm thinking basically anything I do should be an improvement.

2. I want to see what can be done about my monitor - the colors are rich and true, the picture is stable, but it cannot be played with the lights on. There are pictures in the article, but I'm sure you've seen this before... I searched in this forum, and came up with a DESCRIPTION of my exact problem, but only a mention that it was easy to fix... NOT the actual solution!

3. I want to add emulation to the set up, without influencing the external look of the cab - I want it to look factory original. I have some great ideas to get a computer in there, and I think I know how to handle all the "dirty work". But if you've done this before, I'd love some assistance / know how.

Please let me know what you think of the project, where the pitfalls may lie, and if you have any advice.

Well..I really didn't look into the picks in your link or read it..(I will though)

In General..
If it was going to cost me a Ton of money to Make My Cab look like a Dedicated Cab or restore one that needed a lot of work and money to do so I'd just buy another Cab or an "Empty" Cab .

I love restoration and projects so doing all the work is something I like to do..
Sometimes taking an easier approach is less costly and easier..

Especially if you have most of what's needed to complete an empty cab.(25" Monitor,Board)

For example:

This seller had up and I think still has this Empty cab..(Didn't Sell)
Empty Neo Geo MVS 4-slot cabinet $49.99 MAME cab jamma Item number: 6172637303
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6172637303


If I lived near him I would of bought this.... or if I had a project to fill it/meaning spare monitor and Board..

The Control Panel can be found as he did have it listed as in the other parts.
I find the parts for this machine often on ebay..

Why I think he still has it because ,.looking at another of his current auctions I see it in the background.
Or it may be another..

My decision to restore has several facets to it:

-Love of the machine. It's cool, and I think I can get most of it done without spending a terrible amount of money.

-Experience. I don't own many power tools, etc - this may be an opportunity to get some with a minor justification, and learn how to use em. I grew up in an electrical house, not a mechanical one. I feel far more comfortable with the prospect of reading a schematic and replacing caps (minus the shock), than I do with sanding and painting.

-It was a gift. It's probably the most incredible gift I've yet received - my wife paid attention to what I was talking about, and without asking what I wanted, not only knew, but coordinated many of my friends to get this for me.

-It's already here. I don't have to gut it, dispose of its shell, etc. To me, restoration seems to make more sense than transferring, even if it'll cost a bit more money (it won't, unless I do something drastic like get a new monitor).


And, it's a great way to talk arcades with the folks on my board. Within a couple of minutes of posting that, one of the guys there found my monitor's schematic, repair manual, suggested a learning site, and (of course) pointed me to Bob Roberts. Gotta like that. I also did some research, and found costs for an expensive laminate (if I went all out), and a light-textured paint (makes more sense).

So, yeah, by the end of this, there will be one more Neo Geo in the world, not one less, or even 1/2 less.

I'm pretty pumped up about it - it'll be cool.

Now, if I could only figure out how to get the RF shield off my damn broken Intellivision II (so I can fix the video out). You know that they freakin welded those units shut?

I also figured out what the crud on my control panel was - OLD SODA POP. Yuck. But, it wipes right off! I think I have to unmount my joysticks to work with it, though.

larsoncc said:

My decision to restore has several facets to it:

-Love of the machine. It's cool, and I think I can get most of it done without spending a terrible amount of money.

-Experience. I don't own many power tools, etc - this may be an opportunity to get some with a minor justification, and learn how to use em. I grew up in an electrical house, not a mechanical one. I feel far more comfortable with the prospect of reading a schematic and replacing caps (minus the shock), than I do with sanding and painting.

-It was a gift. It's probably the most incredible gift I've yet received - my wife paid attention to what I was talking about, and without asking what I wanted, not only knew, but coordinated many of my friends to get this for me.

-It's already here. I don't have to gut it, dispose of its shell, etc. To me, restoration seems to make more sense than transferring, even if it'll cost a bit more money (it won't, unless I do something drastic like get a new monitor).


And, it's a great way to talk arcades with the folks on my board. Within a couple of minutes of posting that, one of the guys there found my monitor's schematic, repair manual, suggested a learning site, and (of course) pointed me to Bob Roberts. Gotta like that. I also did some research, and found costs for an expensive laminate (if I went all out), and a light-textured paint (makes more sense).

So, yeah, by the end of this, there will be one more Neo Geo in the world, not one less, or even 1/2 less.

I'm pretty pumped up about it - it'll be cool.]

Click to expand...

Awesome!!!!!!

Now, if I could only figure out how to get the RF shield off my damn broken Intellivision II (so I can fix the video out). You know that they freakin welded those units shut?

Click to expand...

"Try" here:
Technical and Restoration Society

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=24

If anyone would like to help...

Anyone here have some high-resolution shots of their logo work?

I'd like to make a template out of it.

Also, if anyone here can measure their cab's artwork location (where on the cab the artwork is), and the size of the lettering, that'd be great.

That way, when I put the logo work back on, I can be reasonably assured that it's in the right place.

Couldn't you just buy New Old Stock replacements, or reproductions?

Here are some logos:
http://www.mikesarcade.com/cgi-bin/store.pl?sku=SANEOGEO
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=13718&item=6182137159&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

If you need cab pictures try
hardmvs.

gamejunkie said:

Couldn't you just buy New Old Stock replacements, or reproductions?

Here are some logos:
http://www.mikesarcade.com/cgi-bin/store.pl?sku=SANEOGEO
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=13718&item=6182137159&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

If you need cab pictures try
hardmvs.

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Ditto..

......................................................................

I finally got around to reading your link.(will respond as I read it more)
This part made me laugh though....
(Click any picture to enlarge. Sorry about the cat's butt in this shot. She likes to rub against the Neo Geo and purr - something I do occasionally, but not while photos are being taken)

Credits leds:
Hmmm...I don't know why that happened,I guess with pics they could be wired up again.
IMO if you had soda under the CP overlay then it got into one of these and created a short..
These can be found on Ebay..(not sure where else,maybe Happs/Bob Roberts.

Control Panel:..You can take it off sand it down and repaint it..I did mine in the Big Red and I'll be redoing the Neo Golds soon.
Member Lithy just redid his Big Reds control panel..
I know you can buy the Control panel overlays on Ebay,I just have to find a link(If you need one)

Paint..sides etcI'd sand it all down and either paint it red or black and add the side art stickers in the above link..
(("One of my friends had the rather radical idea of replacing the side panels completely with new MDF (particle board) or other more durable wood (plywood?). "))
My brother in law has done this many times as he restores Arcade machine but he has All the tools and has a on the side Carpenter business(Fireman)
It's not easy as I can see but looks great afterward....(Depends on how bad the machine is to consider it)

Do you have the Glass for this cab..?..you can have that made if not.

What does the top of your machine look like?..Does it have a 4 Slot Larque Marquee in it.?.What about the Marquee lights/light..?

Those 1 and 2 player "plate" look unique..Curious,do they bolt off.?



..........................................................
Here's some RED MVS paint info :

a la Home Depot. I took a chunk of my 6-slot's front panel in (it had chipped off anyway).

Colorant OZ 48 96
KX White 0 2 0
R Exterior RE 3 36 1
U Magenta 0 8 1

It looks pink going on, but dries the correct color. A quart set me back $8.50

"Gideon

Good info. I saw the sticker shop before, but I haven't seen stickers on original MVSs ever. Have you seen stickers on any original units? The ones I saw had painted logos, or logos that were "built in" to the vinyl.

Couldn't you just buy New Old Stock replacements, or reproductions?

What's a New Old Stock replacement? I assume it is implicit in the title, but WHERE might I search for such items - was that your links, or are there other specific places?


if you had soda under the CP overlay then it got into one of these and created a short..

It's possible that they were given to me in non-working condition. They weren't plugged in when I got them, and yeah, at some point, soda was spilled all over the machine (way before I got the unit - it's crusty!). One worked for sure, the other, I don't know about - it may be shorted somewhere.

Do you have the Glass for this cab..?..you can have that made if not.

I only have the smoked (really dark) glass for this cab. I'm thinking I'll have it made, but have no idea where to go for it (furniture store? I don't know).

What does the top of your machine look like?..Does it have a 4 Slot Larque Marquee in it.?.What about the Marquee lights/light..?

Yes, and it's in good condition. The game plaques are old and curled, but 2 out of the 4 are original. The actual marquee still has great color and looks very nice. The florescent tube was dead, and I need to pick up a new one - mechanically, it looks in good shape, so it should work. I didn't have the key for the top, so I had to unscrew the top corner cover to get inside.

Those 1 and 2 player "plate" look unique..Curious,do they bolt off.?

Yes, they do bolt off. On a related topic, if I picked up that daughterboard for headphones / memory card, do I have to be specific about my motherboard revision, or are they all the same?

Also - THANK YOU for the red MVS paint info!!

I just completed a Big Red. I did it this way.
1) Took the CP off and totally sanded ,primed and painted it black. Bought a mylar repro Cp overlay $35 and 3M Super 77 spray glued it on. (Home use and cared for so I didnt put a plastic over it). It looks awesome.
2)Repaired monitor $75
3)Happ controls black bezel $12(made it worthwhile for shipping I added some stuff)
4)Cab had the full wiring harness.......SCORE
5)Bought a 4 slot off ebay $200
6)repairs coin door to full working order..Free from parts I have.
7)New Power supply Bob Roberts$25....of course I added momre to the order to make it worth while.
8) Yanked old marquee lights out and added a flouresant light(free I had)(home depot$15) Looks better than stock cause it lights up the top NEO GEO part.
9)1/4 monitor glass from local glacier $20.(beautiful finishing touch)
10)New T moulding $10
11)Can of Flat black from Home Depot(quart) $15 painted the black parts after prep...looks like new
12)Took silver metal corner protectors off, cleaned with fine steelwool and hit them with a spray laq finish(free)
13)New power cord $5
14)New Joys and buttons Bob Roberts $40
15)Empty cab with full wire harness no monitor $125(very good condition)

This took me 4 months to do. I worked on it when I had down time at work. Also got a bunch of help from the guys on this board. One being in this thread.



Total not including finding games and mini marquess $560.
Pros: Had a blast restoring this Neo Geo. While it is a bunch of money...I know whats in it and its mint.
Cons: Can't get any work done at my place of business because the game is there.

Some pictures of the beginning.....I dont want to post the finished product till I fill those empty mini marquee slots



I'll add some more for you tomorrow...so you can see what you can do !!!

Quazimoto said:

I'll add some more for you tomorrow...so you can see what you can do !!!

Click to expand...

Man did that come out nice..Great Job..

chris1 said:

Man did that come out nice..Great Job..

Click to expand...

Thanks Chris.....




Ok as promised...pictures of the completed Neo Geo 4 Slot BIG RED. Still wish I had the marquee filled......but hey...all in good time. This was my favorite arcade to date to restore......So it should not be hard to do...I found most of the parts and etc on ebay and you can too!!!!!!

ps I know....coin door is last thing to do.

restore it man its a fun little project and you will love it that much more after its done.

NOS side art:

http://www.arcadeshock.com/Browse_I...nt_ids/0,2,5/Name/NEO_GEO_System_Side_Cab_Art

reproduction art:

http://www.classicarcadegrafix.com/...ords=neo&search_request_button=Keyword+Search

these guys can make you a full vinyl for the sides of the cab.

good luck

Quazimoto said:

Thanks Chris.....




Ok as promised...pictures of the completed Neo Geo 4 Slot BIG RED. Still wish I had the marquee filled......but hey...all in good time. This was my favorite arcade to date to restore......So it should not be hard to do...I found most of the parts and etc on ebay and you can too!!!!!!

ps I know....coin door is last thing to do.

http://members.aol.com/kevinj58/NEO111.JPG
http://members.aol.com/kevinj58/NEO112.JPG
http://members.aol.com/kevinj58/NEO113.JPG
http://members.aol.com/kevinj58/NEO114.JPG

http://members.aol.com/kevinj58/NEO115.JPG

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WOW!! that looks Great!!

Hey,what other cabs do you have there...?

voodoodoctorx said:

restore it man its a fun little project and you will love it that much more after its done.


reproduction art:

http://www.classicarcadegrafix.com/...ords=neo&search_request_button=Keyword+Search

these guys can make you a full vinyl for the sides of the cab.

good luck

Click to expand...

Curious,do you know if they actually make the art smaller ?
I need a KLAX CP overlay but smaller then the original big cab size..I need it for a mini cab..
I also need the Side Art(the Hand) to be smaller too.

I see the part to add the measurements but I'm not sure what to really measure.


(As this link was posted in my KLAX thread too)

WOW...that did come out nice!. Congrats!

Thanks Chris and NGT ......Chris the other game is a dedicated Sega Die Hard 25"........but it runs PANG and other jamma puzzle games...thats at my store............I do the resto stuff there.....Its like a work shop...so easy to work on them when I have the time. Click the link below.....and scroll down to my home arcade games...it'll show what I have in my gameroom basement. If you look to the bottom of the page you will see the poor shape BIG RED was.

Game on !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://cgi3.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=quazimoto

chris1 said:

Curious,do you know if they actually make the art smaller ?
I need a KLAX CP overlay but smaller then the original big cab size..I need it for a mini cab..
I also need the Side Art(the Hand) to be smaller too.

I see the part to add the measurements but I'm not sure what to really measure.


(As this link was posted in my KLAX thread too)

Click to expand...

taken from the faq

"Sideart can be custom sized but only smaller than the listed dimensions. Control panels are not usually custom sizable because changing the size changes the button spacing and location therefore it is not recommended."

i had to look klax up in the KLOV ive never even heard of it.

voodoodoctorx said:

taken from the faq

"Sideart can be custom sized but only smaller than the listed dimensions. Control panels are not usually custom sizable because changing the size changes the button spacing and location therefore it is not recommended."

i had to look klax up in the KLOV ive never even heard of it.

Click to expand...

Thank You..

voodoodoctorx said:

restore it man its a fun little project and you will love it that much more after its done.

NOS side art:

http://www.arcadeshock.com/Browse_I...nt_ids/0,2,5/Name/NEO_GEO_System_Side_Cab_Art

reproduction art:

http://www.classicarcadegrafix.com/...ords=neo&search_request_button=Keyword+Search

these guys can make you a full vinyl for the sides of the cab.

good luck

Click to expand...

Wow, looking at this
Custom sides, I can see that it could be a bit on the expensive side... but it would be 100% accurate. I think I'm going to have to budget this out, see if I can hack it (plus any expenses from the glass replacement and monitor refurb/replacement).

Can someone tell me (as I only have seen the Big Red once) if all Neo cabs have the vinyl siding, or if they use a paint or a laminate in some cases?

It seemed to me that the big red I saw had like a "kitchen counter" style red laminate (paint?) with what seemed to be a painted / spray painted logo on it. Can anyone confirm?

Also, could anyone show me a cabinet that uses the "small square" vinyl Neo Geo logo set attached (see NOS link)? Basically, I'm wondering if that's going to end up looking like poop or not.

Quazimoto - Also, did you repair the monitor yourself, or call someone in?

No... I sent out the chassis......The vertical deflection collapsed....I did do a cap kit and bought a vert kit to fix it...but it didnt work...I think the mo mo's that I bought the kit from just used a generic WB K5000 instead of the U2000 kit I needed....ah...you live and learn . You gotta be careful and know what you are talking about when you deal with alot of these guys...especially technical stuff....I think alot of times they figure your not 100% sure what you are doing and sell you what they have on the shelf.

Oh another thing...if you want to go cheaper but restored looking on the sides....paint it red after sanding it...then buy the squares for $10 plus shipping.... I just got a set on ebay. It may not be NOS....but it will look good.

Quaz - Are your red sides a vinyl (plastic) laminate, a hard laminate, or painted?

Hard lam....actually thats why I left it the way it is....its got some scratches and scuffs.....but I didnt think it was worth the work and money to fix it to perfect. The sides of alot of my restored games get scuffs on them anyway...just from me moving them....and I'm very careful......its gonna happen.