Protecting a 2-slot ... sort of

This didn't really seem like a tech support thing but if it should be there, please feel free to move it.

When I bought my MV-2F (the big version, as pictured in my sig link), it came with no metal cover at all, which leaves it pretty exposed. I'd like to cover it with something.

Obviously, the best solution would just be to put it in a cab and be done with it. That's the long-term plan but right now, space and money are problems.

Neo Si's boxes are gorgeous but waaaay out of my price range.

I also thought about just buying a metal cover and powder coating it or something but that would require finding a cover first, and most people with this board seem to want theirs.

The consolized 1-slot for sale on Southtown Homebrew got me thinking, though. If I could mount the board to some sort of base and then put a plastic plate (lexan?) over the top (with holes cut for the cart slots), I'd have a nice and unique setup, with some protection for the board.

I guess what I'm asking is:

1. In the case of the consolized 1-slot pictured, what's that top panel made of?
2. What's a good way to get that cut? I have no dremel skills.
3. What do people ususally use for a base for consolized MVS boards?

It appears to be just a sheet of plexiglass with plastic risers... it shouldn't be that hard to just put a plexiglass casing over a 2-slot, just measure the cart slots as accurately as possible (so no dust can enter when you have a cart in) and just cut a notch out of the bottom on the front for the Jamma harness and you should be set. It shouldn't be too bad to get the general look on the plexiglass and have someone else clean it up a little bit. Also I think the bottom sheet is usually just more plexiglass, although I usually see it as colored.

I am pretty sure the bottom is not plexy but more like an ABS. I would go with lexan over plexi for the simple reason that lexan is easier to work with because it doesn't shatter like plexi.

If you go this route, you could consider having the back side of the lexan/plexi painted. It would leave a nice gloss to the image on the top.

Grinwing said:

I am pretty sure the bottom is not plexy but more like an ABS. I would go with lexan over plexi for the simple reason that lexan is easier to work with because it doesn't shatter like plexi.

Click to expand...

Sounds good. Does anyone have any suggestions for sourcing the ABS base material and lexan? A quick look at Home Depot's and Lowe's sites turned up nothing useful.

Grinwing said:

If you go this route, you could consider having the back side of the lexan/plexi painted. It would leave a nice gloss to the image on the top.

Click to expand...

That's the idea. The airbrush thread + the clear console top is what really got me excited about this. Although I don't think I would airbrush it (again, lack of money and skills), I could probably come up with a good solid color for it (blue or red maybe) and have it look really nice.

I made the one on Southtown, so I can tell you exactly what it is, haha! The top is plexiglass that I got at Home Depot. They have a whole section of it and lexan. I used plexi becuase it was plenty tough and easy to cut. The bottom is made of 1/2 MDF which I routed and painted. I then used aluminum standoffs to mount everything. There you go!

loopyeddie said:

I made the one on Southtown, so I can tell you exactly what it is, haha! The top is plexiglass that I got at Home Depot. They have a whole section of it and lexan. I used plexi becuase it was plenty tough and easy to cut. The bottom is made of 1/2 MDF which I routed and painted. I then used aluminum standoffs to mount everything. There you go!

Click to expand...

Well that certainly removes the guesswork then; thanks!

Do you have any suggestions for cutting the holes for the cart slots? I haven't worked with plexi or lexan so this is sort of uncharted territory for me. Will I be able to just drill out the spacer holes with a regular bit or do I need something special?

Murray said:

Well that certainly removes the guesswork then; thanks!

Do you have any suggestions for cutting the holes for the cart slots? I haven't worked with plexi or lexan so this is sort of uncharted territory for me. Will I be able to just drill out the spacer holes with a regular bit or do I need something special?

Click to expand...

As far as cuttin out the cart holes, I'm not sure. To cut mine down, I just scored it then snapped, but that won't work for you. Why do you even need a top layer when it already is covered with the metal cover? As far as drilling goes, yeah, you can use a regular bit.

Check out the link in his sig and you'll see

loopyeddie said:

As far as cuttin out the cart holes, I'm not sure. To cut mine down, I just scored it then snapped, but that won't work for you. Why do you even need a top layer when it already is covered with the metal cover? As far as drilling goes, yeah, you can use a regular bit.

Click to expand...

Mine didn't come with the metal cover ... if it had, this would be a complete non-issue. I'd have powder coated it already and it would be done.