Thanks for the comments guys - makes all the effort worthwhile!!!!
Hey electricgrave, I'll try and answer your questions as best I can.
First off the vinyl sides and front. I took a sample of the original material to a local sign-makers, and asked if they had anything similar that could be cut to the required sizes - and they had
. I ordered 2 x sheets of 52" x 42" vinyl for the sides and a 35" x 17" panel for the front - I wanted to have plenty of excess, just in case I messed up with centralising the material over the component.
The vinyl was interesting, as it came with both a front and rear protective sheet. Peeling off the front revealed the shiny finish, the latter the adhesive glue. The idea being that the protective front sheet is left on during application, allowing you to force the vinyl on to the suface without damaging the material. A wide spatula (provided by the sign-maker) was used vigorously, working from the top down to minimise the risk of air bubbles forming under the vinyl.
Once applied, I cut around the sides with a fresh Stanley blade, left the adhesive to dry out (the bond gets stonger once the adhesive 'settles') and then removed the protective front sheet.
As you mention, the lettering is laser cut. I carefully removed the original 'SNK', 'MVS', 'Neo-Geo', 'Left/Right Player' and memory card sticker and retacked them to thin card. The split plexi-glass marquee holder and the various off-cuts were then presented to the sign-maker. I also left one side of the cab artwork in tact, as a reference for measurement during reapplication.
I must say that the sign-maker produced a stunning marquee replica, the quality of which surpassed the original for fit finish and depth of colour. The plexiglass was laser cut and drilled, and the vinyl applied from the inside-out (much like a window-screen sticker, but without any discernable colour loss).
The sign-maker was also kind enough to brief me on the methodology for accurate letter placement, using a masking-tape hinge - invaluable for this sort of work, and I'm relieved to say that I didn't mess up through out the process (very unusual for me
)
On to the CPO, this was ordered from arcadeoverlays a couple of weeks ago. Their product is very nice, but not necessarily faithful to the original in terms of finish. The material is a mottled, matt affair, rather than the glossy screen-printed polycarbonate of the original. That said, I actually prefer the arcadeoverlay product, purely because it matches the finish of the powder-coating on the CP
It also features an industrial grade adhesive, is easy to cut, of sufficient substance to maintain form, and looks to be very resilient.
Think that's about it dude. Hope this info is of some help.
Cheers
Savage Entertainer
.
- almost copped it when the second Egret was installed 
, and there's still controversy when the sounds of Ketsui interfere with Coronation Street 
Still the cabs all ready for my next home - which will have a dedicated games room!!!
