Restoring the classics…
Posts tagged Arcade
Tip Of The Day…
May 1st
The last week or so, I’ve slowly been making progress on the Galaga restoration. I don’t have any new pictures as it’s mostly “boring” work. All of the side art is stripped and the entire cabinet, both inside and out, has been sanded progressivly with 60 grit, 100 grit and then 150 grit sand paper. Last night, I was applying some MinWax Wood Hardener to the frayed edges. It is specifically designed to strengthen and reinforce decaying or rotting wood. You rapidly apply a couple of coats with a small disposable brush, in my case a 1″ brush. The can that the product comes in does not accomodate a 1″ brush so I had to pour it into another container for application. Here’s the tip….DO NOT pour it into a red Solo (plastic) cup. Styrofoam would probably not be a wise choice either. I was good for about 3 minutes (story of my life) before the acetone (or I assume it was the acetone) ate right through the cup and the contents began to spill all over my hands. An old coffee mug worked much better. Good thing the instructions specifically say to avoid direct contact with the skin! If the rain ever stops it’s on to applying some Bondo. Stay tuned….
A Restoration Begins
Apr 23rd
If you haven’t checked out the latest progress on the basement gameroom, head over to the photo gallery and check out the last 3 or 4 pictures which are of the almost completed project. I’ve still got a few games to move in and some cabinets to purchase and install on the non-gameroom side. Today’s post however, will not be about the gameroom. For the past few months, I’ve had a poll up asking which game restoration I should document next. It’s a three way tie at the moment between Donkey Kong, Centipede and Track & Field. The winner is…. Galaga! More >
Like A Kid In A Candy Store
Feb 24th
You would have thought last Sunday was Christmas day. I couldn’t sleep the night before and was up at the crack of dawn. To say I was excited was probably an understatment. Yet there was no Christmas tree, no stockings hung by the chimney with care. So why the excitement you ask? It was the day…the day my grail was coming home. I had arranged to pick up the machine at 10:00 that morning. Unfortunately, I was ready to go at 5 am! More >
The Quest For The Holy Grail
Feb 17th
Everyone in the arcade collecting hobby has a “grail”. While I’m not particularly fond of the term, it’s often used to describe the one game you must have in your collection. Rarely is a “grail” one of the more popular games like Donkey Kong or Galaga but rather a somewhat obscure game that you fondly recall playing over and over again.
If you’ve taken the time to read the About page on this site (and who wouldn’t want to learn as much as they can about a guy that collects arcade games as a hobby), you’ll know that there is one game I have been seeking for almost 15 years now. It’s not an arcade game…it’s a pinball machine. Stick with me, this will be one of the lengthiest posts I write…. More >
Centipede Control Panel
Dec 29th
I’ve got to admit, last night was the most nervous I’ve been in my brief stint as an arcade collector. I decided it was time to apply a brand new control panel overlay on Centipede. “Why the nerves?”, you might ask. Sure a new reproduction overlay isn’t terribly expensive but you only get one shot to do it right. Everything needs to line up properly and the overlay applied without air bubbles. One slip and it’s going to look terrible. Most people probably wouldn’t notice a slight misalignment or a minor air bubble. I would and it would drive me nuts! More >