What's new
By:

Aero City - flooded, forgotten, found.

I got the top rear panel back as well. I was excited to get a bunch of new anodised washers in the mail too - but they’re the wrong size again and don’t seat the screws property. The data sheet had the dimensions I needed but the actual washer countersunk bit is smaller than stated. I put the panel on with them anyway just to see how some other colours look - but they’re protruding too much. The clear nylon washers are a bit chonky as well. I can fix all that in time. The idea with the colours is to match the orange/yellow/blue/black theme of the marquee. I went with a black ali volume knob (which doesn’t do anything in mono config) as well.
IMG_3843.jpeg
IMG_3849.jpeg
IMG_3851.jpeg
IMG_3853.jpeg
 
NFGx said:
That is a very thick coating on that CP, wow. If the doors were similar I'm not surprised they don't quite fit.
Click to expand...
Yeah it’s a bit disappointing. I experience that with a lot of service providers these days. It’s hard to find someone who just aces the job you’ve paid them for. If it annoys me I’ll just get the coin box door done again from scratch but go to a different place. Someone has made me a Raiden Fighters PCB support from your design. Thanks for sharing that. I’ll have it next week some time 👍🏼
 
The FG-1E ballast arrived from an EBay seller. I’m happy to say the light works. I tried out the repro marquee holder and it looks nice. Unfortunately there are a few micro scratches on the rear sheet that look like they were formed sitting on grit when they were cutting it out or whatever. They’re harder to see with the light off but with it on they’re obvious. Once I stick something in there it won’t be that bad, but I’ll give feedback to arcadeartrepro about it.
IMG_3889.jpeg
IMG_3899.jpeg
 
Last edited:
I did some experimentation with the buttons and joystick. I’m going with colours on the 1P panel to match the Sega marquee. I like these Nobi bullet lever handles from CQB Arcade. Thanks @xb74 - I’m trying out the carbon dust cover as well. I’ll be changing this artwork however to the style below. It will look less like a dick with the buttons in there. Dark pics never come up that well but it looks cool. When all the artwork is on it will look schmick.

IMG_3892.jpeg
IMG_3896.jpeg
IMG_3901.jpeg
IMG_3894.jpeg
IMG_3905.jpeg
 
Last edited:
Not long to go now. About a week I hope. My artwork has finished being restored from my scans, measurements, pics and even sending removed busted decals and the CP overlay to $pain. Here are some pics from Mikonos. He said it’s all high quality stuff printed on 3M permanent vinyl (CP surround) or chrome vinyl (CP and small stickers) then white ink with blue inks on top - then gloss clear polyester laminate. Everything colour matched of course. The headphone and volume stickers are a design I found online from someone who created a volume/headphone kit that is no longer sold. Thank you to that person wherever you are. I hope you don’t mind me copying your idea.
IMG_4013.jpeg
IMG_4014.jpeg
IMG_4016.jpeg
IMG_4015.jpeg
IMG_4017.jpeg
IMG_4018.jpeg
 
So I’ve been waiting and waiting for a few things to arrive. My japan moto nuts finally arrived. I got some chrome M4 nuts that I wanted that didn’t have ridges on the bottom - so they won’t chew into the powder coating. I swapped a few of these out in the cab - replacing a nut and washer. The various other nuts and bolts I got are just for other projects I’m thinking about. Some stuff I couldn’t remember why I got it but will use it one day I guess.

IMG_4047.jpeg
IMG_4046.jpeg
 
I wasn’t happy with the way the security Torx screws didn’t sit in the recessed washers properly so I bought some simple flat washers that were anodised. These took a month to arrive. Jesus Christ why? China and eBay are so dodgy. I ended using them instead across the external securing points of the cab. I also tried a dome head screw but stuck with the Torx. I used blue, orange, yellow and black to match the marquee.
IMG_4048.jpeg

New at the bottom - old at the top.
IMG_4049.jpeg
IMG_4051.jpeg

Tried the dome head but stuck with a Torx.
IMG_4050.jpeg
 
Some car stereo enthusiasts probably already know about these devices - I didn’t but it will solve a problem for me. This device made by KUERL “Keep Unlimited Exultant Relax Lives” turns speaker level audio into line level. They’re cheap as. This will allow me to connect up the speaker level L/R mono audio into the little amp and therefore have volume control. I bought some more Molex four way connectors (next day delivery - thank you RS Components) and wired it up but didn’t test it yet. While rooting around in the cabinet I got the stereo working as well. With the Raiden Fighters PCB volume in the middle the sound was distorted, but turning the volumes right down allowed me to get decent distortion-free audio through the amp.

IMG_4053.jpeg
IMG_4054.jpeg
IMG_4056.jpeg
IMG_4057.jpeg
 
I needed a few wins today because on a worrying note the tracking for all my decals shows as delivered yesterday - and they ain’t been delivered because I’ve been home. The sender is chasing it up for me but I really wanted them this weekend so I could finish the machine.

Edit: Crisis averted. The seller sent me the wrong tracking number so it’s still on the way.
 
Last edited:
Stokers said:
I really need to get on with my U4.. life has gotten in the way. This thread has made me want to look into an Aero City though..
Click to expand...
It’s hard to get motivated sometimes when precious spare time is limited. It’s been a fun restoration but I’m reeling at some of the expenses. I just hit go on the castors and leg levellers to come from DeJapan. $77AUD postage and about the same to buy.
 
Ziggy Cheetos Dust said:
It’s hard to get motivated sometimes when precious spare time is limited. It’s been a fun restoration but I’m reeling at some of the expenses. I just hit go on the castors and leg levellers to come from DeJapan. $77AUD postage and about the same to buy.
Click to expand...
Started a Neo19 restoration that's ended up costing almost 4k :(

1. I didn't realise how bad the condition of the cab was.
2. The respray and plastic repair got botched and had to be repaired by a different body shop properly.
3. Had to repro part of the cab (base frame)!
4. new art, new panels etc.

And it's still not finished...

I don't think i'll be doing another restoration for many years.
 
fuzzbuddy said:
Started a Neo19 restoration that's ended up costing almost 4k :(

1. I didn't realise how bad the condition of the cab was.
2. The respray and plastic repair got botched and had to be repaired by a different body shop properly.
3. Had to repro part of the cab (base frame)!
4. new art, new panels etc.

And it's still not finished...

I don't think i'll be doing another restoration for many years.
Click to expand...
Yeah that’s rough when things are a bit worse than first thought. Hopefully you’ll get there soon and have a chance to enjoy it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top