WTB (Commissioning) Custom-Built Vewlix (Black+Walnut Finish)

[socalcade]

I'm looking for someone to build me a black-and-walnut Vewlix cabinet. I'm fine getting the monitor, PC, and parts installed -- just need the cabinet maker. I'm located in SoCal but can pretty easily make a road trip to the surrounding states to pick up the cabinet, and if you're elsewhere I'll pay for shipping.

The wife's said it has to blend in with the furniture, and we've agreed that black + walnut finishing will blend in enough with our stuff. Here's a pic from ArcadeWorx's Vewlix Diamond Clone, but note that this isn't actually walnut or a solid wood; their kit's all MDF/Melamine. I think I'm okay if the black isn't a solid wood (obviously), but I want real wood on the sides for aesthetics. If you're interested or know someone who might be able to produce it, leave a post here and shoot me a PM. Thanks! Of course I'll be posting a thread if I ever get this puppy built.

 

[PascalP]

Would it be an option to get a Vewix Diamond Black and if the wife is not happy to wrap some parts in walnut vinyl or something?

Also you pic is not working for me somehow?

 

[socalcade]

oops, edited and fixed.

I suppose that is a thought; i don't have vinyl wrapping experience but could probably learn or have someone do it. While i wait for a builder, I'll see if I think it'll work. I remember a lot of gray on that cab but maybe i'm mistaken.

The diamond black also seems to only come in 1p? And I have a MAME pc I plan on putting in, so I don't need most of what comes in a Vewlix. Definitely seems possible, though.

 

[Aurich]

Where in SoCal are you?

Arcade Shock in Torrance has a modding team that specializes in vinyl wrapping (they do cars too) and know all about doing it for sticks, I'm sure they could do a cabinet.

Real Vewlixes are single player panels for the most part. But for what you're asking for just get a Chinese clone and have it wrapped, no point in holding out for the real thing just so you can gut it and change it, at that point the clone will offer you more of what you want (like a 2 player panel).

I'd go that route. You're unlikely to find someone who will build this mythic beast for you, this is a do it yourself or don't kind of project honestly.

 

[ekorz]

I would bet your best option is just to contact arcadeworx (or another custom clone shop) and see if they can modify the parts you want. Vinyl wrap might come in walnut. Maybe they can use walnut veneer in parts, that’s real wood.

A general woodworker is going to have a bad time recreating anything close if it’s their first time, and at least those guys have experience with cloning arcade cabs. Solid wood is also going to be a pain in the ass to work with here, getting all the right bevels, joints, etc not to mention the actual curve at the top of a vewlix. Let alone keeping everything solid in the long term (wood changes shape over time). Unless you pay a really pro craftsman and that’s gonna be a considerable expense.

 

[Derick2k]

Welcome!

Like suggested, get a vewlix clone or a real vewlix and have the plastic parts wrapped in a wood veneer or vinyl. or you could send out the plastic parts and have someone reproduce them for you out of the wood you want.

If going for the real vewlix get an Orange diamond, it already comes with a 1080p screen and it will save a ton of $$ over a black diamond. You would just have to replace a few things, the plexi marquee that says vewlix (since its red), the control panel holder to plate (because its stainless steel) you probably want it black. For the control panel, I would just have a custom one laser cut to fit your needs for joysticks/buttons etc and have someone do an overlay for you the way you want.

As far as woodworking guys, check on IG, a lot of guys on theri that do a lot of custom woodwork. I like this guy, he comes up with a lot crazy/neat stuff furniture wise
Ramon Valdez https://www.instagram.com/ramonartful/?hl=en

Please share your progress/results and good luck whichever way you go.

 

[socalcade]

You guys really are the best forum around, wow! Reminds me of the good old days before reddit.

@Derick2k what's the difference between the Orange and a Black, exactly? Can't seem to find a spec sheet that calls them out. Just the cosmetic things and monitor like you mentioned? Will absolutely share progress. I've seen some pretty great looking XBOPS4s wrapped in vinyl, like these

@Aurich torrance isn't far for me, thanks for the rec! Will keep the chewlix option in mind. There seems to be a high number of proper vewlixes in LA sold by KC, so I might just go that route if I'm unable to get this thing built.


@ekorz yeah I'm working with Arcadeworx via email. Even with expensive shipping, the cost is still not awful (favorable AUD - USD exchange rate). Point heard re: solid wood and movement.

 

[Derick2k]

Orange Diamond and Black Diamond are basically identical as far as specs same 1080p monitors and such. Just the color scheme is different Also, with the orange you might get a few extra pieces/parts you could sell for a little extra cash, like the IO, wire harnesses, etc..

Contact @kcarcadegame I bought an Orange Diamond from him that was mint, not a single scratch on it.

 

[muckyfingers]

I'm looking for someone to build me a black-and-walnut Vewlix cabinet. I'm fine getting the monitor, PC, and parts installed -- just need the cabinet maker. I'm located in SoCal but can pretty easily make a road trip to the surrounding states to pick up the cabinet, and if you're elsewhere I'll pay for shipping.

The wife's said it has to blend in with the furniture, and we've agreed that black + walnut finishing will blend in enough with our stuff. Here's a pic from ArcadeWorx's Vewlix Diamond Clone, but note that this isn't actually walnut or a solid wood; their kit's all MDF/Melamine. I think I'm okay if the black isn't a solid wood (obviously), but I want real wood on the sides for aesthetics. If you're interested or know someone who might be able to produce it, leave a post here and shoot me a PM. Thanks! Of course I'll be posting a thread if I ever get this puppy built.

You could try https://www.arcade86.com/

He does good work and is based in LA.

 

[SNK-NEO-GEO]

An option, buy a cheap L and work with that.. the Diamond are expensive no matter which one you get.. the L in your area is usually $1600.. think about resell value.. if for any reason you need to sell that walnut finish Dia, it might be challenging recuperating what you have invested since not many people might like that kind of artwork on a Diamond.. now an L, you will not invest that much, the cab will meet your requirements and the original LCD is not bad.. I have always say that the L is the best value.. cetath at one point was selling them at $1,100 which was incredible.

 

[socalcade]

I'm looking for someone to build me a black-and-walnut Vewlix cabinet. I'm fine getting the monitor, PC, and parts installed -- just need the cabinet maker. I'm located in SoCal but can pretty easily make a road trip to the surrounding states to pick up the cabinet, and if you're elsewhere I'll pay for shipping.

The wife's said it has to blend in with the furniture, and we've agreed that black + walnut finishing will blend in enough with our stuff. Here's a pic from ArcadeWorx's Vewlix Diamond Clone, but note that this isn't actually walnut or a solid wood; their kit's all MDF/Melamine. I think I'm okay if the black isn't a solid wood (obviously), but I want real wood on the sides for aesthetics. If you're interested or know someone who might be able to produce it, leave a post here and shoot me a PM. Thanks! Of course I'll be posting a thread if I ever get this puppy built.

You could try https://www.arcade86.com/
He does good work and is based in LA.

He was one of the first people I reached out to, weeks ago actually. He said he was busy until E3, then I messaged him after twice and never heard back. Do you know him personally? Not sure if he just isn't interested or really missed 3 emails from me.

An option, buy a cheap L and work with that.. the Diamond are expensive no matter which one you get.. the L in your area is usually $1600.. think about resell value.. if for any reason you need to sell that walnut finish Dia, it might be challenging recuperating what you have invested since not many people might like that kind of artwork on a Diamond.. now an L, you will not invest that much, the cab will meet your requirements and the original LCD is not bad.. I have always say that the L is the best value.. cetath at one point was selling them at $1,100 which was incredible.

Enough people have been recommending this that it's starting to seem like the option I should have considered all along. I'll expand my search params, thanks!

 

[muckyfingers]

I don’t know him personally, I had him build me a custom unit a few years back. I know he’s gotten pretty busy since then. I think he’s still just a one man show.