4 slot Neo Geo cracked side panel help

lithy

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I bought this for parts. It has turned out to be very original, almost complete (only missing EL panels), and a little closer to 'maybe I should save this' than I expected. So I'm looking for some advice, keep or continue with my plan to part. I already have a nice 4 slot, I don't necessarily need another but I'd hate to pointlessly scrap something that isn't obviously gone.

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But it has one significant issue
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A portion of the marquee header and the monitor mount header board are broken off/fell off (somewhat cleanly at the sides where they were stapled in)
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This has created about a half inch of spread (panel is still tight down by the control panel, spreads +1/2" around the top of the monitor, then comes back together at the top of the marquee)

From the front (left) and from the back (right)
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Monitor was flooded in red tint but red wouldn't show up on the test menu. Messed with the neckboard pots, I still think I have some touchy wiring, but if I don't um, touch it, then it seems to look great. Testing done with a spare 1 slot I have.

Before
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After some effort
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After
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So, what say you? Fix or scrap? If fix, any advice? I'm not quite sure what the best course of action to repair would be (ratchet strap it back into place and use some glue and staples?) I'm open to saving it, I'm not really looking to do a full ground up restoration I would just want bring it back to functional first and then pick at detail things later.

I'm not sure what caused the damage to begin with but obviously if I choose to fix it, I'd like to do it securely enough even if I'm not bringing it back to a factory standard.

I'm a bit thin personally on woodworking/carpentry tools, knowledge, and experience, but have one friend that would let me borrow just about anything I might need and probably be able to help me out when I don't know what I'm doing.

Thanks in advance!
 
Unfortunately you can see the particle board is starting to crack upwards basically like a volcano which usually means there's a bit more damage underneath the surface. If you have the skills you could always separate and reproduce that one side. I wouldn't worry too much about getting this back to "factory standard", 3-KOAM weren't exactly known for using quality materials for their cabinets. They more than often used heavy use of just glue and staples most of the time.
 
I would fix it, all you need to do for the separating panel is:

1. Apply wood glue between the dowels and panel
2. Clamp it
3. Wipe off excess glue with a damp cloth
4. Put more nails (with a nail gun) into the dowels to secure it back.
5. Let it sit for the glue cure time

You'll need some wood working clamps long enough to put tension to keep it secure on the areas where the glue needs to cure (usually takes 24 hours). I'm sure someone can give you the dimensions of the peice that's missing, and for the crack on the right panel, it just needs to be sanded and have bondo applied. I think it really depends how much work you want to put into it and if you'd want to sell it for more. Looks like a keeper to me.

If not, and you are going to peice it out, how much would you sell the 4 slot board for? I have a 4 slot cabinet that has a two slot board inside 🤦‍♂️. Trying to convert it back.

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I would cut a new side. With patience, the top cabinet can be taken apart. Use the cracked piece as a template and reassemble with glue snd staples. I did this on a 6-slot cabinet.
 
Agree with the other comments. I've restored one of these, here's my take:

The top box is actually removable from the bottom with a few screws if that makes repair easier. I would just use a router with a top cut bearing bit to copy the non-cracked side, then flip the cab and remove the bad side and replace with the new copy.

Otherwise you could do the clamp and glue route and it would probably be sound, but you would need to do a lot of sanding/bondo on the outside to get it flat again.

It's a worthwhile project, hate to see it destroyed.
 
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