Adhesive-Backed CPO Phobia

Phetishboy

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Do you have it? Apparently I do. I took inventory of my personal machines, and realized that only 2 of them have a new adhesive CPO that I applied myself. My Q*bert and my Pole Position II. My other machines either don't use that type (All my Ninty's, Berzerk), someone had installed a repro before I got the machine (Galaxian, Ms. Pac) or the CPO wasn't in that bad of shape to warrant replacing yet (Moon Patrol, Tempest, Millipede cocktail, Burgertime, Satan's Hollow, Asteroids Deluxe, Pole Position Cockpit, Primal Rage) I found that very strange. Fact is, I have at least 8 screened repro CPO's sitting in my huge cardboard art folder but I have no desire to apply any of them. I even own all the machines they go to for Peter's sake. Shit, that's at least $400 in merchandise that lies hidden in the vault. Merch that I sometimes forget I even have on hand. This is a weird hobby.
 
I don't know if I have a phobia as much as I like to have an extra on hand. In case one starts to crack 20 years from now and repro art shops are no longer in bussiness.

I have replaced all the CPO's on the machines I have, so I am not sure I fall into this category.
 
The first time I did it I was worried about it immensely.

It turned out fantastic. Now I don't even think twice when installing one.

Like anything else, as long as you take your time and are careful, it should turn out great.
 
Only phobia I have of adhesive-backed overlays is in cases of multiple button layout like Mortal Kombat and whatnot. Man, if even one button hole gets "off" the whole thing looks like shit. When I start applying it knowing that in the back of my mind, I start to sweat.
 
Shit, that's at least $400 in merchandise that lies hidden in the vault. Merch that I sometimes forget I even have on hand. This is a weird hobby.

I think I have one of those same vaults. I have got overlays up the wazzoo and just have not got around to replacing. Seems I always get the new overlay just so I have it cause you never know whether they will be available when you need it.

Was just thinking over the weekend -- "I really need to sell some shit"
 
I ruined a missile command overlay once. Lined. It up and applied it then found a bubble In it. I tried to carefully Peel it up and lay it back down and delamimated I was pissed and didn't buy another
 
Another KLOV'r & I ruined a perfectly good Crystal Castles Speaker Grill overlay once. We thought we followed all the steps too.

1) Drink generous amounts of rum to steady our minds and hands.
2) Peal back adhesive backing & slowly apply overlay.
3) Drink generous amounts of rum with a sigh of relief that it's done
4) Admire our work & realize we put it on upside down!
5) Drink generous amounts of rum to morn a now dead overlay.
6) Start over.
 
Another KLOV'r & I ruined a perfectly good Crystal Castles Speaker Grill overlay once. We thought we followed all the steps too.

1) Drink generous amounts of rum to steady our minds and hands.
2) Peal back adhesive backing & slowly apply overlay.
3) Drink generous amounts of rum with a sigh of relief that it's done
4) Admire our work & realize we put it on upside down!
5) Drink generous amounts of rum to morn a now dead overlay.
6) Start over.

Ouch. That would seriously fucking suck, drunk or not. Sounds like the same way I attempted my first vector cap kit. Funny thing is I had another drunk KLOVer with me too. Needless to say, our cap kit was unsuccessful.
 
I have yet to install the complete art package I bought for my Tron.

Sometimes original, slightly worn, is better than perfect. I am starting to thinks...
 
I generally agree John. As long as it's in good presentable condition I prefer a slightly worn original over a perfect repro. It's only original once. That said, many of these things have taken a beating and aren't in "good presentable condition"
 
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I have only applied 3 CPOs so far. Pac Man went on perfect. My latest Multicade went on perfect. My Paperboy went sorta difficult though. I got a very tiny piece of debris stuck on the adhesive at one point and I went to peel the CPO back up to remove the debris, and I delaminated a small portion of the artwork above Paperboy's head, and I went something like, "Shitshitshtishit......shit....." as I was trying to put tit back down. It still looks awesome, as the bezel hides most of the flaw.
 
I think I have one of those same vaults. I have got overlays up the wazzoo and just have not got around to replacing.

Fritz rents out his patented 'wazzoo cleaning wand' for cheaper than you'd think. May be worth a shot. Just make sure to drink heavily before calling him. *



*PM Sav for his nombre.
 
I thought it was just me.:)
I also have a collection of CPO's and side art for as many of my games as I could find. Mostly repos but some NOS. I don't have a problem with installing them just cant bring myself to strip off an original control panel if it's in half way decent shape. I would rather have my games with a few blemishes or cracks and be original than look like new with a reproduction. I know it sounds strange so I guess I am.
Their is a point where I say it's too bad and off it comes and the repo goes on.
As far as how to install it and keep all the button holes lined up well it will depend on the panel but the best way is to put the overlay on the panel with the backing still on and install the buttons, align and tighten the buttons. This will hold it in place wile you peel off one side and stick it down, then remove the buttons and peel the rest off and apply to the rest of the panel. Here's how I did my Dragon's Lair.:D
http://members.cox.net/samsarcade/dragons_lair_control_panel.html
 
The only ones i don't like applying are the ones that are not die cut, like on my AD.

I agree, now that you mention that.

My Gauntlet CPO wasn't die cut, and it was actually a nightmare to put on.
I did a good job, and it came out fantastic, but it really does suck lining it up without those perfect button holes.

Not to mention then needing to cut perfect button holes.
 
I got bubbles in my Centipede CPO, and almost delaminated it trying to peel it back up. I popped the bubbles with a pin, but I can still feel the pinholes. This bugs me, as I apply decals for a living...It should have been perfect. I would suggest anyone else doing this should screw the CP down to a work bench or other stable object before applying the artwork.
 
Does this thread warrant the Noice sideart picture, or no? I'm seriously not sure. But that photo inspires fear in a lot of us!

For the thread question: I like overlays. But I have an advantage, I work with them all day... Putting them around a curve sucks, though. They tend to delaminate or bubble when not put on a flat, smooth surface. :(
 
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