Beginner starting first resto on Robotron

chimchim

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Hello, I'm new here and new to the hobby and I've been finding a lot of great info in the threads to help me but could use some friendly advice. Please excuse me if I ask any dumb questions or misuse any terminology but I'm just starting out.

I recently picked up a few uprights in various conditions. One of them as it turns out was an original Robotron 2084 that someone painted black and converted to Pit Boss. When I picked up this machine the guy said it used to work perfectly until someone got upset and started beating on the machine so the video display doesn't work anymore which I will ask how to fix in the monitor threads.

The cabinet itself is in really good shape, I think, so I'd like to make an attempt to return it to it's original Robotron state. So I started chipping away at the paint and I found that I could remove quite a bit easily without doing any real damage to the original paint but I've come across some real problem areas where I can't get the paint off so I tried a couple removers like Lift Off 4 and Goo Gone but it also pulls up the original paint. So I think I'm going to have just sand it down and repaint. Also from what I've been able to tell the only mods made to the cabinet were to the control panel were the original control holes were bondod up.

I've seen threads of others restoring this cabinet but where can I get the artwork stencils, T-Molding, and control panel overlay? I also have questions about getting the actual interworkings of the game since I don't have that currently. Someone suggested that I should turn this into a multi-williams game but I'd like to keep it as just a Robotron.

I'd appreciate any helpful advice or suggestions you might have.
Thanks.
PitBoss-RightSide.jpg

PitBoss-LeftSide.jpg
 
Hello and Welcome!

Here are a few links that might get you started.

http://gamestencils.com/

http://www.phoenixarcade.com/

http://www.arcadeshop.com/

http://www.therealbobroberts.net/

http://twistedquarter.com/

I have used ebay to try and get parts for my Robotron restoration, but parts can be a bit costly compared to others. The original joysticks can be hard to find or cost a bit as well.

Stencils are the best way to go for your restoration. Sand, fill, prime and paint. Really take your time with each step, any imperfections will show 10 fold with the new paint. Sand down the paint between coats, this will help reduce the orange peal look. That is, if you decide to roller the paint.

Here is another link to a retoration of a Robotron.

http://www.coinopspace.com/forum/topics/robotron-upright-total
 
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That's my link at Coinopspace and I just posted some pics in the resto section. I believe my overlay came from Arcadeshop. The Wico joystick bases, NOS/new, are easy to find on Ebay at least. If you can't find the original sticks, like me, or want to save some money, you can get the regular sticks with a red ball top.

I'm using the gamestencils stencil set. Like Califtom says, it's all in the prep. Doing a full repaint isn't the hardest thing I've done, but it's VERY tedious and you can't expect to have X amount done over a weekend, you plan and chip away at it.

It MAY be more economical and practical to turn it into a MultiWMS, with the new board, but if you like the cabinet.. I'd make it a multi, in terms of board and control panel, but restore the cabinet to Robotron, with Robotron marquee and bezel.

You could also post a WTB on here for the Robotron boardset. I just collected the parts over several years. Got the Phoenixarcade marquee and bezel, which are NLA, but I think Arcadeshop has the stuff. T-molding you also get at Arcadeshop or t-molding.com, but I think they are out of the leather texture stuff right now.

Good luck..
 
welcome

Robotron is a great game, and well worth the restore. If you get tired of it, you can always do a multi-williams as well (though I never would ;)

From the looks of it, just about everything you need is available either as a repro, or as a common part. I think the glass bezel might be tricky to find.

OTOH, you're lucky it's a stencil art game, since waiting for reproduction or NOS sideart stickers (Star Castle) is a pain in the rear :)

Here's another Robotron restore page:
http://www.biltronix.com/robotron.html

Good luck, keep reminding yourself "it's worth it!"
 
So far the sides look like they are coming out well. That game is worth the investment and time. Keep up the good work. Just need to locate an a Board set, CP with overlay, joy sticks, marquee and bezel. Then It looks like your good to go!
 
Thanks for the helpful advice. I'm finally getting started on this project.
 
Welcome to the madness,er...fun! Good luck with the restoration! Feel free to ask any of the friendly and knowledgable people here! Word of advice,take your time.Also search previous posts before you post a restoration question.Chances are you will find the answer you're looking for...and probably answers to other questions you may have as well.
 
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