Clean Or Fix Versus Replace Parts

OpenWaterSwim

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Greetings Restoration Fans:

I recently purchased a classic which prompted me to join this forum. I just bought a newer machine a couple days ago and now I plan to purchase another classic machine in the next couple days. When should one clean or fix parts versus replacing them?

As a simple example, if you have a classic machine with original parts, but the joystick doesn't work do you clean it, perhaps replace switches or just replace the joystick?

What about monitors, artwork, parts of the cabinet? Please offer your advice, suggestions and opinions.

Kindest Regards,

Jaes
 
Generally I try to keep everything original. I would try to clean it up first but if I need to replace something I will try to replace with NOS or very close. For example, I would never substitute a micro switch button for a leaf button or a micro switch joystick for a leaf joystick, as it affects the originality of game play.

Artwork is tricky... it's nice to have it clean but unless its a fantastic reproduction (either from original films or a reputable place) I tend to leave it original even if its dung up.

Busted or banged up woodwork I will always fix, I can't stand banged up machines. The only problem is if the damage affects the artwork... then you have a compound problem.

Monitors, I clean up and rebuild unless there is excessive burn-in and if this is the case I'll re-tube or find a replacement. Problem is good new replacement monitors are no longer being produced.
 
I would think it would depend on the component. Even your simple example of a joystick may not be as simple as it seems. It would all depend on what kind of joystick it is, and if it's readily available at a more affordable price than fixing it. There are some joysticks that are proprietary and it would be beneficial to repair rather than replace.

Monitors are typically fixed with a capacitor kit or some other component. Artwork is subjective. Some artwork may not be available as reproduction items.
 
Tough one! OK, the real answer is: it depends.

First - do you care about originality? Some folk DO care, others do not. If you really care about originality, then you've got your answer & you need to fix it. How far do you care about originality? I'm facing this question as I consider my Neo-Geo gold cab. It's a bit beat up on the exterior, and I'm trying to decide what I want to do about it. Patch the woodgrain laminate with contact paper or woodgrain laminate scraps? Replace the woodgrain laminate with something similar? Or strip the laminate and paint it red like the other US Neo-Geo cabs? Some other color? My thoughts wander back and forth, so I've done nothing yet.

Second - is it original to begin with? Especially with control panel parts (buttons & joysticks), operators have often done a lot of expedient things that aren't necessarily original. Sometimes replacing the item will actually bring the system closer to 'original'.

Third - is a replacement even available? At a price you can afford? And how closely does it approximate the original? For instance, the Atari machine Assault has rather nice trigger joysticks that tend to take a beating in the real world. You can get replacement parts from RAM controls that are true to the original, but you end up spending a small fortune if you replace more than you absolutely have to.

You'll also need to balance the amount of time you spend fixing parts vs. the money needed to replace them.
 
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