control panel overlay

kerri369

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first attempt, wanna do it right. what is the propper way to remove and install cpo's on an atari coctail . do's and don'ts. thanks in advance!
 
I'm not sure what game you wish to do, so here is what I do.

1. remove old cp with heat gun.
2. remove the sticky residue with what ever works for you.
3. if it's a metal cp make sure that you remove all of the rust.
3a. if it's a wood cp make sure to fill and sand any imperfections.
4. primer the cp.
5. paint cp with the correct color, if visible.
6. position new cp and hold in place with clamps (w/rubber feet) so you get it lined up right.
7. slowly remove backing without bending cp. do a little at a time making sure not to get any air bubbles. heat gun can help with edges that are more than 45 degrees. Just make sure not to get it to hot.
8. use exacto knife to cut out joystick and button holes.
9. reinstall joystick/trackball/buttons.
 
Last edited:
I just took apart my Frogger control panel tonight. I first removed the joystick and buttons, next i used a heat gun to remove the old Control Panel overlay. Once that was off i started to use Goop Off to removed all the sticky crap left from the old CPO. There has to be a better way to do this? Also i have seen that many of you pain or prime your Control Panel before installing the new CPO? Why is this? Also is the suggestion correct to use a heat gun when bending the new CPO over edges?

Thanks for the help,

Braido...
 
To remove the residue, I personally use "carb" or "brake parts" cleaner from the auto parts store. Spray it on, let it sit for about 20 seconds, then scrape the parts clean with a putty knife or a paint stir stick. Do this OUTSIDE as the fumes will KILL YOU. Once the panel is clean, I usually put a bit of gloss black spray around the edges of the panel and any button holes to prevent rust.

DO NOT use a heat gun for the bends unless you are VERY CAREFUL. Make sure your panel and overlay are warm (room temperature of better) but a heat gun will possibly lead to disaster as the inks in the CPO tend to run or the layers of the CPO can separate if heated too much. If you apply it too cold (60 degrees or colder) panels with sharp edges (like Tron) will crack within hours of installation....
 
I use a heated razor scraper, then Brake Parts cleaner and the same scraper for the glue. Then I sand the whole panel with and orbital sander and 220 paper. Then I prime, then paint with appliance epoxy. Then install the overlay at least 3 days later.
 
phet i did one in a day (my first one) then sold the game 20 minutes after finishing the job, i was glad that project was gone lol. i feel sorry for the dude who bought it though lol
 
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