Does anybody like some damage on a cabinet?

neo-mio

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The restorations in these forums really are spectacular, but does anybody actually like owning a cabinet with some rough battle scars? I'm not talking about dirt or water damage, but more like some torn or scratched side art, some control panel peeling, one of the quarter mechs not working, etc.

I feel it reminds you that the machine was on location somewhere, people tossed quarters/tokens in it until closing, and it holds some history.
 
The restorations in these forums really are spectacular, but does anybody actually like owning a cabinet with some rough battle scars? I'm not talking about dirt or water damage, but more like some torn or scratched side art, some control panel peeling, one of the quarter mechs not working, etc.

I feel it reminds you that the machine was on location somewhere, people tossed quarters/tokens in it until closing, and it holds some history.

I do and I agree. Don't like swelling or termite damage though!
 
I like a little patina. It adds character. And when the cabinet gets bumped or scratched, you don't stay up at night crying about it.

Whenever I restore a game, it's to sell it to someone who desires a minty game and can keep it in an environment where it is less likely to get damaged, unlike my garage.
 
The restorations in these forums really are spectacular, but does anybody actually like owning a cabinet with some rough battle scars? I'm not talking about dirt or water damage, but more like some torn or scratched side art, some control panel peeling, one of the quarter mechs not working, etc.

I feel it reminds you that the machine was on location somewhere, people tossed quarters/tokens in it until closing, and it holds some history.

I was born in 80, so by the time i started hitting the arcades heavy it was already 86-91 so the classics were already beatup and route worn.

I remember then that way, so yes, i dont restore every game i get. Some battle scars and tax stickers add to the fun of it for me.

hmm.... It just hit me why i like the sega games like outrun, afterburner, etc. THey were new at or about that time. hmm.
 
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I do a windex resto most of the time,i like the tax stickers! As long as everything works but the bezel is kind of a thing for me,if its glass and flaking and replacements are available,get one.I have a playchoice that my dad gave me thats in rough shape but working all the way,i will never repair any of the damage on it as i want to remember it the way he gave it to me,he passed away in september.
 
If I has a choice between a Pac (or any other game) with some wear and a Pac with a full side art decals, I would go for the original paint job.

I would never put decals on my Death Race. The bumps and scars give it legitimacy.

Depends on the game I guess.

Fizgigs's restorations are absolutely amazing.
 
Yep... I like the controls and the monitor to be perfect. Cigarette burns, scratches and other minor stuff are OK. Thats how I remember them.
 
The wear where the player holds the edge of the side of the game while playing a Pacman style game is acceptable.
 
Most of my games are in unrestored condition. I like them that way. Everything works, but there are battle scars for sure. I like fixing and playing my games, not polishing them.

My one exception is my Ms Pac. That one's perfect.
 
As others have mentioned, I prefer mine with battle scars as well. I do like the marquee, control panel and monitor bezel to be decent(not perfect) though. The wear and tear gives them character and reminds me of the good ol' arcade days that are long gone.
 
Overall I prefer to make the game look good, but to me good includes the battle scars. Small things like a corner of art missing, or the CPO curled under the plastic won't bother me. If it has a chunk of wood missing, well sometimes I fill it, sometimes I don't. There will be a game or 2 that I will go all out and make them look new one day, but those are grail games, beyond that keep the scars, chicks did scars!

A nice example of damage that I will always keep is on one of my EM pinballs, on the side of the back box someone carved in a high score. This really makes me smile because it was a semi-innocent thing, done just to be able to post high scores for all to see BITD. Cool things like that will never leave. Things like "Screw you" and such will get cleaned up, but scores are forever!
 
I've got a Robotron cabaret with normal wear, including a message written on the side that says "Goodbye, Robotron!" by someone who had to say goodbye to it earlier.

Given that the machine is rare, and that it's part of a population of Robotron cabarets that were very recently new in the box and that never saw play BIID, I consider it as being distinguished. :D
 
I clean off all the smoke residue from BITD, and may do minor touchups. I look in awe upon those who return cabinets to pristine condition using what appears to be a mix of black magic, combined with a healthy quantity of wood glue, but have neither the skills nor the aspirations to pursue that angle.

I fix the electronics. Everything beyond that is negotiable, but for someone more skilled in artwork to accomplish.
 
I don't mind some wear on my machines. I'd rather have a lightly worn all original machine that a mint "fizgig" type restoration with newly made parts.

and the tax stickers are my favorite. Lets you know that the machine 'did its time' back in the day.

For pinballs its all different. For those, it all about condition
 
Like most here have said, I too prefer my machines as is, for the most part. I'll clean & repair damage, patch holes, glue down peeling coverings & decals. I won't repaint a machine that is just a bit worn, but I also don't have anything against doing so if it calls for it.

Water damaged, heavily gouged sides, cig burns (too gross, I hate cigs with a passion)...that stuff I will gladly erase with NOS or repro parts, or repaint. In a dark arcade environment, some minor wear is not going to be a glaring issue anyway.
 
I fix most damage but leave some petina to show the machines past life. A few scuffs and bangs increase character. They have to look good but played.
 
I don't mind some battle scars. When I played games back in the day at arcades, if the game looked good that was nice. But if the joystick, buttons, flippers were out of whack, I felt robbed of my quarter. Pinball machines got a good dose of tilt if not in proper working order.

I must have the controls and buttons working properly. And the monitor must be in good condition. I am more particular about the game pcb, wiring and power centers inside. I like to get the inside cleaned up, organized, cable tied, bundle and label harness, replace connectors, etc. Makes it easier for me to troubleshoot problems. One of these days I might trying to do a full on 100% restore, but for right now I rather spend the extra time playing the games.
 
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