I hate back doors...

DZA

DZA

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Donor 4 years: 2013, 2020-2021, 2025

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Yes, that is correct. I hate back doors.

It seems that every game I get that needs to be restored, the back door is completely destroyed. They are warped, locks are completely torn out, they are swollen, chipped to hell, flaking, crooked, etc. etc.

I could leave it off but that seems wrong. Plus in the dark, the marquee lighting leaks out and kills the whole vibe. Back doors are also key to move the game correctly/safely.

So, the quick fix is just to cut a new one right? Wrong. Every time I think about doing this I hear a voice in my head saying I should restore the original door. The whole repo vs. resto debate beats me down. Plus I don't have the wood working tools/skills to cut vent slots in in them nicely. Heaven forbid I just throw them away...sigh...

They are uber annoying since I know that NO ONE is actually going to see it at the end of the day...

Does anyone else share this feeling...

(I am saying this as I finish my Tron restore which has TWO damn doors)
 
My GORF and Galaga are running without back doors. I think I made one for my GORF, but I happen to just leave it off. My S.A.M.I. needs a backdoor because of the black light. It is hit or miss with me on the use of the back door.
 
I like how on Robotron cabinets, the lower backdoor was hinged. I wish the top door was too... then maybe it wouldn't have been missing. :-/
 
Ghostlyguy said:
I like how on Robotron cabinets, the lower backdoor was hinged. I wish the top door was too... then maybe it wouldn't have been missing. :-/
Click to expand...

My sunset riders cab is like that. On a hinge.

I haven't had to yet, but if I need to cut a new rear door I'd just leave the vents off since I have no idea how to cut them properly. Don't run the games long enough or in any warm environments, so not too worried.
 
It's important to have at least some kind of door (many of the reasons stated by the op)... So for vents... I just use a large circle cutter (drill). Then staple some mesh on. It may not look official... but it gets the job done (for a unseen door).
 
Last edited:
Get some MDF, a circular saw, a plunge router and a drill. Then with the correct router bits and hole saw you're in business. :D

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.
 
I know what you are saying...

Every time I see someone's awesome restored arcade collection, I immediately say "Let me see what the back door looks like."

That how you find out if they are a true collector or just an impostor looking for friends...

:eek:
 
Just kidding!

For my Pole Position restoration, I didn't have a back door. So instead of making one, I had to have an original Atari Pole Position back door.

And this is a true story, I bought a gutted out Pole Position cab from across the country, and had them ship me just the back door, plus I had him cut off certain pieces that I also needed for the top back vent area and also the foot pedal area.

Just one more reason I spent over $3,500 restoring that game that I sold for $1,000 several years later...

:mad:
 
still hunting for a back door for my Cosmic Avenger

it does seem like a trivial consideration, but something as seemingly mundane as a backdoor can be just as rare as a PCB or odd joystick

I know that feel, OP
 
My Time Crisis 2 twin is running without a panel that would keep the gun tower enclosed. Initially wanted one but I am now fine without it.
 
DZA said:
Yes, that is correct. I hate back doors.

It seems that every game I get that needs to be restored, the back door is completely destroyed. They are warped, locks are completely torn out, they are swollen, chipped to hell, flaking, crooked, etc. etc.

I could leave it off but that seems wrong. Plus in the dark, the marquee lighting leaks out and kills the whole vibe. Back doors are also key to move the game correctly/safely.

So, the quick fix is just to cut a new one right? Wrong. Every time I think about doing this I hear a voice in my head saying I should restore the original door. The whole repo vs. resto debate beats me down. Plus I don't have the wood working tools/skills to cut vent slots in in them nicely. Heaven forbid I just throw them away...sigh...

They are uber annoying since I know that NO ONE is actually going to see it at the end of the day...

Does anyone else share this feeling...

(I am saying this as I finish my Tron restore which has TWO damn doors)
Click to expand...

Who pee'd in your Cheerios this morning?

I feel for you and understand your pain.
 
Next you're going to say you're the guy who throws PCB cage lids out!

Tons of cages, so many missing lids. :(
 
Once you get a router and some bottom bearing trim bits and understand how to use it/ them, back doors are a breeze. It's all about copying the old one or studying and measuring the old one and making jigs. I save the original if I can, but making a new one when they are missing or too far gone is a no-brainer.
 
phetishboy said:
once you get a router and some bottom bearing trim bits and understand how to use it/ them, back doors are a breeze. It's all about copying the old one or studying and measuring the old one and making jigs. I save the original if i can, but making a new one when they are missing or too far gone is a no-brainer.
Click to expand...

Tut! Tut! Tut! Tut!
 
In an arcade in Norway a customer put his bear on top of Arch Rivals which had no backdoor, the Beer fell over and ran into the game and killing the PCB... I guess the owner regret that he put it on location without a backdoor.
 
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