Looky what I picked up this weekend! Fatality!!!!

[MXV]

So I can just get the happ competition sticks and buy heavier springs? I don't see spring anywhere on ggg

There is a special part # for the exact joystick (made by happ) that midway used for their games. The spring and the tolerance/sensitivity of the switches were different than the off the shelf sticks happ made. Look up the part # in the manual and you can still order that stick from happ (you may have to call/email them). Go authentic!

 

[SuperGunGuru]

You really should try to find NOS Artwork and only replace your side art if you absolutely have to. It would almost be a crime to Remove original Mortal Kombat artwork to put new reproduction artwork on your cab lol

but this website has some:
http://www.gameongrafix.com/index.php?search[terms]=mortal+Kombat&search[mode]=any

I don't care how good the repro is. nothing beats the feel and quality of NOS artwork

I agree with what you're saying, but I don't know that any NOS MK2 side art exists other than the smaller conversion kit art. At least I've never seen a set of full nos art.

@ likwidtek: Congrats on getting an MK II. For me it was one of the first "must haves" on my list because I spent many hours playing it back in the day. I've always loved the look of the dedicated MK II cab. It's the best in the series IMHO.

 

[Mitsurugi-w]

The side art was originally screen printed right onto the side of the cabinet.

Not true actually. If you look closely it is a full size sticker. You can actually peel it off. I'm actually stripping black paint off of a conversion I had in storage right now. The edges are peeling up in some places. Been stripping paint for about an hour and already almost have Raiden in all his glory on one side.

I'm donating the cabinet to a charity auction for children's charities when I'm done. Won't be perfect but it will look better than crappy black paint. The bootleg Ms. Pac I donated last year brought in $1000.

 

[Triple3Fast]

So I can just get the happ competition sticks and buy heavier springs? I don't see spring anywhere on ggg

I picked up my "heavy" springs from the following:

http://www.lizardlick.com/Happ-Competition-Joystick-Heavy-Spring_p_65.html

You can't find NOS FULL side art. There isn't any. Keep it how it is...

 

[likwidtek]

Nice thanks. Do the springs make a bug difference?

 

[zoggynog]

Nice pickup Likwidtek!

You don't know how close I came to trying to snipe that up myself...such a good price for a nice cab.

I have a Dedicated MK3 here in Chandler, and I'm in a similar boat. I wanted reproduction side art prints for my cab as well.

WARNING THE FOLLOWING IS SUBMITTED TO YOU BY A SELF ADMITTED ANAL PERSON

Here's the deal. gameongraphix (and others?) will print you some dedicated MK2/3 side art. Sadly, the "graininess" of the original art has been smoothed out in the artwork they print from. From conversations I've had with others, the original side art is less glossy than the repro as well. Also, be careful not to get the "enhanced" mk2 art if you go this route. The colors were made more vibrant (like the conversion kit art). Unless of course you don't care about authenticity. You might be surprised how unfaded your side art really is. The dedicated MK2's had a muted color palette from my understanding. The logo up top should have some red in it though.

At this point in time, if you ever wanted to do em up proper you would have to:

1. Scan your side art, with a high dpi, good scanner. Stitch your many images into one giant image (per side).

2. Touch up your side art in photoshop (you should be able to layer the left and right side in photoshop to help fill in mess ups on one side with good spots from the other side.) Possibly find another cab to compare colors to. Consider buying a Pantone Color Que 2 to grab the Pantone colors from this other cab.

3. Find a print shop willing to really work with you to get the color right, and more importantly the gloss (if possible).

I have ambitions to do this with my MK3 cab, but I'm just not skilled with photoshop, it's a bit overwhelming. If I ever did get as far as touched up art, I would probably try to work with gameongraphix (or Rich at this old game if he had the time) to get a print with the right sheen. If I couldn't pull that off due to printable media limitations, I would seriously consider hitting the art after it is applied with a flatter clearcoat. I'd test this first on a scrap piece of art.

Bottom line, if you are picky, you won't be happy with the repro art that exists.

What I described above is as good as you could get it, unless someone did a silkscreen run (not gonna happen)

Otherwise, the gameongraphix prints are a quick solution for the non anal.

If I ever figure out how I can make my MK3 scans/touchups a reality, I'd love to help you do your MK2 sides.

My personal opinion...with as nice as that artwork is on your cab, learn to be content until you have the time/desire to really be anal about it. Don't hose your original art to a point where you can't scan it down the road to give something like this a go.

NOTE: gameongraphix is a wonderful service, ran by a great guy from all accounts. This is not meant to bash his work by any means. The problem in this very particular case comes down the the original scans being touched up in a way that makes them look clean, but not original. I know that gameongraphix did not do this scan work, so they do the best with what is available to their printshop.

Also, we should talk sometime. Shoot me a PM if you ever wanna yap.

 

[Triple3Fast]

Nice thanks. Do the springs make a bug difference?

I'm just stating what the games came with originally. I wanted my games to be as original as possible.

 

[StreetzKing]

I'm just stating what the games came with originally. I wanted my games to be as original as possible.

yea but whats original? were you at the factory when the game came off the line playing it like that, I doubt it. I would say you like most of us played it at a 7-11 or some other place where the machine was obviously being played like crazy cause lets face it, its mk2.. So I cant see how a tighter spring is gonna make a difference unless thats your preference. Which is totally understandable, I have all my joys customized to my liking because I use them constantly, but not cause its what I think is original.

*this was just a post, not a "get at me bro"

 

[sosage]

Nice. I have a MKII whose side art is also "enh". I personally can live with it because the machine is in a position where you rarely see the sides. Plus...I am clumsy moving my machines. So I inevitably rub the sides on accident anyways.

Sticks you gotta go with what you're comfortable playing on first, originality second. Anything American and as old school Happ like tend to work for me here. Heavier or lighter spring, again, depends on what you like playing on. There are very few people in the world that will dog your MK cab because you utilized a lighter spring.

 

[likwidtek]

I went with the HAPP competition red but opted to get the heavy springs as well. I can try them both and see what I like.

I'm seriously considering getting repro from game on. Man they have amazing prices.

I have NO IDEA what it takes to attach the side art though. Is there a guide somewhere?

 

[treborlicec]

I'm seriously considering getting repro from game on. Man they have amazing prices.

I have NO IDEA what it takes to attach the side art though. Is there a guide somewhere?

They made a ton of MK2 cabs. Just enjoy this one as is. Find a nicer one later and swap out later on. No need to pay the price for inkjet repro art and have all that labor involved. I like my machines with their battle scars.

 

[roothorick]

Sticks you gotta go with what you're comfortable playing on first, originality second. Anything American and as old school Happ like tend to work for me here. Heavier or lighter spring, again, depends on what you like playing on. There are very few people in the world that will dog your MK cab because you utilized a lighter spring.

IMO, joystick spring stiffness depends on the game. Puzzle and fighting games need to be tight, no bouncing. You don't want too stiff, though, as really stiff springs will bounce a lot.

On the other hand, for shmups, you want to go loose. Not so loose that it sticks in one direction, but enough that a little nudge gets it going.

 

[Broodwich]

hmm, not sure how i missed this but time for my 2 cents.

IL Eurosticks/Happ Comps with heavy springs are the way to go. Game originally came with Happ Comps and MXV is right there's a certain cherry switch that goes with the buttons and sticks, but just about any will do. (just stick with cherries tho don't use zippy's or another brand).

Heavy Springs make a HUGE difference and i highly recommend them. You can get them from most parts suppliers, i get mine from bob roberts.

Stick with the standard buttons (concave)

Some members have used paint pens ect to touch up the side art if it was in good condition. the control panel sides can be found fairly easy if those are needed (and won't cost you a ton).

i agree with treborlicec touch it up a little and hold onto it until you can find a nicer one. You'd be surprised what you can find under black paint.

As for the buttons you can go 2 routes:

1. replace them and the switches
2. take them out and apart, soak them for 24-48 hours in dish soap, have your kids or another family members kids scrub them down for some icecream or something, put them back together and buy new cherry switches.

BTW awesome pickup. you pretty much have your sticks, switches/buttons, lock, and battery paid for with the $50 you talked him down, and you got it delivered for free!!!

 

[likwidtek]

Thanks man. I ordered the new happ comp sticks and heavy springs. I'm installing them tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes. I'm excited.

 

[therealmogwai]

all my mk cabinets all have il eurostick
best by far!

also it was mentioned that the side art of mk2 is a giant sticker?!?
ill have to take a closer look this weekend at mine to verify