Moving cabinet tips for WA to CO?

FuturePrimitive

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Hi all! I think this is only my second thread on KLOV, imagine that!

I've been lurking around KLOV for a little while now and I really enjoy being on these forums! I've learned a lot just from reading posts by guys that know a LOT more about arcade games than I do. I've never actually introduced myself, so I might as well tell you guys why I'm posting this thread. This will probably sound like a big, selfish, unreadable ramble...I apologize in advance.

I might be one of the younger, more rookie-like guys on this forum, but I was lucky enough to at least catch the tail end of when arcades were a little more prevalent. The games I remember seeing the most were from the later half of the 80s, on through the 90s, until now. I was a Navy brat, so I moved around a few times through the first 5 years of my life. However, after Dad moved on from the Navy, I was able to see plenty of arcade games in certain areas: San Diego, outside of Chicago, Germantown in Wisconsin, and down to Colorado with the likes of the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade.

------------------------------------

Now wait... I don't mean to start an autobiography, but I'm just explaining that I'm a bit used to moving. The problem is: I've never moved an ARCADE CABINET. For the skimmers, this is the important bit!

I'll be moving into an apartment, so I'm looking to save space for now. A few older Atari games I liked to play at local arcades and the occasional restaurant (if lucky) when I was younger were Asteroids/Ast. Deluxe, and Missile Command. For some reason, I associate Asteroids and Missile Command being together. It COULD be from a Game Boy collection I used to play a lot with Asteroids and Missile Command on it, whenever I couldn't find the real thing.

I currently have a couple Cabarets (Asteroids: PCB, Power Supply, Monitor gone, but the rest of the parts remain. Asteroids Deluxe: In good working shape, but dusty.) reserved for me and a Missile Command Cocktail in average condition that I'm on the fence about. The parts in the Cocktail, I believe, can be moved to the Asteroids Cabaret to convert it to a Missile Command. It seems like Asteroids and Missile Command shared very similar Cabaret designs. Also, it would be amazing for me to see Asteroids Deluxe next to Missile Command in Cabaret form. It would be like going full circle!


THREE DAYS OF INCESSANT RAMBLING LATER...

I need advice for moving these machines from Washington State down to Colorado (Asteroids Deluxe is already waiting for me in Colorado). I'm glad that they're smaller and lighter, but I'm not sure how to go about keeping them safe when driving down. It's possible that I'll be able to get the smallest box cargo Uhaul. If not, then maybe my Uncle's Ford Ranger, but I doubt that it would fit all three and my belongings. That's why I'm on the fence about Missile Command.

I've read some older threads about moving cabinets, so I've gathered some ideas like: laying the cabinets down, getting an appliance dolly for easier moving and stairs, wrapping the machines so that they won't be damaged, using cardboard and blankets to protect the games and make it easier to slide out of a pickup or cargo bay, etc.

Any suggestions would be welcome!! I have a few weeks left, so I hope to be at least educated and prepared enough for this move. Thank you very much for reading!

I am hopeless, so please teach me Sensei... *low bow*

P.S. To those whom it may concern, here are some links for Cabaret and Cocktail dimensions, along with the Uhaul I have in mind. If I get the Ranger...I already know that I might have to improvise and change plans. Asteroids and Asteroids Deluxe Cabarets take priority! I hope to be able to drink from my Atari glasses with my girlfriend in celebration after the move!

Uhaul

http://www.uhaul.com/Reservations/EquipmentDetail.aspx?model=TM

Asteroids

http://flyers.arcade-museum.com/?page=flyer&db=videodb&id=3035&image=1

Missile Command

http://flyers.arcade-museum.com/?page=flyer&db=videodb&id=2175&image=2

Asteroids Deluxe

http://flyers.arcade-museum.com/?page=flyer&db=videodb&id=76&image=2
 

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I would use a pickup. I took 3 Cabarets to a local pinball party all laying down in the back of my truck. 2 went long ways and 1 across the back by the tailgate. If you wrap them with heavy layers of cardboard and shrinkwrap. You could prob stack boxes on top of them, just dont put anything too heavy on them.
 
I would use a pickup. I took 3 Cabarets to a local pinball party all laying down in the back of my truck. 2 went long ways and 1 across the back by the tailgate. If you wrap them with heavy layers of cardboard and shrinkwrap. You could prob stack boxes on top of them, just dont put anything too heavy on them.

Maybe I should've asked YOU first, since you live in Washington and had so much luck with games for the past few weeks! :D

That's a pretty good idea! I don't plan on putting heavy stuff on them. The problem is getting this pickup from Tennessee to WA in time to move... :( I guess I could try a courier.

However, that Ranger is a little truck, so I'm pretty sure it won't be able to carry 2 Cabarets, a Cocktail, and my belongings (without breaking something).

That's why I was considering the Uhaul, which would have plenty of space. It would suck to not be able to check on the cabs and stuff unless we park, but I like the idea of packing it well and putting everything I want in it. Uhaul is $$$ for one way, out of state, 1700 miles too...


Let's get all the best minds together and create... a TELEPORTER
 
I think the best way to move them is to move them into my house. j/k. There are a few of us who I'm sure would be willing to help you move...
 
What part of the state are you moving to, bmrskate? I moved from New York to Colorado in 1998 and have loved it. I'm very happy here.

Welcome!!

^^^ This was my question as well. Welcome to the Colorado Arcade Party!

Thank you so much for the welcome!

I'm likely going to disappoint you on that one. I lived in Pueblo West, CO for 15+ years, so I'm going to be moving down to the Pueblo area for now. I have a lot of friends and family down there. However, I plan on moving north eventually. I was thinking Colorado Springs, but if I can find a certain area around Denver then that would be good too! I'm just a feeble college student at the moment after all.

As far as arcade parties... I'm in! I've got Atari Pint Glasses! I might not have a lot of arcade machines, but I have a good collection of console and Vectrex games. Plenty of arcade favorite ports too! Once I get a new TV set up and everything prepared, then I will have a fun little game room!

Though I'm pretty sure you guys could throw a much better party...

I think the best way to move them is to move them into my house. j/k. There are a few of us who I'm sure would be willing to help you move...

Then you will have to face the wrath of HER too. She wants the game as much as I do! :D

I'm honestly grateful for the offer about helping us move, but I'm not sure if any of you guys would be willing to drive all the way to Pueblo and back... not fun! The games would be though! That depends on if I get the Missile Command cocktail or not. If I don't, then it's just one game and a shell of another. Bummer.


Any suggestions about moving the games, or do I just have to research cabinet moving techniques til my eyes bleed and wing it? :)
 
Moving them laying down is fine, but you need to make sure that everything inside the cabinet is absolutely secured before doing so. Make sure the PCB is mounted and the coin box isn't going to go everywhere. Then die them down to make sure they don't shift too much.
 
I'm pretty sure you will get hosed by uhaul for the truck rental. You might want to try penske they used to have unlimited mileage on one way rentals.
 
Moving them laying down is fine, but you need to make sure that everything inside the cabinet is absolutely secured before doing so. Make sure the PCB is mounted and the coin box isn't going to go everywhere. Then die them down to make sure they don't shift too much.

I'm going to strap down those games like I'm going to the Moon with them! I'll make sure to do that, thank you!

I would hate to find the coin box loose with a broken vector monitor :(
 
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