Restoration Dilemma

Hyde

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Hey all, I am a bit stuck right now in deciding what to do with one of my games.

A few weeks ago, I picked up a Time Soldier game inside of an old Zaxxon cabinet. At first, I just wanted to keep the game a Time Soldiers, and maybe just fix it up a bit to get it presentable. But now, I'm having some second thoughts and am considering de-coverting the cab back to Zaxxon.

But I am on a super-tight budget, and don't know if it is really going to be worth the money to make the game back into Zaxxon.

Here's the rundown on what Zaxxon parts I would need to de-convert the cabinet:

-Marquee
-PCB
-Wiring Harness
-Populated Control Panel OR Zaxxon flight stick and new cpo

I'm just debating whether it is worth it or not... It seems like I would have to spend more money to de-convert this Zaxxon than to just buy a complete one.

What are your thoughts?
 
I will save you the debate, it is never worth the money. You most likely won't be able to get the money you put into it back if you want to sell it and you can probably get a decent complete one for less.

But for me it is all about the restoration, the hunting parts, cabinet rebuild, etc. This is a money hungry hobby. If you really want to bring it back, go for it, just know you are going to dump a lot of time and money into that you may never recoup.
 
It all depends on how big of a hurry you are in. Most of my games have been complete projects and I have slowly acquired parts over time. And I agree with pmichelsen, for me it is about the restoration. It is almost like putting a game on layaway. Pay as you go!

If you are planning on restoring it to make a profit, stop. Proceed no further...
 
I'm just debating whether it is worth it

The answer depends on what your end goal is for this cab. If you are planning on selling it, they answer is an easy NO. Zaxxon cabs don't get the love they deserve and usually sell for around $150 or so.

If your goal is to have a really nice looking Zaxxon in your house than the answer may be different. I have restored games that have cost much more than if I had just purchased the cab in that condition. However, knowing that I restored the game is worth a lot.
 
By no means do I wish to sell the game for a profit, I actually think Zaxxon looks like a pretty cool game. I guess I'll just keep my eyes out and try and snag some cheap parts when they come along.

Here's picture of the cab in its current state (It's complete, but currently dismantled)
arcadenstuff074.jpg
 
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Zax

I think time soldiers is Jamma. You could put the origional Zaxxon art back on it the use a 48-1 pcb that has zaxxon on it. That would save you the trouble of rewiring it and trying to find a reliable Zaxxon board. Not origional I know but it might be a lot easier in the long run.
 
You can find a working zaxxon for about the price it will take to convert it. Just wait for one to pop up. Or as some one suggested get a 60 in 1 to throw in there and slowly convert it over time.
 
I think time soldiers is Jamma. You could put the origional Zaxxon art back on it the use a 48-1 pcb that has zaxxon on it. That would save you the trouble of rewiring it and trying to find a reliable Zaxxon board. Not origional I know but it might be a lot easier in the long run.

Yes, Time Soldiers is Jamma. I actually like your idea a lot, because I can get a 48-1 pcb for $75, which is cheaper than a Zaxxon board. Plus I would get 47 other games.

Hmm... I have quite a few different options now. Still thinking, though.
 
if it was mine, i would keep feelers out for the proper zaxxon stuff, but in the meantime you could re woodgrain it and stuck a multiboard in there..


If you wanted to go extra sneaky turn off every game but zaxxon and iirc, the multiboard will work like a dedicated zaxxon board..

(expertc correct me if im wrong)
 
if it was mine, i would keep feelers out for the proper zaxxon stuff, but in the meantime you could re woodgrain it and stuck a multiboard in there..


If you wanted to go extra sneaky turn off every game but zaxxon and iirc, the multiboard will work like a dedicated zaxxon board..

(expertc correct me if im wrong)
No, you are correct about turning all of the games off except for one. I have heard of others doing this.

Scott C.
 
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