Restore Questions - Stencils, CP, etc

ckasek

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I'm restoring a Ms. Pac-Man machine (thread in the showcase), and have a few questions.

First, anyone out there have any advice for getting stencils? I have the PDF file with the stencil, just need someone to make it. I saw that this old game can do stencils, but not sure if they'd do this one. If you have any experience going with someone online, I'd appreciate a PM about your experience.

Second, I was wondering what approach folks have taken to repainting a control panel. I'm fixing up a Ms. Pac-Man, and I need to repair a hole in the CP where they had added in an extra button -that part I'm fine with. Not sure the best approach to repainting though.

I'm looking for a solution that will be the most durable over time, and I'm worried that if I just use primer and some black spray paint that it will be more likely to wear off or be scratched. Not sure if powder coating would be worth it though, or if for the cost I'd just be farther ahead to order a new CP.

And third, anyone know where to get the 25 cent inserts for the coin doors? Mine are pretty scratched up, and I'd love to replace them. Problem is, anyplace I've found that carried them are totally out of stock.

Any input appreciated!
 
I did a Ms. Pac restore around 3 months ago, I'd say. I gave up on the stencils. I asked several local vinyl shop, asked friends who knew people, and even tried the forums. As a newer user people were skeptical as Namco is protective of their property. I could never find anything cheaper than 200 even, which would have doubled my restore costs. I'll add a picture to show you what it looks like w/o art. I like it as I've always thought the original art was to big and busy.

Why not patch the hole on the bottom of the CP and get a new overlay? New overlay should only be around 30 or 40 dollars I'd imagine. Once again mine was nice and didn't need it. If you do paint their is a spray paint out there that is very nice. I forget the name but its around 4 dollars a can. Would be great on your coin door and marque brackets as well. Its made specifically for finished metal. I've seen it on the forums.

I'd also recommend switchign the white one and two player buttons with pac man yellow buttons, and I personnally like the pink t-mold, although yellow is cool as well.

http://s840.photobucket.com/albums/zz322/c_web7/Ms Pac Man/

http://www.nintendoage.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Users.Photos&User=smeagolsama

The first link is the restore process and finished look w/o t-molding. 2nd link is my photo album on NA that has 3 finished pictures sitting beside a DK.
 
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I'll definitely repair the hole in the control panel, and I've already got a new overlay ordered. I was more concerned with the best approach to repaint. Since the marquee brackets and coin door won't be touched much, I figured the spray paint would be fine there, was just wondering about the durability of the paint on the CP.

As for the stencil, I'll hold out hope of finding one eventually. In the mean time, I'll get the blue paint on, and see how things go from there.

I'm considering the pink t-molding, I think it looks pretty sharp. Still need to make a decision on that.

thanks for the feedback.
 
So, about my control panel. I got the old overlay removed, but I'm having trouble stripping the black finish so that it can be repainted. I had used a 2" wire wheel attached to my drill to strip the marquee brackets, coin door, etc., but it's not making much of a dent in the CP.

Can anyone recommend a stripping agent that I can apply to get this thing back down to bare metal?

If i'm going to have to take it somewhere to be sandblasted and powder coated, for the cost I'm guessing I'd be farther ahead to just order a new cp.
 
Go to home depot and in the paint area you will find an adhesive stripper.
That will make quick work of the black junk.

Thanks,
Mike
 
I'm restoring a Ms. Pac-Man machine (thread in the showcase), and have a few questions.

First, anyone out there have any advice for getting stencils? I have the PDF file with the stencil, just need someone to make it. I saw that this old game can do stencils, but not sure if they'd do this one. If you have any experience going with someone online, I'd appreciate a PM about your experience.

Second, I was wondering what approach folks have taken to repainting a control panel. I'm fixing up a Ms. Pac-Man, and I need to repair a hole in the CP where they had added in an extra button -that part I'm fine with. Not sure the best approach to repainting though.

Find a local sign shop. They should be able to cut out your stencil and put on some contact paper so you can lay out the stencil. (I use linsonsigns.com, they are the BEST, but they're local to me.)

Chances are the sign shop you use to cut the vinyl stencil will also be able to airbrush the graphics. If the CP is metal, find a place that will sandblast it and be done with it, rather than using stripping chemicals. I just paid $20 to have someone blast my Asteroids CP. (http://forums.arcade-museum.com/showthread.php?t=158089&page=4)

I looked at my stencil and decided it was best left to the pros, as I want as close to the factory finish as possible. I couldn't find anyone in my little town to do silkscreening on it, which is a bummer.
 
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And yea, the cost on this method is a bit high, but I intend on keeping this piece for quite some time. Quality first!
 
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