Should I try to restore this neo geo?

damadczar

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I've got a neo here that has what looks like water damage on the top and back panels, as well as some issues with the area around the control panel.

I'm a huge novice when it comes to cosmetic cabinet restoration.
Can I simply sand down the top, replace the back panels (and the bit of wood that goes across the back), and bondo the curved areas around the CP and it'll be good?

Or is this something I shouldn't save, and just sell the working 2-slot board with games?
Or can I bring it back to life, relatively cheaply?

I've, of course, included some pictures. :)

Thanks,
Steven
 

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I have that exact cab in better condition. It looks like someone ripped the lockbar off at one time and they did a really bad repair job.

Maybe you could buy mine and make one good one from the two? :D
 
What kind of amount are we talking here groff? :)

Is yours just cabinet or is there other stuff in it as well? (wiring, monitor, cp, etc...)
 
What kind of amount are we talking here groff? :)

Is yours just cabinet or is there other stuff in it as well? (wiring, monitor, cp, etc...)

It is complete but the monitor is not working. Not sure what the issue is, maybe the power supply.

Pm if interested.
 
I love the "go for it" kind of responses.

But I was more specifically looking for some kind of knowledgable help about whether or not:

a) the wood looks water damaged?
b) how easy is it to repair/sand
c) you think bondo-ing that corner is good enough

I'm willing to restore it, I just wanted some idea on whether or not I was screwed from the start, and shouldn't even bother.

Steven
 
It's probably be easier to find another cabinet, but that might also take all the fun out of it! :D

It does look water damaged to me. I've never worked with a water damaged cabinet, so someone else will have more first hand experience than me, but your best bet is probably replacing the damaged wood. From the pics, it looks like the majority of the damage is on the top and back, so that's at least something...replacing a full side piece would obviously be more work...

But Neos are awesome, so you should for sure try to save it!
 
If a NeoGeo is on your list, then restore a way!!
The cabinets are reasonably common, so you can always upgrade later.
I've transferred monitors and PCB's from cab to cab as I find better ones myself.


First, get the monitor working.
Buying a 25" monitor for a so-so cabinet isn't my idea of a good investment.
Looks like a QNIC chassis, if you need a manual, PM me your email.
Is the fuse blown? What is it doing?
I found it reasonably easy to work on when I repaired mine.
Bob Roberts sells cap kits, arcadecup sells flybacks for them.


Water damage:
The back panels would be really easy to replace, use plywood!
The top can be sanded using a disc sander, vibrating type, like a buffer.
Once you sand initially, use a good primer, let dry, sand again.
Particle board will come apart, so the primer acts to stabilize, repeat as necessary till your happy.
The top really isn't "seen" so you don't need perfection.

The front can be bondo'd but you will need a t-mold router bit to reinstall the t-molding.
Use screws to add strength, in other words screw drywall screws in leaving them extended so they are within the Bondo when it's finished. Kind of like rebar in concrete. I am doing this same repair on a Pacman, except inserted wood back into the hole. Pacman is plywood though, not sure how a wood patch would work on particle. Don't leave screws out too far that you hit them when cutting the t-mold slot!!!
If the particle is loose or flakey, coat it with wood glue which will soak in a bit it to make it more solid so the Bondo doesn't just pull off. Do the glue after the screws are installed.

Good luck! :D


The PAC repair:
454ba5e2.jpg


1d48e80f.jpg


c47f88cc.jpg
 
@Teknotoyz - thanks for the suggestions on repairing the water damaged wood.

The monitor works, sort of. The colors are inverted (blacks are whites, etc...) and the h.hold and v.hold don't seem to work at all. I can't get it to stop scrolling no matter how much I adjust the pots. I can get the picture almost stable, but it still rolls a bit, and continues to drift further and further the longer it sits.

I like the idea for repairing the edge corner of the cp. Yeah, I've got a trim bit for my router, so I can handle that.

If I can get the monitor working, then I'll likely fix the rest of it.
 
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