Space Invaders - Taito Trimline

Yoshizard64

Member
Joined
Jan 25, 2017
Messages
116
Reaction score
19
Location
Nevada
Rating - 100%
4   0   0
Hello. I'm considering purchasing my first arcade cabinet, a Space Invaders Taito Trimline. As I haven't delved in arcade machines before, I want to know what I'd be up against.

Good:
  • Cabinet itself looks to be in really good shape, a couple scratches here and there but I'd leave that as patina.
  • Screen bezel seems good, a couple others I've seen have major flaking in this area
  • Owner says it's all original components, and it seems to be that way.

Minor stuff:
  • Cleaning obviously
  • Right coin door flap, coin box lock, and back cover lock are missing (guessing a couple bucks each to replace?)
  • Looks like tape residue on back cover, I can probably remove that with Goo Gone
  • Control panel art is pretty worn, that'd be the one cosmetic thing I'd upgrade. Are there any options for this such as replacements or getting it re-painted?

Major stuff:
  • Now the biggest problem, the machine doesn't work. He says it "turns on and lights up but the game doesn't activate". I assume that means the marquee is working at least. The owner says he's had it for the last 20 years, and he doesn't have time to deal with it/try to fix it.

That being said, what would I be up against? I'm assuming all the capacitors/fuses in this machine are old and need to be replaced (I have basic electronic diagnostic/soldering skills). What am I looking at worse-case scenerio? New game-board, power supply, and monitor? Are these parts obtainable? I'd prefer to keep this machine as original as possible except maybe the power supply to be replaced with a new switching one.

Right now the seller is currently asking $250 for it only because he has another machine (Twin Eagle) for $500 total and doesn't really want to go lower on price and split the bundle. As the ad has been up for over a month, I'll maybe try again next week and see if he'll go lower.

What price would this machine be worth? Is it worth the risk considering the game board and monitor are unknown?

Thank you for any guidance/help. Have a nice day.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20170125_131739.jpg
    IMG_20170125_131739.jpg
    98.2 KB · Views: 68
  • IMG_20170125_131829.jpg
    IMG_20170125_131829.jpg
    105 KB · Views: 57
  • unnamed.jpg
    unnamed.jpg
    81.7 KB · Views: 64
Last edited:
1. welcome to klov, good long & detailed thread for your 1st post here!

2. what city/state are you from? being new, it's not on your profile yet...

3. that space invaders cabaret is worth $250 all day long, even non-working, get it!

4. fixing it can be time consuming. a new space invaders pcb set (2 pcb's) runs $200+, not sure about the Taito version though as I'm only familiar with the american Midway set.

5. BUY THOSE GAMES ASAP! welcome to the hobby, you'll have 20-30 more soon enough! :)
 
1. welcome to klov, good long & detailed thread for your 1st post here!

2. what city/state are you from? being new, it's not on your profile yet...

3. that space invaders cabaret is worth $250 all day long, even non-working, get it!

4. fixing it can be time consuming. a new space invaders pcb set (2 pcb's) runs $200+, not sure about the Taito version though as I'm only familiar with the american Midway set.

5. BUY THOSE GAMES ASAP! welcome to the hobby, you'll have 20-30 more soon enough! :)

Thank you for the welcome!

I'm in Las Vegas, these machines are about 20 miles away from me (coincidentally, really close to the Pinball Hall of Fame).

I'm not really concerned with time being put in, I like a project (especially one where I learn new stuff), it's more a matter of I'm a cheapskate and don't want to dump too much money into something that may not work. Yeah I've read into the Midway version of the game which has an L shaped board, don't know much about this Taito 3-board set. I did find the original manual online with total machine component list/teardown. While I would love to get both games, I do not have space for a full-size cabinet right now, I'm lucky I have room for a cabaret.
 
I don't see much in reasonable price games in las vegas.

There was one around the Orange county area but it was water log. I figure i have need to sink in 300 to 400 to make inside the home ready. Plus the 200.. i decided to save another game instead.
I hope you get it.. post pictures along the way.. it is always nice to see a old arcade machine saved..
 
I'll make it easier on you.

Buy it. If for any reason you can't get it working or want out of the project. I'll buy it off you and get you your money back. :)
 
Back
Top Bottom