I've always asked my local arcade friends about the past history of new arrivals to their arcades and I find it all very interesting. It's neat to know the 'how' and 'where' these machines went through before they came into collector's hands. I find the local pickups the most interesting. I'll start, I guess:
Centipede & Xybots -came from a barn both in terrible shape. They were originally given as payment to the seller for an odd job or two. Centipede was the worst; anyone else would have parted it out. I found another 'pede cab and went about the long process of fixing her up. Xybots was a less involved to fix up but still needed a complete rebuild.
Omega Race-came from a friend that got it after an 8 hour drive to LA. It was okay, but he had a heck of a time getting a working boardset for it. I gave it the full treatment with new caps everywhere and a new HV diode.
Spy Hunter-a friend of a friend helped me get this during my first road trip to get a game. Monitor was very weak, sound had issues, but I didn't care! My grail. New side art, repainted cab, new caps everywhere, etc.
Armor Attack & Altered Beast - were a 100% empty shells and I added everything: side art, marquee, board, power section, monitor, CP, etc. Were originally taking up space, gutted, in a friend's garage.
Star Castle - came from an RV park a town away. Half of one side was water damaged but the rest was in good shape. I rebuilt the corner with bondo and wood glue and did some other repairs.
Night Driver - came as a pair a town away. Originally bought at auction by the seller and we saved 'em from a sad fate as a MAME drivers. My friend got one that he promptly fixed up. Mine was worse off, and I'm finally starting the long restore.
Centipede & Xybots -came from a barn both in terrible shape. They were originally given as payment to the seller for an odd job or two. Centipede was the worst; anyone else would have parted it out. I found another 'pede cab and went about the long process of fixing her up. Xybots was a less involved to fix up but still needed a complete rebuild.
Omega Race-came from a friend that got it after an 8 hour drive to LA. It was okay, but he had a heck of a time getting a working boardset for it. I gave it the full treatment with new caps everywhere and a new HV diode.
Spy Hunter-a friend of a friend helped me get this during my first road trip to get a game. Monitor was very weak, sound had issues, but I didn't care! My grail. New side art, repainted cab, new caps everywhere, etc.
Armor Attack & Altered Beast - were a 100% empty shells and I added everything: side art, marquee, board, power section, monitor, CP, etc. Were originally taking up space, gutted, in a friend's garage.
Star Castle - came from an RV park a town away. Half of one side was water damaged but the rest was in good shape. I rebuilt the corner with bondo and wood glue and did some other repairs.
Night Driver - came as a pair a town away. Originally bought at auction by the seller and we saved 'em from a sad fate as a MAME drivers. My friend got one that he promptly fixed up. Mine was worse off, and I'm finally starting the long restore.


