Who here likes the "Used" look?

CapnCrunch

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I'm torn between restoring a Galaga or leaving it with the used look. I think it's kind of cool that it shows wear. There's a few names scratched into the side art as well as KL + DB and other junk... I'm not debating to restore or not, nor thinking that one option is better than the other. I just got to thinking that bumps, bruises, battle wounds and scars are kind of cool.

Anyone else opted for the "used" look?
 
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I don't mind the "Used" look at all, gives the game added character and shows how much it was loved in the real world making quarters.
 
i have original and restored games in my collection and i would much rather have an original in decent shape than a mint restored. i try to keep restos as original as possible.it's history! a few games of mine have initials carved in the t molding or on the cpo. i love that sh#t!
 
I think for folks who have just one game (whether its in the house, garage, basement) it should look perfect. Any more than one, and it looks more authentic classic arcade if they show some wear.
 
I consider my games as having a beautiful patina and artist names and initials only add value.
 
I've left some initials and stuff.. even in games I repainted and sold... and the buyers loved it when I pointed it out...

you can always just put new cpo, buttons, joystick to clean it up and enjoy the clean feel of it.. and leave the rest...

yup.. dont get caught up in "it has to be immediately restored perfect" thought process.. thats great for some games... but if you like yours as it is..

then leave it and enjoy... I might think different if it has offensive words tho...

grandma doesn't need to see truck stop rest room stuff on your game...
 
i like used as well. i usually leave the cabs themselves the way they are, aside from magic erasering them, but i will replace cpo's/joysticks/buttons, etc. unless a cab is truly trashed, anyways, i prefer the used look.
 
i have original and restored games in my collection and i would much rather have an original in decent shape than a mint restored. i try to keep restos as original as possible.it's history! a few games of mine have initials carved in the t molding or on the cpo. i love that sh#t!

Absolutely. I prefer to get original games in excellent to decent shape, give them a good cleanup, and maybe a little touchup if necessary. I don't see the attraction of these "restored" games that are complete makeovers with repro parts and artwork... they're nothing but fakes, pretenders....
This hobby is about nostalgia for me, and games like that are stripped and void of history. And the games that I played in pizza joints and convenience stores as a kid never looked like that....
 
In most cases I prefer used - I like to call it "battle damage."

About all I will do is clean it up and get the control panel cherry; since that is what makes a game frustrating if the controls don't work right.
 
i prefer my games to be original as long as they have the correct art. i like to leave operator and license tags on the marquees too if they have 'em.
 
btw... this is only for games.. not women...

"I like my women a little on the trashy side"... great song....
 
I like the used look, too. Most of my games are all original. Some need some TLC though. I'm not a big fan of a rusty coin door; or like on my Sea Wolf the periscope handles were all rusty. I thought that made the game look really bad, so I restored as much as I could. My Centipede has a terrible cpo on it that I will replace....
 
Unless its an eyesore, I usually just clean it up a little and leave it original. With the age of these games, keeping (or getting) them going comes first and cosmetics second IMO.

If you cant decide, you could always buy an extra panel, marquee and what not, and then experiment, learn your preference in person. No matter how many opinions you get, youll always wonder "what if" unless you acually go for it.
 
:wavey:

Me too! I absolutely insist on getting the controls and electronics mint and leave the art alone as much as possible. These were workhorses. They've seen stuff. Why wipe that away and try to make a 30 year old look like a teenager again? It doesn't work for women, it doesn't work for video games.

Love the dings. Enjoy the initials. But make damn sure those controls are mint!

ken
 
The used look works for me while they sit in the garage awaiting restoration otherwise i sell em off to someone that just wants something to play or they get scrapped.
 
Cigarette burns, scratches, FUK as the high score, its all good since that's how I remember them.

I draw the line at playability issues. Don't want scratches on the bezel, a dim monitor, and I like to have new, or at least perfectly working sticks/buttons.
 
I like a good CPO, good controls, clear bezel, clean cabinet.

I will replace things if they are ripped or trashed, and if there are suitable replacements available. Other than that, its usually just a thorough cleaning, and making sure the electronics are working well and dependable.

Some cabinets the cosmetics are more important than others. TRON, for example, can look pretty poopy if the art is all hammered or not glowing right, while Pac cabs look good to me if the hand print is worn into the left side art.
 
I like the used look as well, might do some minor resto like a new cpo,buttons,t-molding, repaint a rusty coin door & marquee brackets,etc. it all depends on the overall condition of the game. I don't really mess with the cab I'll leave the scraps,scratches, bumps and bruises it just shows the games test of time.
 
I don't mind worn, but I don't do raggedy. If side art is peeling, it get's replaced. I do like my CP's nice though. So I try to clean those up. One thing I won't put up with is "John sucks D%^k" on the side of my Cab.

If it's got names scratched in the sides it's a deal breaker.
 
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