Here’s where I document the restoration of my TRON cabinet, a time honored tradition shared by many other owners across the internet.
I intend to strip down the entire machine, repair and paint the cabinet, replace all artwork, and clean up and fix any mechanical or wiring issues that remain. When I’m done, this TRON should be damn close to like-new condition.
(Cyberball is next, but that one is gonna be a bit more of a challenge)
I began the teardown this weekend, removed most of the fixtures and exterior bits, and sanded and repainted half the brackets. Discharging the monitor, something I’ve honestly been dreading for years, was a nonevent, and I’ll be pulling that and the boards out next.
I’ll list out my parts purchases as I go, partly with the intention of tracking how much I really end up sinking into this, and partly to make things easier for the next poor soul who wanders by with a restoration project.
Initial parts orders:
- Rear screen art
- T-molding (40 ft)
- 4 f15t8/cw fluorescent lamps (2 spares)
- 2 f15t8/bl fluorescent lamps (very nice price, 1 spare)
- 2 f15t8/blb fluorescent lamps
- Polaris 651 High Voltage Probe
What sort of skill set do you need to have before taking on a restoration project like this because ive been tempted for a long time over a Bionic commando japanese arcade machine that is in the area.
You’re in for a lot of work! Make sure you get some new side art too. You will be glad you did. Good Luck!
Curtis, I say go for it. Once you’ve gotten ahold of a manual (maybe more difficult with a Japanese cabinet), and especially schematics, it essentially becomes a really big model kit, and with great online resources (the klov and byoac forums are particularly good for restoration info and questions), there are usually others out there that know the answers to whatever questions may come up.
Jeff, thanks! Your site has already been a lot of help, and an inspiration for my own documentation.
Thanks for giving me a location where to find parts. This will be my first restore. Hold your breath.