Computers and Peripherals - arcade game refurbishing

Hey all,

I'm working on finishing my basement right now, and when it's done, I'd like to add a Golden Tee game down there. I looked online and was really surprised at how expensive these machines are though!

I noticed that a couple of the ones on E-bay were refurbished, and I was wondering if anyone had any links to websites that discusses fixing up old arcade games in detail. I guess it's mainly the wiring that I'm not sure about. And also if there are compatability restraints between the different game sets, and their electronics (wiring, computer boards and monitors).

Any help would be greatly appreciated! :)

Thanks,
-Mike

Find a local amusement place in town and see if they have any machines they want to sell.

I bought a stand up Joust and a sit down centipede ('table game') years ago from a local place and it was quite reasonable.

http://www.arcaderestoration.com/index.asp?OPT=3&CBT=10
http://home.hiwaay.net/~lkseitz/cvg/nexus/nexus.cgi?Topic=ACollecting


most games are pretty simple to repair. The monitor would of course be the exception. buttons,knobs,etc. are all about the same. Any warranty you get will only be as good as your ability to use it. Check locally for the game. Even if they dont have it, they might be able to get it, and then you know you can get it fixed if you need to.

from Arcadegamesuperstore:
http://www.arcadegamesuperstore.com/goldentee.htm#used%20gt

For All Golden Tee Home Editions & Live Editions

* Monitor = 1 Year Warranty
* Software = 90 Days
* Hard Drive & Power Supply = 1 Year
* Track Ball = 90 Days

bullet All Golden Tee Machines are backed by the Manufacturer's Warranty above and a 3-month AGS Warranty.
bullet All Golden Tee Home (Non-Coin) Models are covered by a 6-Month AGS Warranty for no additional cost

PLUS! ALL AGS Customers will receive the following:
bullet FREE 2-Year Electronics Warranty (Details)
bullet FREE LIFETIME TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE for your game via telephone or email
bullet FREE LIFETIME Parts Locator Service
bullet Extended 1-Year, 2-Year and 3-Year Warranties are also available upon request.

Thanks for the links Tae, I think they will be very helpful.

Does anyone have any experience working on these?

I think I'm going to be buying some older, fairly cheap arcade game cabinet and refinishing it and then buying the latest Golden Tee hardware upgrade through E-bay to create an up-to-date version without spending a whole lot of money.

I was hoping that there might be someone on here that had some experience with this and could advise me of any pitfalls...


Thanks,
-Mike

FYI, for anyone that does a search and stumbles accross this thread, I found this site, which seems to specialize in this sort of stuff:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/