:: Workshop :: Pleiads

[DarthNuno]

Back on the metal panel 



I'm using the same method to remove the paint on it... drill equipped like this 



... and I finish the job with this cheap sander (note : I use finish manually for small parts, but not for this one) 



OK, now let's paint it.

The primer first 



2 layers! And now let's use the semi gloss black... first layer 



Ok, while it's drying, let's fix the T-Molding problem. Remember, a part of the T-molding is missing   



This T-molding, or just the 'molding' (without the T) because there's no 'trench'  , is very similar than the Atari black vinyl used for Dragon's Lair cabinet and others cab' ... Luckily, it still have very small parts  Look   



Let's compare the original 'T-molding' with this Atari vinyl   



Cool  As you can see... both are VERY similar  The only difference is the thickness. The original is a little bit thick than the vinyl, but it'll do the job for me   



Ok, so let's fix the vinyl. I've added a little bit of super glue. I want to be sure that the vinyl won't get away  I put a bigger part then needed, and I cut like this 



Looks great now   



You can see the difference between the original 't-molding' and the black vinyl on the previous picture because I've used a flash, but when you are in front of the cab with normal lightening, it looks great 

 

[DarthNuno]

The lock is missing on the back door :



Let's put a new one...





When I got the cabinet, the back door was maintained by a big part of scotch. That explain why a part of the gray color is gone...

[DarthNuno]

When 'on', the marquee is a little bit 'yellow' 

This is the reason... check out the back of it 



Let's try to clean that with just water + soap... looks better now :



... but I have to be very careful... because here's what happen if I push/clean to hard on the back part 



Anyway, it's far better now  :



Because the game is on, I've to play it of course 



I've increased my high score  22580 PTS 



 

[level42]

That marquee looks saweeet !

Also good work on the "custom" t-molding, that's the same reason I rarely throw anything away, you never know what you can use it for in the future (Wife is not always happy with it though ! ).

Where did you get that Atari vinyl ? Is it similar to the vinyl on the SW cockpit ?

[DarthNuno]

Thanks André 

I got the vinyl from Jason in UK... I've used it first in order to restore the Space Ace cab 



I don't remember if it's was a piece of original Atari NOS vinyl, or if it was the famous Black Vinyl (Morocco style) available on QuaterArcade, I'll ask to Jason.

It's basically the same than all you can find on mostly Atari cab who have black vinyl.

I've also used it on for Time Pilot, on the top of the cabinet 



...and now on the Pleiads 

[DarthNuno]

Finally got the PLEIADS CPO repro 'back printed'   



Did 'ya say accurate ? YES !!!   



 

[DarthNuno]

The control panel reproduction is ready 

Check the pattern I've done in heavy paper, and the final production  



It's not Plexiglas... arggg I didn't remember the name    ... it's a little bit more flexible than Plexiglas... and it's unbreakable 

Before applying the control panel overlay...



...let's put some clear water on the control panel



Let's apply the overlay (back printed, remember) :



After removing water + air bubbles and cutting around the panel's borders 



This is not over! Because it has been back printed, the overlay is transparent, and of course, I don't want a transparent panel (even if it would be a nice effect, like Tron with a neon under it  ).
So let's cut a piece of heavy white vinyl 



After that 'new layer' applied, once again, let's remove water + air bubbles 



And...

The final product 



 

The old one... and the new one   



The only slight difference, at first sight, would be the dark color... not as deep dark as the original... but for the rest... it looks ACCURATE 
Now the big question, does that new control panel will fit the metal panel ? Do the holes for screws, buttons, joytick will fit ?

Stay tuned 

[Dexter]

Where did you get this printed ? Looks like a nice job on the printing.

[DarthNuno]

I've worked with Marc from B-Kolors, a local shop close to me (3 minutes  )
 

[DarthNuno]

The control panel 'in metal' is now fully painted 



'A complete history about a panel...'    



Let's cut the CPO inside the holes, from the back of the panel :

[davebizarro]

a question about the original control panel:

It seems the second button was added later right? Even there isn't a legend to the second button. (the are legends for Fire - Disparo and Start - Arranque, but not for the second button)
Had you tested if this version of pleaids works the second button for warp? or has no effect?

[DarthNuno]

a question about the original control panel:

It seems the second button was added later right? Even there isn't a legend to the second button. (the are legends for Fire - Disparo and Start - Arranque, but not for the second button)
Had you tested if this version of pleaids works the second button for warp? or has no effect?

Yes... I've tried that second button... no effect at all...
That is the reason I didn't put it on the CPO/bezel repro, and also because there's no mention about this second button on the original overlay.
There's only : Disparo & Arranque 

[DarthNuno]

A big moment 4 me... the entire control panel is ready 

Let's quickly put it on location... and see how it looks   



Yesss! Perfect!

Just a note here... as I said previously, I keep only one button... I choose the left one, from the two already drilled on the metal control panel, in order to see the (famous) word : 'DISPARO'  So the fire (DISPARO) button is on the left of the text, but I'm fine with that 

Last thing to do... make the original screws shine like their first day  Usual mushrooms pictures 



Done 



Now, it time to see if the pattern I've done for the holes for the reproduction bezel will match :

1) the existing holes in the wood panel

2) the existing holes in the metal panel




YEAH BABY YEAH   





OK, the final, but really final thing to do  ... fixing the control panel   



Yehawwww 





This cabinet looks like new now   








Now... take a seat, some chips & Dr Peppers... put the volume to the max, and enjoy this new VIDEO (don't miss the gameplay at the end!) 



 

[scr33n]

Yeahhhh Bruno, love it!!! Great job like always  The panel is like new 

One question .... Can you tell me the title and the artist of the second song of the video? (I remember it, beautiful, but I don't remember the title  ) I was 13-14 (1986-87 possible??)

Thanks!!!

 

[DarthNuno]

Thanks Screen 

OK, songs from this video :

- KOTO 'Jabdah'
- Transvision vamp 'I Want Your Love'

...so 80's