Painting the Big Red

[Karumakun]

Decided to start painting my Big Red over the weekend. PO had painted over older paint that covered previous Neo Geo vinyl. The vinyl wasn't complete so I ripped it off but was able to color match using the underside which remained in perfect finish. Sanded her down, used wood filler bond, re-sanded, then applied 1-2-3 oil based mildew resistant primer before putting on 4 coats of the red paint.

I'm happy with the results. Will tackle the lower section around the coin door next weekend and then use semi-gloss black for the lower portion.

https://flic.kr/p/2nhTpsh
https://flic.kr/p/2nhTpML
https://flic.kr/p/2nhQYd9

 

[ConstitutionalCommando]

I'm dreading this restoration project for my MVS-2. I still haven't decided if I want to paint or replace the vinyl. What made you decide to use paint over vinyl?

 

[egg_sanwich]

Damn looks good. Not a job I'd want to tackle, glad my vinyl is still in passable shape.

 

[Karumakun]

Damn looks good. Not a job I'd want to tackle, glad my vinyl is still in passable shape.

Thanks! Taking my time with it. Just removed the coin door and it's frame off last night and started prep work to paint that area.

 

[rholdenl]

This is looking great! I'm going to have to take a swing at this with my 2 slot cab soon and remove some rust from the control panel. I'm dreading it.

 

[Karumakun]

I'm dreading this restoration project for my MVS-2. I still haven't decided if I want to paint or replace the vinyl. What made you decide to use paint over vinyl?

Ultimately, it was a cost decision. $300+ on a vinyl kit compared to $40 in paint and supplies. I also was inspired by a thread on here that was posted 10 years ago where someone painted their cab and it came out really good. In the end, if I mess up I can always repaint or bite the bullet and vinyl it in the future.

 

[Karumakun]

This is looking great! I'm going to have to take a swing at this with my 2 slot cab soon and remove some rust from the control panel. I'm dreading it.

Yes! That took the longest for me since you have to remove all the wires and buttons and label everything before removal. I definitely advise you to get a palm sander if you don't have one. I got mine cheap from Harbor Freight for $20.

 

[rholdenl]

Yes! That took the longest for me since you have to remove all the wires and buttons and label everything before removal. I definitely advise you to get a palm sander if you don't have one. I got mine cheap from Harbor Freight for $20.

Luckily, we have a sander, hopefully that will save my wrists.

 

[ConstitutionalCommando]

Ultimately, it was a cost decision. $300+ on a vinyl kit compared to $40 in paint and supplies. I also was inspired by a thread on here that was posted 10 years ago where someone painted their cab and it came out really good. In the end, if I mess up I can always repaint or bite the bullet and vinyl it in the future.

Makes complete sense. It would suck to order a $300 vinyl kit just to screw it up with a simple mistake. Could you share the link to the paint thread that was posted 10 years ago? I'd appreciate it.

 

[Karumakun]

Makes complete sense. It would suck to order a $300 vinyl kit just to screw it up with a simple mistake. Could you share the link to the paint thread that was posted 10 years ago? I'd appreciate it.

My bad, just seeing your post. I'll have to dig that old thread up.

 

[Karumakun]

All finished with the paint now. Also installed new t-molding from 4partyfun on ebay, 40 feet. Also got some mini marquee replicas from arcademarqee.com . Next step is getting the 1&2 player decals as well as the memory card slot decal from Szabos.

 

[Karumakun]

https://flic.kr/p/2nkEWRD

 

[Karumakun]

Makes complete sense. It would suck to order a $300 vinyl kit just to screw it up with a simple mistake. Could you share the link to the paint thread that was posted 10 years ago? I'd appreciate it.

I believe it was this thread that I read through https://www.neo-geo.com/forums/index.php?threads/big-red-mvs-paint-color.170941/

 

[Karumakun]

Realized that I never added an image of how this cab originally looked when I purchased it.
https://flic.kr/p/2nkF9SN

 

[Karumakun]

Update on the cab. Had a friend of mine cut the side decals for me and I think they came out great. As expected, applying the vinyl to painted surface was a challenge but went well.

Now just waiting on Szabos coin door logos which is taking forever! Going on 3 weeks without shipping notification.


https://flic.kr/p/2nrb2X8

 

[Karumakun]

Also used some Kleen paint stripper foaming spray on the foot protectors to take off the black spray paint. I let them soak in a tray and used a plastic putty knife to scrape it all off. Nice and purty again.

https://flic.kr/p/2nrc98U