30 replies to this topic

[lushgirl_80]

Lately I've been checking the local Craigslist and noticed there has been alot of working arcade machines for really cheap. Makes me think...dang in a few months I maybe actually be able to afford one! I've seen some really good deals on CL,like a month or so ago someone was selling a Dig Dug machine for $300.

Here's a good example...

http://sfbay.craigsl...2720860271.html


Crystal Castles for $400!!?!? And that's been on the list for a few months now. Seems alot of people locally here are either not really into the old machines or just not into gaming much. Also noticed a Marvel VS Capcom machine for $300(also has been on the list for several months now).

It's always been a dream of mine to have one of those arcade machines in my room! I need advice on how to move one over to my place tho. Should I hire some movers?? Also has anyone actually bought a machine off CL or Ebay before? I've never had one before and I think it must be alot of work trying to ship one of those over.

[Crazy Climber]

I have owned hundreds of them (not all at at once of course, lol) and I'll warn you, they are addictive
Two people (preferably somewhat strong), a truck and a dolly should be able to move it just fine.

[bigbee99]

lushgirl_80, on Mon Nov 28, 2011 6:23 AM, said:

Lately I've been checking the local Craigslist and noticed there has been alot of working arcade machines for really cheap. Makes me think...dang in a few months I maybe actually be able to afford one! I've seen some really good deals on CL,like a month or so ago someone was selling a Dig Dug machine for $300.

Here's a good example...

http://sfbay.craigsl...2720860271.html


Crystal Castles for $400!!?!? And that's been on the list for a few months now. Seems alot of people locally here are either not really into the old machines or just not into gaming much. Also noticed a Marvel VS Capcom machine for $300(also has been on the list for several months now).

It's always been a dream of mine to have one of those arcade machines in my room! I need advice on how to move one over to my place tho. Should I hire some movers?? Also has anyone actually bought a machine off CL or Ebay before? I've never had one before and I think it must be alot of work trying to ship one of those over.

They are not too bad to move.

Good luck with the machines. There is a local yocal here that nabs up all of the cheap machines and resales them.

B

[rmaerz]

lushgirl_80, on Mon Nov 28, 2011 6:23 AM, said:

Should I hire some movers?? Also has anyone actually bought a machine off CL or Ebay before? I've never had one before and I think it must be alot of work trying to ship one of those over.

HAHA - well it depends where it's being moved into. If it's being moved into a second floor apartment, make sure you dangle a steak dinner as incentive! If you're moving cabinets into my place where the Retrocade is on the ground floor then it's pretty easy.

Most classic full size cabinets will fit in a mini-van with some seats removed. I've picked up 5 of my 11 cabinets off of Craigslist or eBay. In all cases the seller helped me load the cabinet into the mini-van. The Centipede cabinet had to be carried out of a basement and it took three of us to do it. But, when the cabinets come home, I just need my wife to help me push it out of the van and tip it onto a dolly. From there it's really easy. And some cabinets like my Donkey Kong 3 cabinet already have wheels on the back.

Here are some things to look for:

When you are onsite, make sure that they have the game powered up (if they are selling it in "working condition."). Test out the controls on the games. Joysticks and buttons are low cost repairs, but trackballs are pricey. If the trackball doesn't glide easily, it may need to lubed (easy fix).

BRING A FLASHLIGHT! Take the back door off and get a good look at the inside of the cabinet. Look for rodent droppings or other evidence of infestation such as chew marks. I bought a Pole Position cabinet that had two mice nests: one in the PCB cage and the other behind the marquee. It can be salvaged, but keep in mind that this is a health issue. After cleaning the entire Pole Position cabinet, I then primed the inside of the cabinet with Kilz before bringing it into the house.

Monitors are expensive! If the picture is wavy, dark, "takes time to warm-up" etc. take $100 off the price because that's how much your going to pay to ship it out to ArcadeCup.com to have them rebuild the chassis.

Artwork is expensive! You can get marquee artwork cheap, but the monitor glass and side art can be costly.

Lastly, don't sweat the small stuff. The big stuff is anything that the player interacts with: controls and video. All wood damage can be fixed.

[bennybingo]

I agree with the posts above....for the most part. I would avise you to look up the machine you are interested in prior to purchase and learn about it a bit. For one, see what the curb weight is.

My reason for adding a word of caution is due to my own experience. I purchased a nice looking, fully functional stand up version of OutRun from eBay. I called the seller prior to making a local pick up, and I asked him how heavy it was. He said "oh, around 180 lbs", so I figured he would know best. It turns out that this particular cab is much heavier than that...much, much heavier - weighing in at 300lbs.

In the end, I had to find additional help to assist with the move, which wouldn't have been a problem if I were expecting it. I had no game plan in place for this, and had to call almost every guy I know...last minute on a saturday morning. It was quite a pain in the a$$. Now, 3 years later, I am considering a move and dread having to address that one again. It was nothing like my tempest machine. That was a piece of cake.

I would just advise that you look into the particular cabinet for all pertinent issues associated...not just weight. For example, my Tempest cab is very tempermental...espicially the XY monitor.

I am in no way trying to discourage you, as I love all of my machines. I just say the same thing to everyone who asks about purchasing their first cab...do your homework. Know for sure what you want...the reason that you can find these games cheap on CL and eBay, is because they require a certain kind of buyer...one who has the space for a machine, time and money to fix it up and an attention span which wont quickly grow tired of a single arcade game. Be sure to pick a favorite, and try to get it in "turn key" condition...posibly one which has already been recently serviced.

[Crazy Climber]

Yeah, arcade games can (and likely will) be constant maintainence, they WILL have problems eventually. They are old and most craigslist stuff has not been reconditioned/etc. Basically If you don't like getting your hands dirty, or at least know someone who will help, they can become frusterating when something like a monitor goes out.

[simbalion]

^{I have to agree with all the above as well. Weight is a big factor. I have a bad spot to try and get games in and out of right now, so that doesn't help me. Also another point I would make is to be sure that the game you want will fit through the door to the room you want it in. Of course if you aren't wanting a full-size upright, there is always the cabaret or cocktail cabinet route. Both are lighter and take up less space. I must admit that as far as repairs, one advantage of an arcade game is that you can take out the part that needs repaired instead of trying to take the whole unit to a repair shop. Now in the case of my Speedway, it is EM and I will have to tote the whole machine up to the repair shop.}

[UberArcade]

Just find a friend with a truck and put the machine on its back in the bed. Throw a strap over it and bring it on home. It is also useful to own your own dolly. I have moved a lot of machines myself, but I don't recommend it. It helps to have another person to help. If you are going over stairs good luck.

I have also had some games shipped. Only do that if it is something rare that you really want and there is a slim chance of finding one close by. You can't be there in person to verify the condition and shipping runs somewhere between $200-$300.

There are lots of great machines for cheap right now. I had to stop looking at Craigslist because I don't have anymore room and it is killing me to pass up on some of these machines. Don't be afraid to haggle over the price and don't feel obligated to buy the thing if you don't like how it is in person. If that Crystal Castles has been on Craigslist a few months offer the guy $100. Those are the kind of deals you can get right now. My friend just picked up a CC locally for $100 that is mint. It has been listed for a few months for $300. There was a nice Missle Command and Pole Position I found the other day. Stuff is turning up on Craigs List more often than it used to.

[Crazy Climber]

UberArcade, on Tue Nov 29, 2011 11:26 PM, said:

If that Crystal Castles has been on Craigslist a few months offer the guy $100.

There is a big difference in haggling and straight up low balling. $100 for a $400 asking price crystal castles thats in pretty good condition is a rude offer in my opinion.

[UberArcade]

I am not much for low balling either, but if a game has been listed for months then obviously nobody is willing to pay that price. Your average Craigslist seller of arcade games just wants them gone at this point. There is a nice Hard Drivin locally that has been listed over and over for at least half a year and only asking $300. The truth is the machines are just not worth much anymore. If I go to resell some of my machines I will run into the same thing. I sold a Ms Pac a few months ago. I had it listed for about a month at $400. I finally took $300. I had spent $500 rescuing the machine and getting it working again. So basically I am saying while Crystal Castles used to be a $400 game in this economy it is not anymore. Prices are subject to change.

[simbalion]

I second the fact that alot of arcade games are popping up right now on craigslist. I am going to set up something for my games next year, but one fear I have is this is going to be the the big rush and then we will be lucky to find a game for sale in the following months. The Columbus area here in Ohio has been a hotbed of games for sale lately. There is (or was) a complete Gran Trak 10 for sale for $100 when I bought my Subs near Columbus and I was sooooo tempted. There were also two or three Space Invaders Deluxe machines for $225-$250 there as well. It does seem to be a good time to add a machine to your room or collection.

[Cynicaster]

I say hooey to considering any kind of offer inappropriate or rude. If the seller wants to deem a certain offer "low ball", they can ignore it--no harm, no foul. Unless you're made of money or looking to make a charitable donation to a Craigslist merchant, my feeling is that it's financially irresponsible to go for anything but the lowest expenditure you can to get what you're after.

[UberArcade]

simbalion, on Wed Nov 30, 2011 10:53 AM, said:

I second the fact that alot of arcade games are popping up right now on craigslist. I am going to set up something for my games next year, but one fear I have is this is going to be the the big rush and then we will be lucky to find a game for sale in the following months. The Columbus area here in Ohio has been a hotbed of games for sale lately. There is (or was) a complete Gran Trak 10 for sale for $100 when I bought my Subs near Columbus and I was sooooo tempted. There were also two or three Space Invaders Deluxe machines for $225-$250 there as well. It does seem to be a good time to add a machine to your room or collection.

I have learned not to pass on a game you really want if you find a good deal. You may not find another like it for a long time. Especially if it is an uncommon game in good shape. You can always find some kind of game to buy but you may never see another Gran Track 10. I am assuming it works. Space Invaders Deluxe is also awesome to have. Just don't fill up all your space with cheap crap games. Leave a few spaces for those rare ones that pop up so you can jump on a deal like that.and not have to figure out where to move your bad dudes or chase hq with the broken monitor. Once you start checking Craigslist or Ebay on a daily/weekly basis (it will happen) you will be suprised what kind of games show up. That is the fun of it. I keep the garage pretty clean so if nothing else I can store a game or two out there if I find a sweet deal. There is nothing worse than having to pass on a nice game because your space is taken up with crap games and projects that don't work.

[Austin]

Here is something else to think about: Do you want a single dedicated cabinet that is not going to change? Or do you want to be able to swap the boards/games out?

If you want the later, then something like that Marvel Vs. Capcom cabinet is a good deal. It will be a JAMMA compatible cabinet, meaning just about any other arcade board that uses the JAMMA standard can be swapped out with the Marvel Vs. Capcom board. Want to play NBA Jam? Mortal Kombat? Double Dragon? Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? X-Men? Strider? Street Fighter II? You can buy just the boards and they can be swapped out in a matter of minutes. Many are really cheap these days, sometimes even in the $20 - $30 range!

[lushgirl_80]

UberArcade, on Tue Nov 29, 2011 11:26 PM, said:

Just find a friend with a truck and put the machine on its back in the bed. Throw a strap over it and bring it on home. It is also useful to own your own dolly. I have moved a lot of machines myself, but I don't recommend it. It helps to have another person to help. If you are going over stairs good luck.

I have also had some games shipped. Only do that if it is something rare that you really want and there is a slim chance of finding one close by. You can't be there in person to verify the condition and shipping runs somewhere between $200-$300.

There are lots of great machines for cheap right now. I had to stop looking at Craigslist because I don't have anymore room and it is killing me to pass up on some of these machines. Don't be afraid to haggle over the price and don't feel obligated to buy the thing if you don't like how it is in person. If that Crystal Castles has been on Craigslist a few months offer the guy $100. Those are the kind of deals you can get right now. My friend just picked up a CC locally for $100 that is mint. It has been listed for a few months for $300. There was a nice Missle Command and Pole Position I found the other day. Stuff is turning up on Craigs List more often than it used to.

Not sure if I'm gonna get the Crystal Castles actually (the seller lives really far from SF)...I'm gonna wait until there's a good deal closer by. I had a chance to get a mint Kangaroo machine in working condition for $200 ,that was only a few blocks away over a year ago, but I emailed that person too late.A few years ago someone was selling Gauntlet for $200 also close by.

My roommate's friend has a dolly actually that I can borrow and I know someone with a truck. I'm also going to have to tell my roommate I'm planning on getting a really big game lol. Also have to figure out where I'm going to put it in my room. Not gonna be in a few months tho so I have alot of time to figure out where I can put it. I really hope I can find a cocktail table game even better, but I noticed those are much more expensive for some reason. I always notice games like Centipede and Ms. Pacman are always very expensive, selling around the $600-$2000 range. I understand they're classics, but imo they're not the coolest arcade games I've played. I always think why should I pay 2000 bucks for a Ms.Pacman cocktail table,when I can just play my Jaxx connect to the TV Ms.Pacman game that's similar to the arcade? Anyways if I can find a Ms Pacman cocktail game for under 500 I think I'd be lucky. I'll be catching up with all these posts later.

[SEgamer]

Good luck on the hunt for a machine. I'll add to rmaerz list to also turn the volume of the game down and listen for any high pitch noises. I went to look at a MVS cabinet last year and everything looked and sounded great, but I noticed a high pitch whine coming from the power circuit which supposedly meant it could've been the transformer so I passed on it. It could've been something else, but I didn't want to take a chance on it.

Since you have limited space, it would also be good to make a list of machines that you'd like to own, and wait until one shows up. I've only owned 2 so far because I only have room for one machine. I had a hell of a time selling the first one to make room for the next one. You might have better luck if you decide to get another machine because I live in an area where you almost have to give arcade machines away when selling them.

[simbalion]

I think you will be able to find something nice and a game that you will like. I'd go for more myself right now, but space and money is an issue right now. Not only do I have a few arcade games, but I have over 80 antique tube radios crammed into the trailer. I ended up a radio collector before getting into arcade games, though that could have been different had I been able to snag that $100 Centipede machine my senior year in high school in early 1996. Had the cash, no way to haul it.

[retrorussell]

Yeah, go for it! I was ecstatic with my first purchase and even though I don't really play it that often anymore I like looking at it and knowing I can play it anytime I want (Phoenix). Just know there is maintenance involved and something WILL break down at one point or another. Learn some soldering, and learn how to replace cap kits. Also, and this is big, learn how to disconnect the anode SAFELY before doing the above. But it will be worth it. Especially when trying for high scores you'll post on Atari Age!

[lushgirl_80]

I've decided after doing some research that I may not get a machine from someone off Craigslist after all. I've been looking on eBay lately, and noticed there are much better deals and some people actually ship the machines using Freight shipping. There was an auction about a week ago for a really nice looking Donkey Kong machine and it sold for only $270 plus shipping charges via freight. I mean $270 for an actual working Donkey Kong arcade!?! :-/ Now that's a really great deal considering how much those go for usually on CL for thousands of dollars. I would have bid on it, but I already had bid on several other auctions and I didn't want to go too overboard with spending too much money.I think I'd rather have it shipped to my house too then have to go all the way to someone's place and pick it up.

[Crazy Climber]

lushgirl_80, on Mon Dec 26, 2011 11:02 PM, said:

I've decided after doing some research that I may not get a machine from someone off Craigslist after all. I've been looking on eBay lately, and noticed there are much better deals and some people actually ship the machines using Freight shipping. There was an auction about a week ago for a really nice looking Donkey Kong machine and it sold for only $270 plus shipping charges via freight. I mean $270 for an actual working Donkey Kong arcade!?! :-/ Now that's a really great deal considering how much those go for usually on CL for thousands of dollars. I would have bid on it, but I already had bid on several other auctions and I didn't want to go too overboard with spending too much money.I think I'd rather have it shipped to my house too then have to go all the way to someone's place and pick it up.

Just a few things to remember....

Just because people have them (DK) up for sale at $1000-$2000 doesn't mean they are actually selling

Frieght shipping usually means to a dock terminal so you will still have to go pick it up and bring it back to your house. The only one that I know of that comes right to your door is NAVL and it's not cheap, around $400+ depending on how far.

[Wayne Moore]

Crazy Climber, on Mon Nov 28, 2011 6:27 AM, said:

I have owned hundreds of them (not all at at once of course, lol) and I'll warn you, they are addictive
Two people (preferably somewhat strong), a truck and a dolly should be able to move it just fine.

They sure are, I have 3 video games and 3 pinball machines in my game room and 3 in the shed and I had more, but it just got to be too much, lol

[lushgirl_80]

Crazy Climber, on Tue Dec 27, 2011 5:50 AM, said:

lushgirl_80, on Mon Dec 26, 2011 11:02 PM, said:

I've decided after doing some research that I may not get a machine from someone off Craigslist after all. I've been looking on eBay lately, and noticed there are much better deals and some people actually ship the machines using Freight shipping. There was an auction about a week ago for a really nice looking Donkey Kong machine and it sold for only $270 plus shipping charges via freight. I mean $270 for an actual working Donkey Kong arcade!?! :-/ Now that's a really great deal considering how much those go for usually on CL for thousands of dollars. I would have bid on it, but I already had bid on several other auctions and I didn't want to go too overboard with spending too much money.I think I'd rather have it shipped to my house too then have to go all the way to someone's place and pick it up.

Just a few things to remember....

Just because people have them (DK) up for sale at $1000-$2000 doesn't mean they are actually selling

Frieght shipping usually means to a dock terminal so you will still have to go pick it up and bring it back to your house. The only one that I know of that comes right to your door is NAVL and it's not cheap, around $400+ depending on how far.

Thanks.... well I guess I'll look at both CL and eBay. What I really like to get is one of those cocktail table games cos I know it would look awesome in my room and not take as much space as an standing one,although a standing upright one would be rad,just wondering where I'd put it.

If I find a Gauntlet game soon for $300-400 I'll definitely buy it.

[mike99mccarthy]

lushgirl_80, on Thu Dec 29, 2011 11:26 PM, said:

Crazy Climber, on Tue Dec 27, 2011 5:50 AM, said:

lushgirl_80, on Mon Dec 26, 2011 11:02 PM, said:

I've decided after doing some research that I may not get a machine from someone off Craigslist after all. I've been looking on eBay lately, and noticed there are much better deals and some people actually ship the machines using Freight shipping. There was an auction about a week ago for a really nice looking Donkey Kong machine and it sold for only $270 plus shipping charges via freight. I mean $270 for an actual working Donkey Kong arcade!?! :-/ Now that's a really great deal considering how much those go for usually on CL for thousands of dollars. I would have bid on it, but I already had bid on several other auctions and I didn't want to go too overboard with spending too much money.I think I'd rather have it shipped to my house too then have to go all the way to someone's place and pick it up.

Just a few things to remember....

Just because people have them (DK) up for sale at $1000-$2000 doesn't mean they are actually selling

Frieght shipping usually means to a dock terminal so you will still have to go pick it up and bring it back to your house. The only one that I know of that comes right to your door is NAVL and it's not cheap, around $400+ depending on how far.

Thanks.... well I guess I'll look at both CL and eBay. What I really like to get is one of those cocktail table games cos I know it would look awesome in my room and not take as much space as an standing one,although a standing upright one would be rad,just wondering where I'd put it.

If I find a Gauntlet game soon for $300-400 I'll definitely buy it.

One thing you might not realize until you actually own one, is that cocktail cabs actually take up more room. A stand up is usually about 24 inches wide and fits nicely up against a wall among other cabs. A cocktail(my pacman for instance) is an oblong rectangular shape (about 30 inches wide) and you have to factor your seating in to the overall foot print it takes up. you will most likely need a chair on either side. if your cocktail is up against a wall with 2 chairs, thats as wide as 3 stand ups. plus if you put the cocktail right up against a wall its kind of awkward to sit at it; you usually have to have it 2 or 3 inches out from the wall to have shoulder room. The stand ups just look big because they are tall, but height doesn't actually take up more floor space. another bonus about standups is you can stack things on top of them if need be.

[Crazy Climber]

Mike is right about the cocktail. They do take less space vertically but the "footprint" which is the most important, ends up being larger. The other problem is in a room you will just end up stacking stuff on it, you don't need to clothes hampers right, lol. The advantage to them is they are very easy to move, they double as a table (for cocktails!!) and they just look so bad-ass. I have owned a few and really liked them but due to my limited space I ended up ditching them eventually
BTW - Just my opinion but Nintendo cocktails are fugly, lol

[simbalion]

I had a Mr. Do! Cocktail, but ultimately got rid of it because of space issues. The way the controls were set precluded sitting it against a wall an it was such a plain looking machine. I guess that is my biggest beef about cocktails an caberet machines, they lack the artwork that I love on the full-size uprights. On the plus side, the ARE alot lighter.