ClassicCoinworks

Keep playing the classics

Repairs & Guides

03 / The repair bench

Start with the symptom.

Record the behavior, identify the exact board and cabinet, then make one change at a time. These are first checks, not full service manuals.

01 · Display

Sound, but no picture

Confirm the game is running by listening for sound. Check external brightness controls and note whether the monitor glows or shows any image. A CRT can retain dangerous voltage while unplugged; leave internal monitor work to a qualified technician.

Arcade CRTs
02 · Coin door

Coin drops, no credit

Check the coin mechanism's denomination and the service-credit switch. With the machine powered off, inspect for a stuck switch, debris, or a loose connector at the door. Document the original wiring layout.

Coin-op cabinets
03 · Controls

Missed or sticky inputs

Clean residue around buttons or trackball rollers. Inspect the switch and connector before ordering a replacement. Match a four-way joystick to games that require one, including original Ms. Pac-Man.

Arcade controls
04 · Pinball

Weak flipper or odd ball path

Record the model and edition, inspect visible wear and obstructions with power off, and consult the machine manual and model-specific owner notes. A qualified technician should diagnose coil and energized electrical faults.

Pinball machines

Machine notes from the project

Known machines, specific questions

Konami X-Men · 4-playerCoin acceptor and top-edge CRT waviness: separate the coin switch from the display symptom before ordering parts.
Neo Geo MVS · 4-slot ↗Green screen or freeze: reseat cartridges with power off; identify the exact board revision before deeper diagnosis.
Ms. Pac-Man cocktailA reproduction 60-in-1 cocktail is different from an original Ms. Pac-Man board. Document that distinction in any sale.
Stern Venom ProCompare Pro with Pro and list accessories separately; condition and edition drive the comparison.

From the garage

Owner photos by Matt Pearce / Classic Coinworks.

The change machine

Black change machine with green CHANGE lettering and auction lot tag 44.
The change machine with its auction lot tag still attached.
Matt’s black change machine standing beside a workbench.
The change machine beside the workbench. Confirm the validator and coin-payout setup before troubleshooting.

The 60-in-1 cocktail

A Ms. Pac-Man-themed reproduction cabinet. Its artwork does not identify the game board inside.

Ms. Pac-Man-themed cocktail arcade cabinet with a clear tabletop and blue control panels.
The Ms. Pac-Man-themed cocktail cabinet at the auction. This is my reproduction 60-in-1 machine, rather than an original Ms. Pac-Man board.
Ms. Pac-Man-themed cocktail cabinet in the garage beside the X-Men cabinet.
The cocktail cabinet in the garage beside X-Men.
Matt’s Ms. Pac-Man-themed cocktail cabinet displaying a maze game.
The cocktail cabinet powered on. Identify the installed board before choosing game-specific parts or instructions.

Out in the wild

Morristown Game Vault, New Jersey · July 28 · Photos by Matt Pearce. Machines photographed during this visit are separate from my own collection.

A row of pinball machines beside an X-Men cabinet in Morristown Game Vault.
Pinball machines line the room beside X-Men. Photo: Matt Pearce · July 28.
Morristown Game Vault interior with tall decorative ceilings, projected high scores, and arcade cabinets.
The room around the games: tall ceilings, projected high scores, and arcade cabinets. Photo: Matt Pearce · July 28.

A pinball example

Record the machine’s exact edition before ordering parts.

The Mandalorian pinball machine with illuminated playfield and Grogu artwork near the apron.
The Mandalorian pinball photographed among other machines. The edition has not been confirmed. Photo: Matt Pearce / Classic Coinworks.

04 / Useful websites

Find the right source.

Independent sites to browse for parts, machines, and owner research. Check compatibility and each seller's terms before buying.

Arcade parts

Arcadeshop

Classic game components, controls, cabinet hardware, and monitor parts.

Visit Arcadeshop ↗
Arcade parts

Arcade Parts & Repair

Reproduction PCB components and repair parts for arcade and pinball projects.

Visit the store ↗
Cabinet finish

T-Molding.com

Edge trim and cabinet parts. Measure the slot and original molding width first.

Browse molding ↗
Pinball parts

Marco Specialties

Search pinball parts by game, part number, or keyword.

Visit Marco ↗
Pinball parts

Pinball Life

Game-specific and general pinball parts, including flipper components.

Visit Pinball Life ↗
Machines + research

Captain’s / Pinside / KLOV

Browse auction lots, pinball owner listings, and arcade references. Asking prices are not sold prices.

Auctions ↗Pinside ↗KLOV ↗

Ordinary links; Classic Coinworks has no stated partnership with these sites and currently earns no commission from them.

05 / The maker's corner

Make a tabletop arcade.

A two-player Raspberry Pi cabinet lets you build without modifying an original machine. Mock up the controls, build a ventilated shell with rear access, label every encoder wire, and test each input before finishing.

  1. PlanAllow roughly 12 inches of control space per player; test spacing on cardboard.
  2. BuildFit an HDMI display and a removable rear panel.
  3. ConfigureMap both controllers and use only game files you are entitled to use.

Parts and prices change; select a compatible power supply, display, encoder, and controls before cutting the panel.

Two-player arcade cabinet with copper and teal accents