# Real Ghostbusters Arcade restoration (WORK IN PROGRESS) **URL:** \ **Category:** Ghostbusters Video Games\ **Created:** [February 22, 2017, 1:44am UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/real-ghostbusters-arcade-restoration-work-in-progress/24287 "2017-02-22T01:44:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![sirphobos](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/977dab/32.png) [@sirphobos](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/sirphobos)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2017, 1:44am UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/real-ghostbusters-arcade-restoration-work-in-progress/24287/1 "2017-02-22T01:44:54Z")
Hello all, I recently acquired a completely empty RGB Data East 3-player cabinet that I’m going to restore to its former GB glory. I haven’t gotten much further than completely stripping the cabinet down to wood… but I’ll continually add to this post as I make some considerable progress…or whenever I feel like it. ![image](https://discdn.gbfans.com/original/3X/8/1/81ac57d82a278aec57bad2f57a341febb4e0ebf0.jpeg) Here is the cabinet as I received it, minus the monitor. As you can see, it was converted into a Simpsons at some point during its life, which is odd as the Simpsons is generally a 4-player game. ![image](https://discdn.gbfans.com/original/3X/e/6/e691f3941a287e24a9ba34361d127d0677dd92aa.jpeg) After removing the leaf spring buttons, I peeled off some sort of vinyl control panel overlay and discovered remnants of the original artwork underneath! I don’t know if it’s salvageable or not, but I’m going to attempt to work on this in the near future. ![image](https://discdn.gbfans.com/original/3X/f/3/f367d5f24e010233dc987d78827542eddb71b6b4.jpeg) A closer look at the no-ghost. I’m not sure if it’s just what’s left, or if the art is truly still under the paint they used. Guess I’ll find out. I can make out the text for “BEAM” “SHOOT” and “START” as well as the silhouettes of the 'busters. If I can’t restore the art, I know the font used for the text is Serif Gothic Heavy, and I’ll use a vinyl cutter to reproduce all of this. I’ll probably use one of the GB stickers that were recently available in stores as the center no-ghost if I cannot save what’s there. Video: [![](https://discdn.gbfans.com/original/3X/e/7/e733751226f0c63e0eac3c236cf33dd565015d94.jpeg "REAL GHOSTBUSTERS ARCADE Restoration, Part One") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-wlr2jXsA0) More as I make progress! ---
**Author:** ![pferreira1983](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/p/2acd7d/32.png) [@pferreira1983](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/pferreira1983)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2017, 12:16pm UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/real-ghostbusters-arcade-restoration-work-in-progress/24287/2 "2017-02-26T12:16:50Z")
Are you sure this isn’t a Simpsons cabinet that has been left as two player? ---
**Author:** ![below\_radar\_00](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/b/c5a1d2/32.png) [@below\_radar\_00](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/below_radar_00)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2017, 4:24pm UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/real-ghostbusters-arcade-restoration-work-in-progress/24287/3 "2017-02-27T16:24:40Z")
It’s for sure an RGB cabinet. 1. That’s a Data East cabinet. Simpsons was Konami. 2. Data East only used that particular cabinet on two games that I know of, RBG and a game called Vigilante. It’s not a Vigilante though because that control panel is unique to RGB as far as I know. It’s three player (Vigilante is two) and you can see the old GB logo on there and the words “Beam” and “Shoot”. 3. There are very few three player arcade games. RGB is one of them. You can tell from the control panel and the coin mechs that this was originally a three player game. I believe Simpsons was only a four player game. The two player version was a kit. They’d send you the artwork, the game board, some controls, and you’d slap it inside a game that’s not earning any more which is exactly what this operator did. RGB stopped earning so he put Simpsons in it’s place via a game kit instead of buying the whole cabinet. ---
**Author:** ![sirphobos](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/977dab/32.png) [@sirphobos](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/sirphobos)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2017, 2:53am UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/real-ghostbusters-arcade-restoration-work-in-progress/24287/4 "2017-02-28T02:53:08Z")
Well, I had to completely strip the control panel overlay. The art proved to be non-salvageable. That’s okay! I have a friend helping out with reproducing it! ![image](https://discdn.gbfans.com/original/3X/c/f/cf02ffafd3d52dc631bf3c8fee5ba66c2aff4fae.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Peter\_Venkman\_Jr](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/p/82dd89/32.png) [@Peter\_Venkman\_Jr](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/Peter_Venkman_Jr)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2017, 12:21am UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/real-ghostbusters-arcade-restoration-work-in-progress/24287/5 "2017-03-07T00:21:39Z")
Looking forward to more pictures as they come. I always thought that [the Real Ghostbusters](https://www.gbfans.com/wiki/games/the-real-ghostbusters-activison) arcade cabinet looked amazing. ---
**Author:** ![sirphobos](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/977dab/32.png) [@sirphobos](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/sirphobos)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2017, 6:56pm UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/real-ghostbusters-arcade-restoration-work-in-progress/24287/6 "2017-03-08T18:56:43Z")
![image](https://discdn.gbfans.com/original/3X/4/0/40cbb8844dd53ca2b0357d6f20461f48138c9132.jpeg) Tested the new LED light fixture with the marquee. ![image](https://discdn.gbfans.com/original/3X/b/d/bd897d806d64487644f088168fd03e09e714e028.jpeg) Rebuilt the joysticks ![image](https://discdn.gbfans.com/original/3X/b/0/b0fd2c319d18726170d745d3d2daeb7d052169f7.jpeg) Fresh paint, first coat. Since this photo I have added a second coat and repainted the coin door. More to come… ---
**Author:** ![below\_radar\_00](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/b/c5a1d2/32.png) [@below\_radar\_00](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/below_radar_00)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2017, 8:38pm UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/real-ghostbusters-arcade-restoration-work-in-progress/24287/7 "2017-03-08T20:38:57Z")
Sweet progress! ---
**Author:** ![sirphobos](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/977dab/32.png) [@sirphobos](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/sirphobos)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2017, 11:49pm UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/real-ghostbusters-arcade-restoration-work-in-progress/24287/8 "2017-03-08T23:49:28Z")
![image](https://discdn.gbfans.com/original/3X/3/6/369924698c9349444d10c159bf5be4d474ab87b9.jpeg) T-molding applied (mostly.) The control panel t-molding was apparently nailed in… going to have to either nail it in again, or glue it in. ![image](https://discdn.gbfans.com/original/3X/f/9/f9a4dcfb13ae5ee2be4121cb1c3c82c39ca9fdc9.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![sirphobos](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/977dab/32.png) [@sirphobos](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/sirphobos)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2017, 12:43am UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/real-ghostbusters-arcade-restoration-work-in-progress/24287/9 "2017-03-18T00:43:35Z")
![image](https://discdn.gbfans.com/original/3X/3/b/3ba413bc5952cc541b2140994f62de5030eca9e5.jpeg) Side art was printed today… ![image](https://discdn.gbfans.com/original/3X/0/3/030aaf8c8a1d6cc354c6f596e0b8e281e94790d2.jpeg) Had to cut it out by hand, but turned out okay. ![image](https://discdn.gbfans.com/original/3X/c/6/c640457828053e497c8dbd72fb64ad2a260a1af0.jpeg) I’ve opted for an IPAC + Raspberry Pi solution, as working 3-player boards are both expensive and hard to come by. ![image](https://discdn.gbfans.com/original/3X/e/b/ebd30a08a93fe55b1b43cac6034741a19578e2fd.jpeg) I’ve also opted to go the LCD route, since we’ll be hauling this to our booth at future events. More updates to come. ---
**Author:** ![below\_radar\_00](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/b/c5a1d2/32.png) [@below\_radar\_00](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/below_radar_00)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2017, 2:18pm UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/real-ghostbusters-arcade-restoration-work-in-progress/24287/10 "2017-03-18T14:18:10Z")
Sweet! Almost there! ---
**Author:** ![sirphobos](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/977dab/32.png) [@sirphobos](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/sirphobos)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2017, 4:22am UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/real-ghostbusters-arcade-restoration-work-in-progress/24287/11 "2017-03-19T04:22:48Z")
Applied it today. ![image](https://discdn.gbfans.com/original/3X/0/9/092edd9d1f6d1b2223fc4ad022892f6bfec61385.jpeg) So close now. ---
**Author:** ![pferreira1983](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/p/2acd7d/32.png) [@pferreira1983](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/pferreira1983)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2017, 12:29pm UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/real-ghostbusters-arcade-restoration-work-in-progress/24287/12 "2017-03-19T12:29:04Z")
Looking very good. Can’t wait to see it finished. How do you get the artwork? ---
**Author:** ![sirphobos](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/977dab/32.png) [@sirphobos](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/sirphobos)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2017, 4:13pm UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/real-ghostbusters-arcade-restoration-work-in-progress/24287/13 "2017-03-19T16:13:21Z")
I actually got it from a GBfans member. I’ll let them come forward if they choose to… but I’m grateful to them for sending me the art. It really ties the whole thing together, y’know? ---
**Author:** ![below\_radar\_00](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/b/c5a1d2/32.png) [@below\_radar\_00](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/below_radar_00)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2017, 10:24pm UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/real-ghostbusters-arcade-restoration-work-in-progress/24287/14 "2017-03-19T22:24:20Z")
I provided the art that I had custom made a few years ago when I was doing a restoration. The side art has never been reproduced so I hired a graphic designer to recreate it from photos on the web and dimensions from another GBFans member. I ended up getting another RGB machine that has art that’s in great shape so I’m going to scan that in eventually for a true 1:1 version. The arcade is looking great sirphobos! Can’t wait to see the rest! ---
**Author:** ![sirphobos](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/977dab/32.png) [@sirphobos](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/sirphobos)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2017, 11:11pm UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/real-ghostbusters-arcade-restoration-work-in-progress/24287/15 "2017-03-19T23:11:47Z")
^---- Yup, then I sent the files to my dad, who happens to work at a print shop. He got it printed on what’s called PSV and then laminated for durability. Another fellow GB is re-drawing the control panel art for me, and then I’ll have that printed as well. ---
**Author:** ![sirphobos](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/977dab/32.png) [@sirphobos](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/sirphobos)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2017, 10:11pm UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/real-ghostbusters-arcade-restoration-work-in-progress/24287/16 "2017-03-21T22:11:00Z")
![image](https://discdn.gbfans.com/original/3X/c/a/ca98f14f40653111c7712a480543e4a4eb707a46.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Troy](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/t/85f322/32.png) [@Troy](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/Troy)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2017, 7:25pm UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/real-ghostbusters-arcade-restoration-work-in-progress/24287/17 "2017-03-22T19:25:41Z")
Looking REALLY good! I don’t think it was OEM, but one of my favorite RGB cabinets had the Ikari Warrior-style joysticks. For some reason, that’s always stuck in my head. Can’t wait to see this all up and running! ---
**Author:** ![sirphobos](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/977dab/32.png) [@sirphobos](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/sirphobos)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2017, 12:18am UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/real-ghostbusters-arcade-restoration-work-in-progress/24287/18 "2017-03-23T00:18:20Z")
One last update before I get the control panel assembled and wired. [![](https://discdn.gbfans.com/original/3X/8/1/81ee31fa1d6e706e27be190016e1eabe5b4518e8.jpeg "REAL GHOSTBUSTERS ARCADE - STATUS UPDATE.") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VGRX2CYGB0) ---
**Author:** ![pferreira1983](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/p/2acd7d/32.png) [@pferreira1983](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/pferreira1983)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2017, 11:35am UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/real-ghostbusters-arcade-restoration-work-in-progress/24287/19 "2017-03-26T11:35:49Z")
> [@sirphobos](#): > > One last update before I get the control panel assembled and wired. Great work! :shock: ---
**Author:** ![john21wall](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/j/58956e/32.png) [@john21wall](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/john21wall)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2017, 8:24am UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/real-ghostbusters-arcade-restoration-work-in-progress/24287/20 "2017-03-30T08:24:47Z")
I actually prefer the unlicensed Japanese version. Sucks that game companies always half-assed Ghostbuster games up until the one on the 360. [Next page](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/real-ghostbusters-arcade-restoration-work-in-progress/24287.md?page=2)