Final Stretch

Felt like I accomplished a lot this weekend.

Updating my previous checklist:

1. Monitor bezel: check. Got a real perty one specifically for 19 inch flat screens (as opposed to CRT which has an arc).
2. The Monitor's Lexan plate is mounted and it's a relief. The Lexan itself is still the temporary one. When the controller is mounted and installed, the Lexan is locked into place. I have thin insulator foam to hold it in place gently. When I unlock and remove the controller - the lexan is removable and so it the bezel. This allows the monitor to be removed and reduced the weight of the whole rig.
   It was totally worth the effort, because today I was able to remove everything and carry the whole rig outside alone without significant effort.
3. Mounted the rear panel - it's still missing a lock
4. Sanded the entire thing - filled in many of the wear and tear marks with wood filler.
5. Cut all of the T-Molding slots. I think the control panel is going to split when I push it in, so I'll cross my fingers.
6. Cut the speaker holes and routed a control panel on top of the box (out of sight to all but me). I cut holes for the speaker volume and tone settings as well as the headphone jack and mounted it internally. Looks good and it's functional.
7. Painted, painted, painted everything. The photo shows the after, but it's just the frame.
8. I also painted the control panel, kick plate, speaker housing - everything. Took forever.

The TODO list is now down to:

1. Install the T-Molding
2. Assemble the Control panel and hinges
3. Install the speaker mount and kick-plate hinges
4. Order and install the marquee and side art (contemplating a neon side window)
5. Still need to test the coin door but i repainted it and cut the mount hole in the kick plate. It still needs return slot covers but I found them online.
6. I Bought the SOSS hinges and they are great... But but it seems like the MDF control panel isn't going to be durable enough in the long run, so I'm going with the simple hinges for it. I also got a second pair of hinges for the kick plate, which is held in place by the control panel lock as well, but will swivel open when I need it.
7. Haven't assembled the controller so I didn't install the chain yet. I'll decide on it as I go.
8. I Still haven't decided where to mount the 25c buttons so they don't look odd/ Problem is I have a (presumably working) coin mechanism, so where to put the buttons. Don't want to clutter up the control panel but want them easily accessible.
9. I also haven't committed to anything on the mouse buttons either, but I'm thinking I may use the 25c button to double as coin entry?
10. Still need to order the marquee glass and install simple lighting. Waiting until i mount the speaker housing.
11. Obviously I still have to assemble everything