Posted by Joe on October 18, 1999 at 14:30:23:
I don't know when I'll ever put up html on this project, but I wanted to share my experience finishing off my control panel (2-player, six-button, spinner, trackball).
The original metal control panel from my MK2 conversion (originally Pit Fighter) looked like Swiss Cheese. I brought it to a metal shop and had a duplicate remade out of steel with holes of my design. I couldn't have done it myself because it had odd angles and even a upturned "lip" where the metal tapered up to meet the glass.
Anyway, I found a "Hammered Metal" paint by Rust-o-leum at Home Depot. It gives a slightly bumpy, shiny finish almost identical to coin doors. It's easy to work with, cheap, and provides excellent results. Now, the control panel looks like it could be original equipment (because it matches the coin doors).
This paint should also work on wood, and it comes in several colors: black (my choice), silver, and metallic green. Heck, you could use this paint to re-finish your torn-up coin doors, too.
Happy Gaming.
Joe