Transporting Arcade Cabinets

[flashbackmatt]

There is a local eBay auction for a restored Asteroids and un-restored Centipede. I have a Ford Explorer and was wondering if it's possible, or even a good idea, to transport them laying on their backs? I would prefer not to rent a truck, plus it's the middle of thunderstorm season here.

[CRTGAMER]

Pop the backs off and see if the CRT has good supports inside for laying flat. If you can transport them in the normal position, you are better off though.

[+bennybingo]

Pop the backs off and see if the CRT has good supports inside for laying flat. If you can transport them in the normal position, you are better off though.

Agreed. The biggest concern here, usually stems from the monitor being improperly secured in the mounting brackets. The fly-back neck on the end of the monitor is very susceptible to damage.

 

Also, the rear door to the cabinet needs to be checked. If it is not secured properly, they can sometimes tilt into the machine or fall inside completely when you attempt to lay it down. I have a Tempest cabinet that is just like that. The wooden rear door is broken, so it can (and did) fall inside the cabinet. I luckily didn't do any permanent damage, but it did take me a while to try and get it out of the machine when I got it home.

 

One last thing…the monitor on the asteroids machine is a vector monitor. XY monitors like that are fairly touchy…you want to make sure to not bang it around too much during transport. Just take it really slow moving it in and out of the vehicle, and avoid potholes when driving if possible.

[racerx]

90% of my games have come home on their backs. Tron traveled 650 miles that way. Make sure everything in the cabinet is secure and you'll be fine.

[RodLightning]

Using plastic shrink wrap will help prevent nicks and scratches during transport. It's also a good moisture barrier. The giant rolls can be purchased from a U-Haul or similar moving supply store. I have also used boxes of cheap grocery store Saran Wrap. Two or three boxes is enough to wrap an arcade cabinet. If you need to store a machine for any length of time, this works well.

[TPA5]

Also, something as simple as a blanket laying on the floor of your SUV can help provide a nice cushy ride for your cab.

 

If you do pick them up, make sure you let us see the pics!

[racerx]

Also, something as simple as a blanket laying on the floor of your SUV can help provide a nice cushy ride for your cab.

 

Yep. I cover the flat load floor of the minivan with a couple big sheets of cardboard, and then put a big oversized comforter over that. Not only does that give a little cushion, but it also makes it very easy to slide the game in and out of the van.

[onemoretime]

Most of these things were more or less made to be able to be laid on their backs. Problems come about from repairs operators have done over the years. I always check, as previously stated, that all of the shipping hardware it still there before moving them.

[number six]

I've moved probably 500 arcade machines.. laying them on their backs isn't an issue unless something is not properly tied down inside (PCB, Monitor as people have pointed out, etc).

 

If I'm only moving one game then I always move it on it's back as thats the easier way to go. I only stand games up if I need the space in the bed of the truck (ie moving 2 or 3 games).

[bikeguychicago]

90% of my games have come home on their backs. Tron traveled 650 miles that way. Make sure everything in the cabinet is secure and you'll be fine.

 

Out of curiosity, what type of vehicle are you using to transport your games?

[racerx]

Out of curiosity, what type of vehicle are you using to transport your games?

 

It's a minivan...the only way to fly. If it's a single game pickup, it travels in climate controlled, carpeted comfort. If it's a multi game grab, I use a trailer.

 

 

[scotty]

I put a Midway Space Invaders in the HATCHBACK of a 1985 Chevy Camaro years ago. I wish I would have taken pictures of it. THAT was cool. Turned it on its side, and it slid right in.

[flashbackmatt]

I have no idea how I missed any of the replies, but thanks for all the tips. I haggled the seller down and they are paid for. I will be transporting them (especially the Asteroids) upright.

 

Just looking around for the right truck. I am thinking of overkilling it and getting a Budget truck with a hydraulic lift. I didn't think of the shrink-wrap, was just going to use moving blankets. But now I will go grab a couple of rolls.

[racerx]

If you're going that route you might want to rustle up some cardboard corner protectors as well.

[flashbackmatt]

Didn't use anything on the corners. Good to remember for next time, though.

[flashbackmatt]

[onemoretime]

And it even works AFTER transport... Nice!

[bikeguychicago]

Very nice on both counts.