Atari 2600 Project: Partial Restoration

[AtariMI1978]

After 29 days (including waiting for parts) I finally restored (partially) my friends Atari 2600. It had been sitting in his Mom's closet for 25+ years and when I plugged it in, it worked like a charm. I placed a fresh coat of paint (trim) and restored his joystick with all new parts because the parts that were inside were very worn, especially the top of his joystick. I fixed and replaced much more (link provided). I gave his Atari 2600 a nice bubble bath w/ scrub (laughs) and a nice (small) moderate shine. The parts that can be washed that is. LMBO.

 

Enclosed is a before (top) and after (bottom) photo.

 

My friend died in 2007 from a chronic disease at age 38, thus last month his Mom sent me his Atari system as a gift. Enclosed is the entire project at the link below. Click on images for description. The story begins on photo #2. RIP Charley.

 

PS All the games were his (I cleaned and shined them up/contacts), excluding Donkey Kong, which I purchased.

 

https://flic.kr/s/aHsm6ZFZ3Q

 

 

 

 

[Rom Hunter]

You did a marvelous job.

Thanks for sharing.

[AtariMI1978]

You did a marvelous job.

 

Thanks for sharing.

 

 

 

Thanks for the nice comment.

[simon.plata]

Good Job!

[AtariMI1978]

Good Job!

Thank you!

[pacman000]

Sorry for your loss.

[AtariMI1978]

Sorry for your loss.

Thanks.

[dphirschler]

I'd like to get more details on how you did the orange paint around the bezel. Can you explain the process?

 

Darryl

[AtariMI1978]

I'd like to get more details on how you did the orange paint around the bezel. Can you explain the process?

 

Darryl

I noted everything I did to the Atari over on my album (1st link below) via Flickr. Photo #2 explains everything in detail.

 

For the trim, I basically taped (2) craft foam sheets together and placed a layer of paint (mixed colors) and gently pressed the faceplate onto the paint. Painters tape is optional (see photo in album) I mixed Bright Orange or Cadmium Orange Hue and Burnt Umber, which I covered the entire craft foam sheets with. At first it was just White or Titanium White (2nd photo at the 2nd link below), but I noticed it made the Orange much lighter, but I needed it darker. I did not use White for this project. All the paint is Acrylic,which you might be able to find it at your local Dollar Tree, Dollar General, or Dollar Store. I wasn't able to. I purchased mine at Hobby Hobby (paint's called The Fine Touch, $2.99 per color), which they should have the colors mentioned above in the paint section.

 

Click the large arrow on the 'right' of each image for the next 4 photos to see the entire procedure for the trim. I would recommend to anyone not to blob the paint on or in thick layers. A good layer or two will do the job, if not, you can apply more paint onto the craft foam sheets.

 

PS I noted all the supplies as well.

 

Full Album - https://flic.kr/p/DUJmC9

 

 

Next 4 Photos (trim) - https://flic.kr/p/DUJmC9

Edited December 14, 2017 by AtariMI1978