John raids an arcade warehouse and grabs a $25 Ms. Pac-Man! - classic arcade and pinball machines

[@chrisnizer1885]

You're certainly not the first member of the "Buyer's Remorse Club" my friend. That warehouse had temptation written all over it (in addition to the franks and beans artwork). Hope something good came from it though. Thanks for taking us along for the ride buddy, Semper Fi!

[@SeeJayAre]

I wish there was someone like you in my area that could teach me how to restore these machines... what an amazing hobby.

[@jewelianperez7038]

I agree, Jay.

[@Ajaxaxxess]

I know this is an old comment but.. Just start restoring them, dont need to learn when there are tons of videos to learn from. I started 3 years ago

[@JesseH76]

Wow - you really amaze me, John, with the length you're willing to travel to look at and/or collect cabinets. The content you have been putting is excellent, especially for those who grew up with these machines and preserving that special part of our lives. What's awesome, too, is that you're going to have a lot of project video for us in the future with all your new additions to the arcade. Awesome job, John, I love your channel so much! Keep us updated with what you decide on the Ms. pac-man!

[@rebeccarainharrod]

I just watched one of your first videos from six years ago, and HO...LEE...SHEIT! Your arcade has come so far since 2008! It's so fun to see how it has evolved and how your video shooting style has changed. All I have to say is WOW.

[@MyMac]

I think it's worth saving, John. Seriously, it's a dream machine to many people. Hell, I would give you $25 for the Marquee! Looks great.

[@foxtelremote]

Here in Australia, the 60 in 1's is bread and butter, its quite hard to find decent dedicated cabs that wont cost an arm and a leg. A few blokes imported a bunch of DK cabs a few years back and it cost them 2k each inclusive of freight. so that is what we have to deal with here, for $25 your're laughing its pretty good deal mate.

[@ByteSizeThoughts]

I feel your rollercoaster of emotions. I do the same thing with retro computer hardware and boxed PC games

[@amandaguzman1949]

Your videos make me soo happy.

[@sethbramwell]

For 25, Yeah I agree the marquee, coin door, and control panel were a steal. Even if you trash the cabinet or give it away, those are still amazing finds, especially once they were cleaned.

[@ToiletPunisher38]

I was sitting at my desk yelling at my computer "YES JOHN! 50 IS GOOD FOR THE MARQUEE, GLASS, AND CONTROL PANEL!"

[@eljackryan3681]

I dont watch tv, like none, but johns arcade has me glued to the screen! ☺️

[@internationalpimpall]

60-1 is always a better fate than destruction! You grabbed a lot of nice parts for $25 at least.

[@liskrig3429]

I'm sad you skipped over Operation Wolf, I always play that wherever I find it

[@RWL2012]

Ah, Space Invader, that classic game! (Just the one)

[@JediMasterBaiter]

26:37 I like how the background sound here matches your disappointment.

[@Donflorgon]

that face at 7:59 scared the he|| out of me! lol I thought someone was hiding between the cabinets.

[@VeganBytes]

Keep the cabinet, throw a 60 n 1 into it, buy 1" t-moulding to cover the swelling on the left side panel. You can always trim the excess with a blade so the moulding will look like its 3/4 inch thick. If not, rip the cab for parts. dont sell them, cause you'll get another cab to convert later on down the line.

[@randysmith7094]

I'd pay $50 for that cab all day long. I would just soak that edge with crazy glue and clamp the hell out of it.

[@royalohusky879]

I want a Galaga so bad. This is going to be my first time doing this I hope I can get in touch with you in the near future for a few tips. Thank you for sharing your hobby with all of us gives me hope 👍

[@chrisnizer1885]

Kinda like going to the grocery store when you're really really hungry but all you need is some milk, a dozen eggs and some toilet paper. Before you know it the cart is filled to the rim and you still haven't got the 3 things you came for in the first place. But hey, those original Wico leaf joysticks are awesome!

[@asp1332]

dude.... are you single or what?! My wife almost killed me when I bought home a second arcade machine.... she must be really understanding.

[@smarkthinking4914]

I'm not married but having two married lesbian roommates is very similar. Been hiding a dk cab for a month.

[@sirrusfrost]

Started watchting your videos couple weeks ago wanting to get into some restoring. Noticed that warehouse must be 15 mins from my place (noticed the plaza you drove by), must of missed the craigslisting. You think that they are still selling anything, and would it be worth going for a first real cab restore?

[@Johnsarcade]

I'm sure they still have stuff. lots of junk.

[@TortureBot]

Awesome pickup! Love me some Galaga. If you have to convert a classic, turning it into another classic is the most respectable way to go!

[@delsarcade]

For the swelling on the left side, just buy bigger t-molding, then trim it down on the thinner areas that aren't water damaged. You won't even notice when you are done.

[@Jshaw71]

I was thinking the same thing, while watching this video, while he was talking about the T molding not fitting correctly, but that's just me...

[@spida1a]

Great stuff. What fun! When I was actively collecting ... raiding a warehouse or operator's backyard was one of my favorite things. Times have changed now though. Ha ha. (PS: I LOVE the fact you argue and second guess yourself on camera, it's so much fun!)

[@Johnsarcade]

Thanks, bro! Glad you enjoyed the video and my. internal struggle. lol.

[@spida1a]

Lol. It's awesome! :)

[@Asherrips]

spida1a Because of Chris I addicted to pins and because of John I am addicted to collecting Arcade games. Thanks guys... I have no money now...

[@spida1a]

Lol! Sorry man. ;)

[@NotWatching666999]

Strips the parts, dump the rest. If you do the 60 in 1, you can always flip some cash for your coming winter projects.

[@ArgonautArcade]

Why do these never happen near me?!!! Awesome stuff, man!

[@eglsfly]

Insane that they originally wanted $150 for that water damaged stripped cabinet.

[@RaulBillieJean]

hey that neo geo cab that you have .. does it have a 120 in 1 cart in it? how are those multi carts? is it like emulation? do they run exactly like the original mvs carts?

[@Johnsarcade]

it's not emulation. it loads the actual game Rom data. it's great.

[@webdiddy]

I said it before and I'll say it again. I LOVE JOHN ON THE ROAD VIDS!

[@Johnsarcade]

Thanks, Tony!! :)

[@SkullkraneEntertainment]

So lucky! DANG!

[@MrKevinp0]

From what I've seen on ebay, you could get at least $50.00 for the Ms. Pacman marquee alone. Badly faded originals are selling for that, so you could possibly get more than that. I'm thinking even if you decide not to put Galaga in it, you can part it out and come out money ahead easily. I'm willing to bet you could even sell the cabinet stripped for well more than the $25.00 you spent. That being said, it would be cool to see it restored into a working Galaga. LOVE that game!! Great video, as they all are! Thanks for sharing!

[@Johnsarcade]

yeah the parts are worth it for sure. :)

[@brianbirkinbine2054]

You got a good deal for $25 John, I know the feeling, I have games that I was like, what was I thinking? Time is the problem for collectors, too many games, not enough time to fix them up.

[@delsarcade]

Man, I'm so jealous! Been looking for a Ms. Pacman for ages. They are way too pricey!

[@TheKurtsPlaceChannel]

Cool video. Loved all those cabinets and saw the red one poker game too. Hope the cabinet will work out for you.

[@NimbleswitchMusic]

Many of us would be thrilled to find a CRT, bezel, CP, coindoor, joystick, pushbuttons, and marquee for $25.

[@jables3377]

Pinball wizard had a Galaga for sale when they closed shop. $300 but needed new PCB only.

[@zaplocked]

Where was this at? I saw one on craigslist for sand gap, ky, who was losing a lease, but they said they were a recycling center when i called and wanted a min $500 purchase. I just wanted some boards so I had to nope out of that convo

[@PatrickDaniels]

Picking warehouses is fun to watch! At 13:35, is that a 56k modem ringtone? If so, THAT'S MY RINGTONE! #nerds4life

[@Johnsarcade]

Patrick Daniels LOL. That is my ringtone. :)

[@PatrickDaniels]

FANTASTIC! My coworkers think it's either annoying or extremely clever (I work in IT).

[@sethbramwell]

What a difference that cleaning made!

[@brookwest]

I want that Beachhead machine is this guy still there? How do we contact him? Please Please thanks

[@ferz1984]

for 25$ its really good deal ! You should make it galaga... It will be a great project-restoration....But you need many parts... Keep up the good work!

[@Johnsarcade]

I might make it a Galaga. We'll see. :)

[@artbell259]

Too late to grab that Mr. Do ! ? Solid game worth having, maybe even Lady Bug. Do combines a Berzerk-Pacman playing vibe. SpyHunter is essential stuff

[@hueyfann1]

you have a link to install lights on the coin slot 25cent?

[@johnDingoFoxVelocity]

Honestly I would have purchased a cocktail cabinet and built a galaga cocktail there getting very rare

[@ThomasGrillo]

Thanks for the video. At the very least, you now have templates for cutting new 3/4" side panels for restoration purposes. :)

[@Yoeddy1]

Did John rip one at 17:04?

[@wiredwrong8]

I'm a big fan of your restores. This is the first time I commented on any of your vids, and feel the Ms Pacman could be a good candidate for a Mame cab and don't put it in your basement. Maybe for another room in your place. Could be a slow project and show off your creativity. I'd watch the progression. :)

[@moneyhouse2012]

where can i purchase a shrek pinball machine, been looking for a nice one for awhile

[@drizzt186]

loved the video John. Shame you couldn't have picked up that fish tails i know how you fell i also really like that pin. It was funny watching you debate with yourself weather to get the the ms pac cab or not. Again great video. Maybe you should convert the cab to a Galaga wouldn't mind seeing that restoration either.

[@Riz2336]

Of all the things that were there, the fish tails was the one that appealed the most to me.

[@Johnsarcade]

yeah, but it wasn't for sale. :(

[@JackLucasCaffrey]

12:23 I Thought You Wanted A Namco Reunion, Why Didn't You Pick One Up There?

[@tootyuk]

great stuff John boy!..loved it!

[@ivanperez8200]

Amazing, im so jealous of your collection mate

[@wessagussett1]

John, your house is going to turn into that warehouse in Fitchburg. LOL

[@Husky_cdn]

hey john at 10:07 do you think that black cab with the two coin doors do you think that maybe a simpsons or a turtles cab? i would have picked that one up hoping it was cheap

[@Husky_cdn]

sorry 10:04 is a better look the one to the right of the ms pacman

[@MegaGullwing]

Great fun, why dont you try to get rid of the black paint? Put the same stuff on it as you did on the journey, maybe the original ms pacman artwork is still there. It's worth a try :)

[@TripLikeIDo86]

Original Galaga machine, works, but the entire back panel of the cabinet is missing. $600. Good or bad?

[@Johnsarcade]

is the cabinet nice? Monitor nice? of its missing the back door that's not a big deal. Easy to replace. just a piece of plywood or particle boars. $600 is fair for a NICE Galaga. I'd want to be much closer to $500 assuming it works 10000% and looks good.

[@TripLikeIDo86]

Everything else is in tip top shape. Just the back door is missing. Would $600 be an insult of an offer to make him?

[@Johnsarcade]

YuckYuck Offer him $500 and grab it. :)

[@TripLikeIDo86]

Sounds good, man. I appreciate the help!

[@TripLikeIDo86]

Got another guy locally selling one. In perfect condition. Already refurbished. $1000 and delivered. Too high?

[@jasonzicha1859]

Wait is this in Maryland?

[@mokthemagicman]

I would want that Spy Hunter. Looked pretty cherry too. "No Sale! No Sale!" ....Ugh!

[@TheJuno106]

My vote is to convert it!! Guess the cars stay outside . It's not a garage anymore . It's johns arcade extension!

[@pinballdan]

I have Galaga header & monitor glass also since I have a whole Galaga upright...

[@jamesavery3559]

Wow!

[@DavidKyle]

I think your assessment is correct. Just sell what's valuable and chunk it. By the time you restore/convert this one, a proper dedicated Galaga will come along at a comparable price, and it won't require as much of your time and effort. That sucks about the bait and switch ad, still made for a great episode.

[@Johnsarcade]

yeah... they advertised great games in CL and when I got there they were all "not for sale". lame.

[@AussieOutlaw]

THAT Left Side is a simple Fix. Remove the original, take it to a Lasercutter and get him to copy the side and cut it in MDF, would set you back like $30 .

[@marioguy1225]

can random people go to your arcade?

[@jaywalking17]

I had to come back and watch more of your videos since discovering your channel a week ago! I think you did good for $25 bucks on the Ms. Pac and would restore it back to a Ms. Pac, I mean it's almost there! A little more time and patience you'll find that awesome Galaga deal ready to go. By the way, great job on your videos man!!

[@Johnsarcade]

Thanks for watching the vids! I'm not sure what I am going to do with the cabinet, just yet. :)

[@Ferrisb33]

I want a Pac-Man cabaret like the one you have in your stash...you show it at about the 26:00 mark...How much would I have to budget for one? Great series...Keep up the great work.

[@Hollyweirdification]

Should've pulled the no sale sticker off of it. They would've never known. lol

[@philippelafortune2873]

Make it into a Galaga! That would be awesome.. just clamp the side-panel.. it will be fine!

[@rich35ukuk]

hi John I've been watching your videos for a while now and just got around to watching this video another great video from you your one of my favourite utubers John awesome stuff you have

[@Johnsarcade]

+richard howard Thanks, Richard!

[@ShadowBurn680]

John id love to collect the actual arcade machines like you do but i don't have the space so im building a mame cabinet to suite my needs and desires

[@Johnsarcade]

that's cool! MAME is fun too. just not as fun. ;)

[@ShadowBurn680]

haha yeah good news is i can fight my friends on any game with it looking forward to more great vids keep it up :)

[@torres61179]

great video love how you keep convincing yourself (was only 25 bucks)

[@Johnsarcade]

Seems silly but it's a space issue right now. I need my cars in the garage for the winter. :)

[@torres61179]

keep up the great work anyway dude

[@MagikGimp]

Also, can you really do nothing with a bezel with just a single crack in it? Doesn't seem that bad to me but I'm pretty clueless on these things.

[@Johnsarcade]

I can try to repair it with triple thick.

[@michaeldauria]

That seems pretty disorganized, are they mostly like that?

[@Johnsarcade]

yeah it us usually chaos. :)

[@19jcg64]

Yeah, I love Galaga and Galaxian and yeah, you gotta have the space!

[@Beaps73]

$25 are you mad, that's a bargain. I would do like you said, just sit on it and see what parts turn up.

[@Janiace]

keep up john love the vids more more you post thnx man

[@Krankorian]

The Head to Head Cabinet could be a Tournament Cyberball 2072.

[@superpacman73]

Pretty sweet deal i think, would love find same deal to put my bootleg MsPacman in and not have it in the galaxian cab that it is in now !

[@gb.recordings]

I think you got a good deal on that Pac-Man cabinet and I know you will do a good restoration because I seen a few of your restoration videos and you do a damn good job

[@Abonanno24601]

Awesome videos. Been watching them for a few days now in envy. Can I ask how much is invested in your game room?

[@back2thefuture]

It would be a dishonor to galaga to put it in that cabinet XD you should probably gut it and sell it. (Or send it my way lol)

[@DirkMade]

Cyberball! My favorite game of all time.

[@AUXSWITCH1]

Saw that FLYING ACES home pinball.

[@theorgandude]

John, i tend to agree it's not worth converting to Galaga. However I would find it educational and entertaining to watch you convert to a 60-in-1 or MAME machine as cheaply as possible and then sell it on for maximum profit, in the style of the TV shows.

[@fredmeyerhofer9327]

That 2 player thing was a cyberball

[@ArmandoBarradas]

Operation wolf cabinet at 3:04... would like one of those!

[@17nicksmail]

Sell the CP, coin door with bucket and either keep/sell the marquee. Test the tube and give the cabinet to somone trying to build a MAME machine.

[@SeithonJetter]

Honestly, fun video and I'd strip that thing for parts and flip it and put the money toward another project.

[@MagikGimp]

A man is going out of business! YESSSSS!! ;) Sorry but it had to be said.

[@Johnsarcade]

LOL. Never really looked at it like that. ha.

[@game_whisperer1606]

Hi John - Great vid - I think you should turn it into a Capcom Bowling. No seriously - A MS Pac restore would be more interesting than a Galaga conversion - for some reason I have issues with that. Galaga is Galaga, Ms Pac is Ms Pac. A Galaga will come...Please don't cross to the dark side....what next TFT and 60-1 - Flipper ? Great vid though. BTW, I think the Stern was Armored Car - I thought you wanted that too.....go back!

[@pinballdan]

Yea that was fucked how they didn't want to sell the good stuff....!!!!

[@jjjonesy]

Winter is coming! Part it out. Don't feel guilty, you'll be helping someone else with their restore.

[@joseid5055]

what was the song at 2 min

[@Johnsarcade]

That was a song from my band The Kill Screens. It's on our album Science Fiction Movie which is available on iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify!

[@joseid5055]

John's Arcade Game Reviews & Tech right on dude, great sound. really like don't feel. you should do a video to sunshine:)

[@TheManofDew]

Good vid. Take the good stuff and give away the cabinet.

[@xxxrockstargamingxxx8964]

Well, I doubt you still have this thing, I have been interested in one of these to build a classic pac-man, since they are the same model. If you ever find a decent pac-man outer shell (don't care if broken) Just if you happen to see a listing for 200 or under, lemme know. hanks a bunch :D

[@Samsapopin]

I think $25 was a good deal, John. Better than the $100 particle board VS. Hogan's Alley that doesn't work at the moment Since you wanted a Galaga (and you did mentioned Galaga cabinets are the same as Ms. Pac-mans), just convert it into a Galaga. You managed to fix your Pac-Man, I'm sure you can repair the Ms. Pac-man BTW, what was the song being played while you were driving to the warehouse? Is it a song you and your band did?

[@MyMac]

My dream machine is a BurgerTime and a Ms. Pac-Man with the speed up chip.

[@CharlieEdward25]

i think u should fix it up people like u keep this stuff alive great job :)

[@sandmanxo]

If you dump the parts I need a coin bucket for my Ms Pac. and would be interested in buying it.