"Trashed" Tron Arcade Restoration!

** Music too aggressive for your liking? Try the softer, quieter version at: • "Trashed" Tron Arcade ... **
This one is perhaps his most epic restoration yet!
Join Tod as he tackles his latest (and maybe greatest?) arcade restoration challenge -- TRON!
He starts his journey with a road trip to pick up a Tron arcade cabinet that nearly ended up in a burn pile (and rightfully so!). Missing nearly all of its major parts, Tod has to gather the required components and figure out how to put them back together into a working game. The nearly six-month-long restoration process includes woodworking, wiring, circuit board repair, arcade monitor rebuilding, polishing, painting, and so much more!
By the end of the video Tron is up and running and ready to take its spot in the 1980s-style arcade. Hopefully you will enjoy the ride and gain some helpful knowledge about arcade games and the movie itself. As always, Tod approaches his work with a sense of humor and keeps the video light and upbeat.
** If you enjoy the video, please help me out by liking and subscribing. And comments are much appreciated! **
Be sure to check out my other videos, including an epic Nintendo Red Tent restoration and a walkthrough of my extensive video game collection. Thanks!
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
00:55 - The Purchase
06:44 - Finding the Pieces
11:03 - Cabinet Restoration
20:30 - Cabinet Finishing
30:30 - Painting and Prepping
39:11 - Electronics Rehab
56:30 - Monitor Rebuild
01:09:39 - Piecing It Together
01:18:22 - Bringing It In
01:25:30 - Controls
01:34:55 - Final Details
01:45:20 - Results
Music Credits (channel licensed through Uppbeat):
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!)
Afro Cat (Infraction)
uppbeat.io/t/infraction/afro-cat
Begin (Swoop)
uppbeat.io/t/swoop/begin
Break The Mold (Soundroll)
uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/break-...
Brooklyn (Infraction)
uppbeat.io/t/infraction/brooklyn
Cyborg Ninja (Kevin Macleod)
uppbeat.io/t/kevin-macleod/cy...
Dream Land (ATM)
uppbeat.io/t/atm/dream-land
Extreme (Oakvale of Albion)
uppbeat.io/t/oakvale-of-albio...
Forever And Always (Infraction)
uppbeat.io/t/infraction/forev...
Fractal (Moire)
uppbeat.io/t/moire/fractal
Future (Matrika)
uppbeat.io/t/matrika/future
Hackers (Infraction)
uppbeat.io/t/infraction/hackers
Intervention (IMG)
uppbeat.io/t/img/intervention
Interplanetary Walk (Paul Yudin)
uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/inter...
Kawaii Game (Pecan Pie)
uppbeat.io/t/pecan-pie/kawaii...
Lazer Beam (Matrika)
uppbeat.io/t/matrika/lazer-beam
Live It (Infraction)
uppbeat.io/t/infraction/live-it
Midnight Cruiser (Capturez)
uppbeat.io/t/capturez/midnigh...
Neurovibe (Hartzmann)
uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/neurovibe
Polarity (Prigida)
uppbeat.io/t/prigida/polarity
Refresh (Mountaineer)
uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/refresh
Reproduce (IMG)
uppbeat.io/t/img/reproduce
Runaway (Oakvale Of Albion)
uppbeat.io/t/oakvale-of-albio...
Sequence (Moire)
uppbeat.io/t/moire/sequence
Shadow Runner (Mountaineer)
uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/shad...
Space Ranger (Moire)
uppbeat.io/t/moire/space-ranger
Summer Strut (Infraction)
uppbeat.io/t/infraction/summe...
Ultraviolet (Infraction)
uppbeat.io/t/infraction/ultra...
Vacation Collective (FE77A)
uppbeat.io/t/fe77a/vacation-c...
Wazzup (Mountaineer)
uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/wazzup
Video Credits:
KZbin clips:
VIDEO FEVER - Games People Play from ABC news LA
9th Key Pattern
• VIDEO FEVER - Games Pe...
Tron--Enter the Game Grid (1982) Iamthe80sguy2 (Scanned into computer)
• Tron - Enter the Game ...
Tron--Light Cycle (1982) Same..
• Tron - Light Cycle (1982)
Tron meets the tower guardian , tronfanboy
• Tron meets the tower g...
TRON (ARCADE - FULL GAME) Zeusdaz - The Unemulated Retro Game Channel
• TRON (ARCADE - FULL GAME)

[@johnosborne3187]

I think enough time has passed that I can reveal a secret. At the time of the Movie's release, I worked in a mall across the hall from an arcade. Whenever their machines would malfunction, I would fix them. they always opened the machine doors for me and clicked off lots of credits. When the Tron machine arrived, the instructions said that they were to put it in the back room and not to put it out on the floor until the movie's opening day. they invited me over to play the game in the back room every night after closing. We played for hours every night for the next week. On opening day, everyone around me watching me play the game was amazed at how good I was on the first day!!

[@tcurtis49]

I think you are probably safe! That is really cool, for sure!

[@shawbros]

I'M TELLING!!!!!!!!!!

[@jasonmountain4643]

Report to the MCP game grid.

[@rkgaustin9043]

Expect a letter from Disney's lawyers.

[@tankthelord1178]

You were basically a sandpit tester, excellent.

[@BrianWhite1]

The fact that you re-cut the back air slots because they weren't perfectly straight tells me everything I need to know. Nicely done.

[@tcurtis49]

Yeah, that’s a pretty good indicator of me in general. Can’t stand to have something not right :) Thanks!

[@ctg6734]

Wow! That wasn't just a restoration, it was a resurrection! Excellent work!

[@tcurtis49]

Thanks! And I kind of agree- it was something!

[@mttexg2120]

This was a fun watch. I'm glad folks like you keep that history alive!

[@tcurtis49]

Thanks!

[@williamharris8367]

I have some very fond memories of playing this game. Sadly it has never been included in any official, licensed arcade compilations, and it is unplayable on MAME because of the required spinner control. ETA: I would have thought that deterioated particleboard was beyond salvage. I am very impressed with the results!

[@tcurtis49]

Thanks! It is tough on an emulator to get the experience. It’s one reason I try to look for games to keep that are unique with their controls. But I’ll take anything in need of love :)

[@woogaloo]

I really didn't expect myself to sit here and watch the entire hour and 50 minutes, but it was so well put together. Awesome job - and game at that. LOVE the movies. Awesome stuff.

[@tcurtis49]

That’s great! I’m glad you enjoyed it :)

[@cackleberryfarm4598]

I thought the same thing. And then did the exact same thing. Then I ended up watching the Movie Tron in the afternoon 🤣

[@michaelhawthorne8696]

I was of the same thought speaking from 12 June 24

[@gavinthomas214]

I have fond memories of playing TRON at the local bowling alley on a Saturday morning. Watching your restoration brought back plenty of memories.

[@tcurtis49]

Great! Seems like this game brings back a lot of memories for everyone else as well. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@fasick]

When I saw the condition of that cab I thought there's no way you're saving that thing, might as well just rebuild the cab. Boy was I wrong, you did a great job!

[@tcurtis49]

It would have been easier in the end but I’m glad to keep it as original as I can. Thanks!

[@halloweenengineer6283]

​@@tcurtis49 I'm 40 minutes in and loving it! But, when you started replacing the art, I immediately wondered why you didn't do it all from scratch. You clearly have the skills! Maybe I'll find out later in the video?

[@halloweenengineer6283]

Actually, the answer is obvious. This made a great video!

[@vintagecapgunsatyourmomshouse]

​@@halloweenengineer6283yeah there's just so much rot, fresh cab makes a lot more sense

[@gdiaz8827]

You are not wrong he should have use used the old box for the dimensions and went with new wood. There's a time it's not worth saving

[@iPodMacUser]

Thank you, Tod. This video popped up in my feed. I am a sucker for nostalgia video games in cabinets. Tron is top shelf. Sit down Star Wars is the Holy Grail!

[@tcurtis49]

There was a sit-down Star Wars at our local donut shop growing up, Was awesome!

[@John-jl3ky]

I loved Tron back in the 80s, the arcade I used to go to had a stand-up one that you walk into and you play it standing up but it's a cabinet that you're fully inside of, the speakers were like a surround sound inside of it, was super cool!

[@tcurtis49]

That was probably the sequel, Environmental Discs of Tron. It had a really unique cabinet like you are describing. Unless maybe they made a version of that for the original Tron. I’m not sure.

[@John-jl3ky]

@@tcurtis49 Yeah, I'm not sure I was a teenager Back then. I just remember the tron game.

The new joystick really made it !

[@nedretrop2173]

Tons and tons and tons and tons of quarters spent on that game at Command Center Arcarde in Renton Wa. in the 80's. Great restoration! nice to bring back soooo many memories.

[@tcurtis49]

Thanks! Glad it brought back happy memories!

[@sn1000k]

Tron had some of the strongest 'vibes' of any arcade cabinet! Nice work Tod!

[@tcurtis49]

Thanks! It sure did!

[@shawbros]

It was very atmospheric.

[@mowingcowboy]

User! . You are the ultimate Game Warrior. End of Line -MCP

[@trabus]

Takes me back to being at the grocery store and thinking I was playing the game when the demo screen was running (I was 3 or 4 at the time). It looks just like I remember it!

[@tcurtis49]

It’s almost more fun that way. And cheaper!

[@Duality306]

Fellow Hoosier here....Really enjoyed this.....My Dad was an electrical engineer for Westinghouse for nearly 50 years.....he always joked that "Electronics will stop working if you let the Blue Smoke get out"

[@tcurtis49]

Thanks! And yes, keep that blue smoke contained!

[@azhighwayz2310]

The fact you took a shell in that condition and restored it is incredible. Most would have simply let it go to the trash/junk. When I saw the rot and swelling of that bottom part of the cab I thought for sure you were just going to cut it back to the good board and glue new stuff from there. Your method while time consuming is much better, more authentic, and helps preserve original integrity of the cab. Phenomenal job!! Perfect way to save and preserve a piece of video gaming history and a legend of its time. Much respect.

[@tcurtis49]

Thanks! Definitely nothing wrong with cutting and rebasing the whole thing but it did work out pretty well doing the repair. Surprisingly well-I was prepared to ditch it and cut new sides if it didn’t feel sturdy but that resin is tough stuff. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Nightenstaff]

That water damage was beyond what I would have considered saveable. Kudos to you for brining it back from it's watery grave!

[@tcurtis49]

Yeah, I felt the same way for sure. I was close to cutting new sides but wanted to see what was possible. It certainly worked out in the end.

[@Scorpiove]

@@tcurtis49 The results are amazing! Very satisfying to see you repair the bottom like that.

[@paulmichaelfreedman8334]

I'd have taken off a larger chunk just to save time. I love restoring things, but actually recompressing the chipboard to its original form ...a bit too much for me. But it's nice to see someone be so meticulous. I plan not to restore a cabinet, but to create a copy of the millepede cabaret, with modern replacement CPU (Pi or PC) but with a CRT.

[@akdm82]

I applaud you for going to so much effort and expense to save an arcade cabinet game that looked hopeless. You are the MAN! I also loved that game. I still go to a retro arcade and play it every chance I get. Along with Galaga. One of these days I’ll have to take one of these projects on when I have a place in the house for it.

[@tcurtis49]

Thanks! I hope you find something awesome to fix up!

[@charlesdeens8927]

Wow, this brought back memories. Tron was one of my favorite games to play at the arcade. Brilliant re-build!

[@tcurtis49]

Thanks!

[@AndrewAHayes]

My extended family ran a bunch of arcades beck in the day and I still remember helping to unpack a brand new Tron machine and being the first to play it.

[@tcurtis49]

Wow! That’s amazing…I had no connections to any arcade operators growing up but wish I did!

[@davebrewer9279]

This brings back a flood of memories. I remember watching my cousin playing the TRON arcade game at the theater and then seeing the movie. My nine year old mind was blown. I know the arcade game came out in August of 1980 (a full month after the film release) so it would have probably been September when we saw the movie. Thanks for bringing back this great piece of 80’s culture. Now, if I had just held on to all those Battlestar Gallactica toys ………

[@tcurtis49]

I have the same kind of memories and it looks like Tron has a special place in many hearts :)

[@TheZorch]

My god, talk about going above and beyond! I played the Tron arcade game in an arcade in Detroit, MI on Vernor Ave. near Central back in the 80s. It was and still is one of my favorite arcade games.

[@tcurtis49]

So many great memories of playing Tron coming out-so awesome!

[@TheZorch]

@@tcurtis49 Now you need to follow this up by finding a Discs of Tron arcade cabinet. It is even rarer. Only 200 were ever made, and they weighed 700lbs each. They big sit down cabinets, like Star Wars arcade, but twice as wide. I've only ever seen and played one at aw Chuck E. Cheese a long, long time ago.

[@arcanescroll]

Always great to see a classic restored. I was all prepared to tell you to replace those caps on the amp bard, but you caught them. I have a collection of most of the revisions of that board and those caps are the usual culprit.

[@tcurtis49]

Good to know! I never found that in my search for answers but it definitely was the end solution. Thanks!

[@arcanescroll]

@@tcurtis49 yeah, nobody ever seems to post about things like amp boards.

[@rolltidewonka9560]

Unreal amazing work. A triumph!

[@TmanT321]

I am 25 years old. I love you videos. What you do for the retro community is invaluable to us, whether most people my age know it not. The same goes for the 8-bit guy, adrian black, and all the other retro hobbyists out there. Your knowledge is invaluable. I know these are just video games, but they are a key part of history, so thank you.

[@tcurtis49]

Glad you like them! Thanks!

[@gfabasic32]

Good ol' days!

[@l0g1cb0mb]

Two of my favorites side by side, with 3 of my favorite games inside! XD

[@Stoobers]

One of the iconic arcade machines of my day, I'm insanely jealous of your abilities to get this from a messed up carcass to a cabinet that wouldn't look out of place in the mid 80's when I played them to death. Much respect man.

[@tcurtis49]

I'm always on the lookout for games that had some meaning for me. Getting them back to where I can feel those same feelings from walking around in an arcade in the 80s is really rewarding. I appreciate the kind words :)

[@retrohollandia]

This is so impressive. Not much phases me anymore these days, having been on the internet for so long now, but this craftsmanship and level of bravery to take this daunting project on in the first place, truly amazed me in the realest sense of the word.

[@tcurtis49]

I’m glad to help redeem the internet, at least for today :) Thanks for the nice compliment. Daunting is probably the best word to describe what I thought when I first saw it in person.

[@lesimages3dclic]

Man, I love those oldies! It reminds me of the golden age of arcades. In the past, I did the electronic servicing of many of those. Maybe I could buy some of those old units and try to restore them, well, but teaming up with somebody better than me for the casing/graphics. Thanks for sharing your hobby, it was very nice to watch!

[@tcurtis49]

It’s still a thriving hobby and a lot of good people out there working on these. Maybe it’s time to dip your toes back in!

[@chrisvogel1551]

Man I loved that game back when it came out. But then came the ultimate. DISKS OF TRON! The booth version with the speakers in front and behind you. Listening to those disks bounce off the wall behind you was a whole new level. I think it used the same hardware as Tron's stick and spinner and I believe I saw some Tron cabinets retrofitted but without the booth it just wasn't the same.

[@tcurtis49]

I think I played the basic upright back in the day and it was a lot of fun. There’s one for sale on FB Marketplace right now. The bigger immersive version is super cool and also rare. Someone found one on a curb near Chicago last year and restored it..amazing find!

[@chrisvogel1551]

@@tcurtis49 Watched a few of those vids. Oh the horror. Tearing apart the Environmental booths to make cabinets. I also see that the spinner was different with the push pull function.

[@mayanaztec6440]

I ask my self if it’s worth all the time and effort you put into restoring it, when starting from scratch seems the best option. But I guess you like the challenge and having a bit of history in your hands. Either way I admire the patience and dedication you have.

[@tcurtis49]

It’s all for fun. I enjoy the challenge. If I didn’t, I certainly wouldn’t do these kind of restorations as they certainly wouldn’t be financially worth all those labor hours :)

[@gbamck]

2.30am here in the UK, just watched it all in complete awe. Very impressive work! Congratulations on a superb job, Tod!

[@tcurtis49]

Thanks! Ton of UK viewers lately. That’s great!

[@johnparker007]

@@tcurtis49 Another UK viewer here - great job man! :) Liked and Subscribed.

[@larrys5198]

Tron was one of my favorite games!

[@tcurtis49]

I was really excited to play it again after so many years :)

[@SpikeColgate]

Another Tron joins the world again... great job, nice detailing, was cool to watch! I remember seeing this game for the first time in our local library. With all the glowing lights it was iconic!

[@tcurtis49]

Thanks! It’s an awesome design for sure!

[@Xaito]

Beautiful! It's so cool that people keep these important pieces of game history alive.

[@tcurtis49]

Thanks!

[@Tarpo]

This feels like the Tron Cabinet of Theseus. That water damage on the bottom was ROUGH

[@tcurtis49]

Lol well when I got ready to bust out the bottom and it just fell out, I knew it was really, really bad :)

[@bryankreinhart]

Back in the 1980's, Tron and Satan's Hollow were the arcade games I played more than any other. Ms. PacMan came in third.

[@tcurtis49]

I never played Satan’s Hollow but certainly gave many quarters to Tron. Gorf was my favorite of that era, although I remember standing in line to play Pac-Man while it was popular.

[@paulkent6846]

This was a completely awesome restoration. I have so much respect for the attention to detail, plus you capture everything to video for us to watch. Superb, thanks, Paul

[@tcurtis49]

Thank you very much!

[@SamsonIbarra]

Clicked on this thinking it'd be a short 5 minutes or so. Stayed glued to the tube watching this to the end and enjoyed it thoroughly. Thanks for taking the time and effort documenting your restoration adventure for us all. Absolutely amazing! I wish you luck in future restorations and banana production.

[@tcurtis49]

Thanks! I knew I was doing something risky making them so long but it’s hard to feel like you’ve been a part of the journey on a short recap. I’m glad there are others like me that want to experience the whole process.

[@tbarmo]

Same here. The video was almost finished before I realized the length of the video. Great work on both the machine and keeping the video interesting 🙂

[@RobertCoxEsq]

I'm impressed. I saw the water damage of that particle board and was thinking "use the cabined to make a replacement template, outsource for the graphics" but that would have been even more expensive I guess. Makes sense to have done the resin and filler pours. Well done sir, and you've taught me a thing or 2

[@tcurtis49]

I was impressed by the result and will likely try it again on my next project. But it would have been perfectly logical to just cut new sides. I certainly like to see what I can save whenever possible and was glad to keep the original sideart on it. Thanks!

[@user-lw5ec5cf5c]

I really enjoyed your video. I absolutely loved the Tron arcade game when I was kid, so this brought me back to my childhood. Thank you.

[@tcurtis49]

Glad it could rekindle memories for you. It certainly did for me!

[@bobp5356]

One of my college buddies and I played this game every day after classes for probably a year. I absolutely loved it. Great job with the restoration. I just found your channel and I look forward to other restorations. thanks

[@tcurtis49]

That’s really cool. It’s a great game for sure. Glad it brought back memories for you like it did me :)

[@Friesnchip]

These restoration videos are an absolute joy; this was the perfect thing to watch on a Sunday morning. Can't wait to see your work on the Pole Position cabinet.

[@tcurtis49]

Thanks so much! Pole Position is not quite as intense so hopefully will be a little shorter video to put together. And I still have to wrap up the restore :)

[@retronaut8864]

OH MY GOD! I wanted to watch a Tron arcade build while I put together my Arcade1Up Tron at home and suddenly I see the mystery seller from the end of Nintendo Quest! Very happy to find your channel! What a killer collection! Funny if tragic story: I once drove up to help my buddy Callan with his arcade repairs at his warehouse maaaaaaany years ago, and I drove up to his loading dock just in time to see a full size environmental Discs of Tron wobble off the ramp and take a header straight onto the concrete. It was a high loading dock and the machine didn't stand a chance. Exploded like it was made of Legos. Talk about traumatizing. I'm glad to see this classic Tron get some TLC! Cheers!

[@tcurtis49]

Haha yes I am the mystery seller from Nintendo Quest :) And that is traumatizing about the EDOT! Thanks for the cool comment!

[@marvtomson574]

I bought one of those uprights from a closing video game house. This thing was heavy lugging upstairs but awesome once I had it inside. Best $200 I spent. It was a great stress receiver, friends always wanted to play on it, it was a chic magnet during parties. I later gave it away to a buddy of mine when I moved.

[@tcurtis49]

That's a cool story! I hope your buddy appreciated it :)

[@tscharf34685]

Nice work! I enjoyed watching this rebuild much more than I liked playing that game in the 1980's 😀

[@tcurtis49]

Thanks!

[@ejeckk]

I guess I'm having a bit of the Mandela Effect. I always thought the joystick cover glowed under black light. I probably pumped several hundred dollars in quarters in this game over my lifetime. Great restoration and great memories. Thank you for preserving a little bit of gaming history.

[@tcurtis49]

I kind of thought so as well but could never prove it, and the original I got definitely either never glowed or lost that ability. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@BIGWojo68]

Being born in 92, I missed the giant arcade scene and never got to experience it. This restoration was absolutely amazing! I had a smile on my face the entire time!

[@tcurtis49]

It’s really hard to describe how exciting it was to walk into an arcade with some dollar bills, put them into the changer and get quarters, then decide how you wanted to spend them. I remember when Pac-Man came out they had a gated line you had to wait in until it was your turn. So you really tried to get good quickly so you could stay on the machine for as long as possible. I’m glad you enjoyed the video!

[@DKofLA]

Fellow born in 92 here. Feel like we caught the end of it. Always remember malls having arcades and other popular spots having an arcade. Would love to see a true resurgence of arcades (not the prize winning spots, but just true to life arcades)

[@jasont80]

This game brings back so many memories for me. It's obvious this is a labor-of-love for you, and I appreciate your efforts to keep such amazing machines alive!

[@tcurtis49]

Thanks!

[@ferrellsl]

Just wanted to say thanks for saving a part of gaming history and keeping this gem out of the landfill.

[@tcurtis49]

Thanks!

[@gperme1993]

Great restoration! And despite the length of the video I never felt the need to fast forward because your editing and pacing is spot on. I know this was a lot of work. Great job!

[@tcurtis49]

Thanks! Yes, a lot of work…but worth it if people get enjoyment out of watching. I appreciate the compliment!

[@rbus]

Fascinating video! Maaan, Tron was easily the most bad-ass looking arcade game with the black lighting, glowing joystick and the trippy electronic sounds.

[@tcurtis49]

I know, it’s awesome!

[@davehenderson6896]

OH I loved the TRON games.

[@TheMsLourdes]

As TRON was a formative part of my childhood, I want to thank you for saving and restoring this machine. You did a FANTASTIC JOB on it and it looks and sounds soooooooooooo good! End of line.

[@tcurtis49]

Thanks!

[@spazoq]

I was SOOO happy when you didn't just replace the side art! Thank you for that decission!

[@tcurtis49]

I’m always trying to keep whatever I can on a cabinet that’s original. I don’t mind if there’s a bit of wear and tear. But things like control panels I do like to have looking like they did back in the day. I really wanted to use the original plastic pieces in the front but they were just too faded, unfortunately.

[@Particulator]

Awesome restoration, it brought back memories of all the time I spent on that machine in the 80's. This was actually the game I excelled the most at, with one quarter I could play for an hour. It was an era where playing video games didn't turned you in a couch potato.

[@tcurtis49]

I always got beat on the tank level. But the others were pretty straightforward. It was a good return on a quarter-I played a lot of Gorf for the same reason.

[@zymurgist8844]

Impressive restoration. I really appreciated the inclusion of all of the fails and troubleshooting. Too many restoration videos skip the "warts." Well done.

[@tcurtis49]

I feel the same way. You learn from your own mistakes and shortcomings and from watching others. I don’t mind sharing my missteps :)

[@jeremyshartzer261]

A solder vacuum is a game changer. I don't even mind doing cap kits anymore. It's almost therapy at this poing.

[@tcurtis49]

I agree. It is kind of therapeutic to me as well!

[@LawmanArcade76]

Wow, awesome restoration. I never thought you can "repair" that swollen particle board that good. Well done!!

[@tcurtis49]

It seems like I get a lot of that with my projects and you can definitely fix it, but it takes quite a bit of time and effort. Glad you liked the video!

[@scottiedog4236]

We was so lucky to be kids play games 😊

[@ZosoNinja]

I was completely lost during the electronics section but watched the whole thing anyway. Incredible work!

[@tcurtis49]

When I was putting this together I just assumed most people would skip around to whatever parts they found interesting and ignore the rest. I didn’t realize that most watch the (what can be) boring electronics section anyway. So I think it’s cool that it keeps attention anyway. Glad you liked it!

[@ZosoNinja]

Not boring! I’ve just got a whole new world to learn about

[@jeffm5056]

Awesome job, Tod! I found a Tron out in Columbus, Ohio last year for $500, and it needs some love. It works, but has no sound. The joystick is off a Xenophobe (I might get away with just swapping the shell). The back doors aren't original, and need vent cutouts. And the side art needs touch-ups like yours. Its videos like yours that really help me stay motivated and hopeful. Tron is the one game, I'm not keeping, though. My brother always wanted a Tron since he saw the movie as a kid in the 80's. So after I finish fixing it up, its going to mysteriously show up in his living room. Just subscribed!

[@tcurtis49]

That’s awesome! Sounds like a great candidate for restoration. Glad to help motivate and I’m sure your brother will be thrilled with the surprise :)

[@leavethelightsonpleasethec7154]

If your tron restore doesn’t work out. I’m looking for parts.

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

One of my father's childhood friends owned a coin operated machine business. Pinball machines, jukeboxes, arcade games, vending machines, pool tables, you name it, if you could drop a quarter into it, he would rent it to you. He was like my uncle. So he would let us keep arcade consoles for as long as we wanted them. I was in high school with 6 arcade consoles in my basement. We had Dig Dug, Frogger, Tempest, Galaga, Ms. Pac Man and my all time favorite, Joust. Of course they were all switched over to free. For a while we had Dragon's Lair. That was very expensive and we only had it for a few months, but I played the shit out of it. In the arcade it was usually 3 lives for a dollar, which is not happening when others were just a quarter. I made it about 3/4 the way thru the game. It's just memorization. Remembering the sequence of when to hit what direction and when to hit the sword. We also had several pinball machines. My brother had the talent for those, he rang up some top scores that would boggle your mind. Great memories all the way!

[@tcurtis49]

That would be the coolest. It would have been really fun being an amusement operator (or family member) back in the day!

[@freeculture]

@@tcurtis49 Isn't Dragon's Lair playing video from a Laserdisc? I think that would be its biggest weakness, unless you use a modern replacement inside...

[@jasonforrester4397]

great iconic game and love the movies as well

[@teflon5821]

Fantastic job!! Defender next please👍👍

[@tcurtis49]

I’m so-so on Defender. Like it, but not sure how much I desire it. I can sort of play it in my Robotron that has a JROK Multi-Williams system in it but missing quite a few buttons. I do like the cabinet and it is definitely a classic, so it does catch my attention when I see one for sale :)

[@cavhall8666]

I was going to comment on how the schematics of the cabinet with some new plywood would have been cheaper starting over than the cost of this one plus repairs but I realized as I finished the video, that it's not always about the bottom line price. Sometimes its about the journey and the pride in craftsmanship because you sir, are fantastic!!! Your end result was immaculate and you should be very proud!

[@tcurtis49]

Thanks! Yes, I often don’t take the cheapest or easiest way, and there’s nothing wrong with doing that, but for me I want to connect with as much of the original history as I can. I appreciate the nice compliments!

[@acs5928]

I like to think your expression at 1h19 is you contemplating "what have i done"😂

[@tcurtis49]

That happens often :)

[@UberSynth]

You see that glowing joystick, I would do the same for the player select and the the spinner. Good restoration 😎

[@TheRealFunar]

Beautiful. I restored a pair of San Francisco RUSH The Rock a few years back. I wanted to keep them after it was done, but they ended up going to a good home instead. I just found your channel today and I'm already thinking about getting back into arcade restoration again.

[@tcurtis49]

Very cool! I love racing games but they take up so much space…

[@TheRealFunar]

@@tcurtis49 Yeah... That's unfortunately why I don't have them anymore. :)

[@retro_reflections]

That's an absolutely stunning restoration, congrats on turning an empty broken shell into a beautiful survivor!

[@tcurtis49]

Thanks!

[@garygarland9366]

I greatly enjoyed your labor of love restoration, thank you for sharing!

[@tcurtis49]

Thank you!

[@TexasGamer915]

Really nice work. After restoring 3 Trons, I completely understand what you went through. I love your channel. Keep up the great work.

[@tcurtis49]

I went in pretty blindly on this one with no previous Tron experience. Was super lucky to pick up the bundle of parts and have a working board to begin with. Was a very fun and satisfying project. I still have to rely on the experts for advice and it’s always been a kind and gracious community, even going back to the old newsgroup days. Thanks for the compliment!

[@albertoaugustomanzanillahe9951]

Man!!.. that's beautiful, I can still remember the spot where the machine was on my (then) local arcade, so many tokens but so many happy hours!!, I miss those arcade times. Excellent restoration btw! congrats!.

[@derkohler2380]

i'm truly impressed by both your passion and your patience with these projects. thanks a ton for sharing!

[@tcurtis49]

Glad you enjoyed them!

[@mdoyle1981]

Inverting the game and feeding resin to solidify the base was brilliant! Very nice work and I love your approach to tackling everything.

[@tcurtis49]

Thanks!

[@muteharmony]

I had COMPLETELY forgotten about Satan's Hollow. Thanks for the awesome memory bomb!!

[@tcurtis49]

I need to start playing it. I tested it out and haven’t gotten to it again. It does look like fun :)

[@BlueBirdE22]

I always enjoy these types of videos. Great work done here. I just started exploring my interest in arcades and seeing all the work done here is amazing. Theres so much that goes on here from understanding pcbs, woodworking, soldering, etc. Id be proud to do a quarter of it

[@tcurtis49]

Thanks so much! Pretty much everything I know how to do comes from being forced to do it, so jump in and start having some fun with old machines. I’m just a few days away from releasing the Pole Position restoration that was also pretty intense. So much fun bringing these back to life :)

[@BlueBirdE22]

Thats what i need to do and get myself in a situation and get myself a machine. Although my girlfriend would probably not appreciate seeing a full sized cabinet in the middle of the living room. Looking forward to your polar position restore coming up. Started learning the basics of pcbs and practicing more on soldering. May take a look at some other material from sources like Randy Fromm i just find this fascinating.

[@IcePick.]

I have memories of original trons having those color patterns on the side. Its been a long time since I saw one.

[@tcurtis49]

Yes, I have found that it is perfectly normal for Tron and some related games after all.

[@sirjaunty1]

absolutely superb from start to finish. A testament to your hard work and dedication. What a wonderful family too. Well done, mate.

[@tcurtis49]

Thanks so much!

[@Jesselovespinball]

I love that you salvaged as much as possible. You definitely resurrected it ! Well done 👍

[@tcurtis49]

I was determined to try and it turned out better than I would have imagined. Although I’m not sure I would want to have to attack water damage like that too often :)

[@geekhype]

Tod, awesome video man! Hoping to collect and restore arcades in the future after I get out of the military. I can't justify getting into the hobby when I move every three years, but I can learn and live vicariously through you and the other arcade KZbinrs. Looking forward to the Pole Position restore, definitely on my grail list, love that game!

[@tcurtis49]

Thanks for the nice comments! Hopefully you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy this kind of stuff when you get settled. Pole Position has been rough wrapping up but I’m getting there :)

[@jaxpc]

Great video. Watched it start to finish. Back in the day (81, 82?) I spent all my quarters on a lonely "Starcastle" game at a local supermarket. Life moved on, but in @1998 I was at an auction house. They had a Starcastle game. It didn't work but I bought it for 10 bucks. It did not have a back plate. I closed the micro switch and it worked. I still have it to this day. I found spare main, power boards and a spare control panel. I also found the original repair manual. With all the spare parts It should outlive me. Other than a tiny audio issue it works perfect. It's still my favorite game.

[@tcurtis49]

That is a good one! I bought several games back in the day as non-working only to be that switch on the back door needing set. Easy fix :) Thanks!

[@AwakenER]

That is an impressive restoration. And one worth restoring back to its splendor. I'll never forget the first time I rounded the corner as a 10-year-old and seen this gleaming jewel at the now defunct Green Acres in Carmichael, CA. Nice job!

[@tcurtis49]

Thanks! Seems like this game brings back a lot of memories :)

[@AwakenER]

@tcurtis49 This Cab was certainly special. The glowing elements, back lighting, and sounds were different than anything else, and it was in stereo. Also, it was fun. This is in my imaginary personal arcade, along with Star Wars, Donkey Kong, Marble Madness, Spy Hunter, Elevator Action, Dragons Lair, Track and field, Joust, Battle Zone.

[@tcurtis49]

That's a great list...I have a few but am always watching out for those others...

[@matthewmillaisgray]

Hey Tod! Your restoration of the Tron video game arcade is absolutely stunning. I was captivated by the transformation you achieved, and I want to thank you for sharing it with us. Your work is truly inspiring. It's incredible to hear that one of these units made it all the way to Zimbabwe Bulawayo in the early 1990s. It's a testament to the lasting impact and allure of these classic arcade games. The fact that they reached places like Zimbabwe truly showcases the power of imagination and the universal appeal of gaming. I'm in awe of the value you placed on preserving this piece of history. It's not just about the monetary costs, but the intrinsic value that these games hold for so many people. You've done an amazing job in saving precious memories and preserving the history of gaming. Sending warm greetings and best wishes from Cape Town, South Africa. Keep up the fantastic work, Tod!

[@tcurtis49]

Thanks so much and that is crazy. It’s definitely a special part of arcade history. Glad to have a viewer from so far away-amazing how video games help tie the world together :)

[@enigmacrk200]

This was my favorite arcade game ive been looking for an original one for years.

[@LelandFord]

Great job, man. I am amazed at your dedication to make it “just right”. I learned quite a lot of restoration techniques. Thanks for sharing it.

[@tcurtis49]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@jamesclukey7488]

Great job ! I'm a preservationist myself. I get a lot of satisfaction restoring and preserving old toys and action figures (especially carded figures ). Thanks for posting your video ! I lost a lot of quarters myself trying to play TRON.

[@tcurtis49]

Thanks so much! It’s definitely a satisfying hobby and that game was a great quarter taker for me as well :(

[@TonyHamlyn]

Lol the banana outro.... never heard of putting banana trees in the garage before...I live in a slightly warmer climate though... Amazing restoration btw!

[@tcurtis49]

I wondered if anyone was watching my outros…I have a quick video about the banana trees and my quest to get a banana to grow. Garage is full of them right now but just a few weeks away from getting them back outside. Thanks for watching!

[@FishDS9]

Hello Tod. I was looking through my YT home feed and saw this video. I clicked on it and was ready to see your journey from start to finish. I enjoyed the editing and production and seeing you bring this old classic back from the trash heap. Thank you very much for this informative, enjoyable trek. I've subscribed to your channel and look forward to going through your archives and seeing all of the new videos you produce.

[@tcurtis49]

That’s very kind. I’m glad you find these enjoyable to watch-my main goal is to just have people feel like they are on the same journey of discovery with me as I go along. I have a couple of video game collecting videos to get to but am keeping my eyes open for the next epic arcade game restoration now that the weather is starting to warm up.

[@billlaporte8255]

You did an amazing job on this restore, it's clear that you are a true artist and demonstrate what can be done as a labor of love. WELL DONE

[@tcurtis49]

Much appreciated!

[@evilweeja]

Hell of a game .. hell of a rebuild .. thoroughly enjoyed watching start to finish .. man I love TRON ! Memories s s s s s !!!

[@tcurtis49]

Thanks!

[@tempestfrost]

Thank you Tod. This video made my day. ♥ The community needs more folks like you and your family. There are only so many of these treasures left out in the wild. God bless.

[@tcurtis49]

I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@xzytqweo3538]

Todd, you ROCK! Man, I wish more people were like you about anything from the past that needs to be restored or saved. Thanks for making the videos and sharing them.

[@tcurtis49]

Thanks! I appreciate it!

[@Elektrotechniker]

There‘s a giant amount of people collecting and refurbishing/repairing arcade machines, pinball machines, and (at least here in Germany) slot machines

[@toddmartin6572]

I’ve had a few of these basket cases.. They all came back to life

[@tcurtis49]

It’s kind of amazing that they can still work after all these years. And it’s so satisfying when they fire back up again :)

[@oo0speed0oo]

i love the video glitch! it really gives it an old school tron feel to me.

[@tcurtis49]

It kind of does and turned out to be a normal part of how those types of boards worked.

[@TheMikeman1971]

I used to love playing Sinistar and Gallaga !

[@tcurtis49]

Me as well!

[@thisoldcompactdisc]

TOTALLY RAD 👍🏻😎 Kevin Flynn once said, “There’s No Problems, Only Solutions”

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

Bruh! Your channel deserves so much more attention. Your entire setup and talent are my life goals. I love the arcade room, the carpet, the cabinets, the attention to detail and dedication to doing things properly, everything! Fantastic vid. Watched the entire thing top to bottom.

[@tcurtis49]

Thanks for the kind words. Traffic has picked up a ton on my channel over the last week so hopefully more people can see it. It’s sort of my life goal as well and I’m lucky to have been working on it for so long now :)