The Aussie Pinball Arcade

Aussie Pinball Forums => General Chat - Non Pinball/coin-opp Discussion => Topic started by: MartyJ on February 17, 2010, 10:16:07 PM

Title: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: MartyJ on February 17, 2010, 10:16:07 PM
Hi guys,

I know its not a pin, but I've taken on a small project in between other jobs at the moment.  I picked up an original 1974 Taito Speed Race.  I have fond memories of this game and I do believe it would have been one of the first video games I ever played around 1980.  I remember it being sited at the Safeways (yes a video outside a supermarket!) in Croydon.
Anyway, the machine is 100% original and no major hacks.  All the marquee's and other plastics are original and in good condition.  The cabinet is rough but fixable.
I really love the period laminate on the sides of the cabinet.  It has a few chips, but still in good condition for a game thats 36+ years old.

Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: MartyJ on February 17, 2010, 10:19:45 PM
The rear door was missing completely.  I will make a new one up to fit correctly with lock etc.

The inside of the cabinet has 36 years worth of dirt and grime.  First game I've ever worked on with no bonus coins inside the cabinet!

Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: pinball god on February 17, 2010, 10:20:39 PM
You haven't gone to the DARK SIDE have you Marty?  #@# Will be keen to see what magic you can spin on this resto. Always good to mix it up a bit. Good Luck
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: MartyJ on February 17, 2010, 10:21:11 PM
Some of the brackets inside are corroded.  I think the drink seals have let go and liquid got under the glass.
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: MartyJ on February 17, 2010, 10:23:15 PM
The corroded metal from the glass supports have been removed and stripped.  The checker plate around the lower section of the cabinet was in poor shape and removed.  All metal stripped back to metal, 2K primer sprayed.
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: MartyJ on February 17, 2010, 10:24:33 PM
2k black applied once primer set.
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: MartyJ on February 17, 2010, 10:25:45 PM
Once the black had set, quick shot of 2k clear for extra protection.  Not necessary on the internal brackets but done nonetheless.
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: MartyJ on February 17, 2010, 10:27:05 PM
Cabinet completely gutted (well almost).   Cleaned and will be sanded to a clean fresh factory finish.  Still a lot of work to go here.
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: MartyJ on February 17, 2010, 10:28:59 PM
At some stage in its life the front part of the cabinet has been painted.  I have no idea why but its being stripped and prepared for painting in its correct colour.  The area around the bezel and inner sides are black.
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: MartyJ on February 17, 2010, 10:30:02 PM
Once the cabinet had been sanded to a suitable finish, 2k primer applied and ready for another sand!
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: MartyJ on February 17, 2010, 10:31:58 PM
You haven't gone to the DARK SIDE have you Marty?  #@# Will be keen to see what magic you can spin on this resto. Always good to mix it up a bit. Good Luck

Hehe...Naah Rob just keeping busy.  I always prefer to have a few jobs coming through the workshop!

I'm still a pin enthusiast but being a classic machine and I had fond memories of the game - I couldn't say no to restoring it.
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: thefasteddy69 on February 17, 2010, 10:38:58 PM
Hi Marty,

Looks great. Not sure if this helps you but there was guy in Ballarat who was parting out a ( I think) a Speed Race a while back.

He had a lot of stuff stored up. Can pass on his details if you like. Keep posting.
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: MartyJ on February 17, 2010, 10:41:38 PM
Hi Marty,

Looks great. Not sure if this helps you but there was guy in Ballarat who was parting out a ( I think) a Speed Race a while back.

He had a lot of stuff stored up. Can pass on his details if you like. Keep posting.

Thanks mate, its already on its way to Melbourne!  I just needed the pedal assembly but nice to have a spare steering assembly as well!

The only part I need to source is the speaker cover (to keep it original) and the coin door cover.  I know of a couple of these machines in Australia - (I think one member here has one) so I might get some detailed photos and measurements of the coin door and I'll manufacture one to original specs!
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: wonder on February 17, 2010, 10:46:49 PM
Looks a lot better Marty.Looks like you had thirty years of dust in there as well.I got the delux speed racer,so if you need close up of the doors ect let me no.
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: MartyJ on February 17, 2010, 10:57:31 PM
Looks a lot better Marty.Looks like you had thirty years of dust in there as well.I got the delux speed racer,so if you need close up of the doors ect let me no.

Thanks mate will do.

Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: Strangeways on February 17, 2010, 11:18:16 PM

Nice Marty - Used to see a lot of these as a kid. If I come across any bits I'll let you know !
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: ajlaird on February 19, 2010, 07:55:02 AM
Is this the one where the steering wheel is able to keep turning?
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: MartyJ on February 19, 2010, 08:30:06 AM
Is this the one where the steering wheel is able to keep turning?

Yup.  Thats the one.  There is the deluxe version of this game too, which was a larger upright cab.
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: v8racefan on February 19, 2010, 04:54:26 PM
Hey marty

just found this post. I have one of these games in storage as well as the Speed Race Twin & Speed Race delux CL5 upright. I've got the set!!!

The steering wheel on this game is very similar to that of a early model Holden. Mate you're doing an excellent job on the restore, if there's anything I can help with just ask. Keep up the great work!! ^^^
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: MartyJ on February 19, 2010, 05:22:57 PM
Hey marty

just found this post. I have one of these games in storage as well as the Speed Race Twin & Speed Race delux CL5 upright. I've got the set!!!

The steering wheel on this game is very similar to that of a early model Holden. Mate you're doing an excellent job on the restore, if there's anything I can help with just ask. Keep up the great work!! ^^^

Thanks mate.  They are classic machines and certainly popular amongst the car lovers!  I have not decided what I am going to do with the steering wheel as yet.  A mate has a HG monaro with a very nice steering wheel which suits the game perfectly.  However one of those is worth more than the machine itself so wont happen.
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: MartyJ on February 19, 2010, 05:24:42 PM
Couple more progress shots.  The original orange which the lower part of the cab should be has been matched and sprayed.  This is only the first coat, so I will most likely give it another.
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: Strangeways on February 19, 2010, 06:23:39 PM

Thats a super high gloss there Marty - or is the paint still wet ?

I have the original flyer in my collection, in case you need it as a reference. The game cost AUS$1400 new out of Taito in Tokyo.
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: MartyJ on February 19, 2010, 06:40:39 PM

Thats a super high gloss there Marty - or is the paint still wet ?

I have the original flyer in my collection, in case you need it as a reference. The game cost AUS$1400 new out of Taito in Tokyo.

Paint was still flashing when I took the photo!  It has dulled a touch now its dry.  I would love to see the flyer.  There seems to be a few differences between the games and parts over the years.

Hopefully it shows the coin doors colour clearly.

Here is another photo.  Black should go down sometime over the weekend.
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: Strangeways on February 19, 2010, 07:14:35 PM

Thats a super high gloss there Marty - or is the paint still wet ?

I have the original flyer in my collection, in case you need it as a reference. The game cost AUS$1400 new out of Taito in Tokyo.

Paint was still flashing when I took the photo!  It has dulled a touch now its dry.  I would love to see the flyer.  There seems to be a few differences between the games and parts over the years.

Hopefully it shows the coin doors colour clearly.

Here is another photo.  Black should go down sometime over the weekend.

No worries Marty - whenever you are ready, drop by..  ^^^
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: v8racefan on February 19, 2010, 09:40:43 PM
Marty here's some pics of my Speed Race machine

The orange on my front door has badly faded as well
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: v8racefan on February 19, 2010, 09:43:51 PM
here's a pic of the flyer
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: MartyJ on February 19, 2010, 09:47:49 PM
Thanks mate!  Yours looks to be in top condition.

I'm happy with the colour match compared to the flyer.  Everyone I have ever seen seems to have a different steering wheel.  I much prefer yours over the one on the flyer.  Mine (I think) was original but not 100% sure - although mine has vinyl not wood.
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: ajlaird on February 19, 2010, 09:48:24 PM
Is this the one where the steering wheel is able to keep turning?

Yup.  Thats the one.  There is the deluxe version of this game too, which was a larger upright cab.

Probably my first video game as well!
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: Strangeways on February 19, 2010, 11:07:58 PM
Thanks mate!  Yours looks to be in top condition.

I'm happy with the colour match compared to the flyer.  Everyone I have ever seen seems to have a different steering wheel.  I much prefer yours over the one on the flyer.  Mine (I think) was original but not 100% sure - although mine has vinyl not wood.

Your cabinet is the same my old man used to operate mate - woodgrain steering wheel.
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: ddstoys on February 20, 2010, 11:24:21 AM
What should the pedal assembly look like Marty?   I have a box full of Steering wheel and pedal assemblies at home.
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: MartyJ on February 20, 2010, 11:43:10 AM
I've got two complete pedal assemblies for it and I'll take a couple of shots of the steering wheel and post.

Thanks Daniel!
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: The pinballist formally known as Dean Morgan on February 20, 2010, 12:21:22 PM
Marty, looking good, watching with intrest as I used to play this a lot as a kid when on holidays at Rosebud.

Would like to get one myself one day.. *%* ^^^
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: MartyJ on February 21, 2010, 07:34:38 PM
Thanks Dean.  I reckon I played the deluxe version many times at the mini golf / arcade in Rosebud.  I still remember hearing Pole Position every time I walked past.

More pics.  Black has gone down.  Still needs to be rubbed back prior to clear to seal it all in.  Certainly looks a bit fresher from where I started.
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: v8racefan on February 21, 2010, 09:30:02 PM
Looking sweet marty, great work  ^^^

Question: What are you going to put on the edges black t-moulding or the original aluminium/metal edging?? They do make a chrome t-moulding that would look awesome??
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: MartyJ on February 21, 2010, 09:31:47 PM
Looking sweet marty, great work  ^^^

Question: What are you going to put on the edges black t-moulding or the original aluminium/metal edging?? They do make a chrome t-moulding that would look awesome??

Thanks mate.

Not 100% sure yet.  I have the original aluminium edging, but its in sad shape.  If I can find somewhere that has it, I would put it back on.  Otherwise chrome t-moulding might have to be it.  But I need it 20mm wide.
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: v8racefan on February 23, 2010, 04:58:12 PM
Crome t-moulding is only 18mm wide from memory, you could always paint both edges balck then apply the t-mould, no one would notice the 2mm gap?
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: slammer on February 23, 2010, 06:06:27 PM
The chrome comes in 3/4" only, 19.05mm in metric, so it should be OK.

Best place is http://www.t-molding.com/store/home.php , I have bought heaps from these guys for my cocktail cabinets I make

Cheers Angelo

Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: MartyJ on February 23, 2010, 08:43:25 PM
Thanks Angelo, I'll look them up now!

Couple more pics.  Colour has been blocked and clear applied.  The clear is still fresh and should settle once fully cured.

Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: MartyJ on February 23, 2010, 09:18:15 PM
Thanks Angelo,

I've ordered a roll of the 13/16 chrome which is the perfect width!

Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: slammer on February 23, 2010, 09:29:04 PM
Great to hear!


Nothing like chrome for a bit of bling!

Cheers Angelo

Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: v8racefan on February 28, 2010, 04:17:34 PM
Any updates on this resto marty?
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: MartyJ on February 28, 2010, 04:27:18 PM
Still plugging away.  I've had a couple of other jobs come through which has taken a bit of time away.

Yesterday I popped into a mates place who has just picked up a nice old CIG portable spot welder.  One of the flat head bolts on the coin door had broken away so this was repaired back to original specs.  The steering wheel which was very bent and twisted was also given some attention and is now straight.

I've started polishing some metal parts and is almost ready for re-assembly.

Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: MartyJ on March 14, 2010, 05:37:42 PM
Well after finishing a clear coat for a playfield, I'm back onto my Speed Race.

I was not happy with the finish of the black, so it was sanded back, re primed and another coat has gone down.  This took around 6 hours but hopefully should be worth it.

I've sprayed the coin door surround and the coin box surround in 2k silver.  From the flyer I did not like the look of the silver surround and the colour of the coin door.

I have also sprayed the coin door silver to match.  I will see what it looks like on the machine and if I'm not happy with it I can redo it.

Couple of pics.  Should have much more progress this week unless another job comes in!

Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: MartyJ on March 14, 2010, 05:39:48 PM
The coin door, surround and coin box will be cleared as well.
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: v8racefan on March 14, 2010, 09:43:13 PM
Good work marty

Would the coin door look any better in gun metal rather than silver?? The silver surround looks good  ^^^

Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: MartyJ on March 14, 2010, 09:46:37 PM
Good work marty

Would the coin door look any better in gun metal rather than silver?? The silver surround looks good  ^^^



To be honest, I won't know until its back together.  I can get 500ml of Gunmetal made up, but it starts to add up as 2k is not cheap!
I will see the colours and post a pic and see what you guys reckon.
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: MartyJ on March 28, 2010, 06:27:58 PM
Making progress slowly...

Coin door sprayed in gunmetal hammertone - as close to original as I could get.

Most of the internals are in, just waiting to work out what I'm going to do with the control panel...

(http://melbournepinballrestorations.com/gallery/main.php/v/SpeedRace/IMG_1211.JPG)
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: v8racefan on March 28, 2010, 09:44:34 PM
Looks great marty  ^^^

That coin door looks awesome, thanks for posting the updates
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: Strangeways on March 28, 2010, 10:11:20 PM

Nice Marty !

There are two variants of Speed Racer;

Taito - A smaller black steering wheel, the marquee is slightly different, and the color is orange

Fuji - The woodgrain steering wheel and the color is more of a very light orange or a darker yellow.
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: v8racefan on May 31, 2010, 07:58:48 PM
Any updates on this restoration marty??
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: MartyJ on May 31, 2010, 08:14:55 PM
Its close....I've been absolutely swamped with machines of late.  I've just got to rebuild coin door and dash then she's done!

Hopefully will get some pics up soon!
Title: Re: 1974 Taito Speed Race restoration
Post by: Terry007 on June 11, 2010, 07:51:14 PM

Nice Marty !

There are two variants of Speed Racer;

Taito - A smaller black steering wheel, the marquee is slightly different, and the color is orange

Fuji - The woodgrain steering wheel and the color is more of a very light orange or a darker yellow.

I have the Fuji version with a wooden wheel.
The orange laminate looks to be the same colour but the "dash" is covered with black vinyl type covering.