1974 Taito Speed Race restoration

[MartyJ]

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.

[MartyJ]

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!

[pinball god]

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

[MartyJ]

Some of the brackets inside are corroded.  I think the drink seals have let go and liquid got under the glass.

[MartyJ]

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.

[MartyJ]

2k black applied once primer set.

[MartyJ]

Once the black had set, quick shot of 2k clear for extra protection.  Not necessary on the internal brackets but done nonetheless.

[MartyJ]

Cabinet completely gutted (well almost).   Cleaned and will be sanded to a clean fresh factory finish.  Still a lot of work to go here.

[MartyJ]

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.

[MartyJ]

Once the cabinet had been sanded to a suitable finish, 2k primer applied and ready for another sand!

[MartyJ]

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.

[thefasteddy69]

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.

[MartyJ]

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!

[wonder]

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.

[MartyJ]

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.