February 19 2010
Detailing Exidy Mouse Trap – Part 1
Tagged Under : detail, Exidy, Mouse Trap, restoration
In January I let one of my restored games go for a an Exidy Mouse Trap and an Atari Asteroids. I’ve wanted a Mouse Trap for some time so I quickly got it to the basement so I could start detailing it and getting it into the lineup. After a short distraction due to another game, I was finally able to use the last few weeks to get Mouse Trap looking real nice and ready for the game room.
For the control panel overlay (CPO) I used a Magic Eraser remove all 30 years of dirt and grime. From there, I applied a few coats of Armor-All to give the CPO a nice sheen.
Before
After
The Bezel and Marquee are in great shape. Gave them a good cleaning a couple of coats of Novus Polish #2 and #1 and they looked almost new.
The coin door had some rust on the front so I sand blasted it and gave it a fresh coat of Krylon.
The white vinyl and the side art cleaned up very nicely with a Magic Eraser and a little naptha.
Before
After
Unfortunately after reassembly I was having some sound issues. I then discovered the interconnect cables which connect the two PCB’s didn’t have a good connection. I tried to repair the cable but ended up making a new set of cables. Not a pretty repair but between cleaning all the molex connectors with contact cleaner and the new cables the sound issues seem to be gone “most” of the time so still have a little troubleshooting to do but in the meantime I can play some Mouse Trap.
I must say, Mouse Trap looks great next to Venture!!!
I’ll continue troubleshooting the sound issues if it arise again. I also plan on repairing the base and putting a fresh coat of paint on it and replacing the T-molding. I’m not too happy with the original joystick so I plan on replacing it with a Midway 4 way leaf joystick or a 4 way Wico. But until then, I’m done with mouse trap for the time being but stay tuned for more.
Bill,
Mousetrap looks great…I like the armor all idea for cpo…looks great with the black overlay….interesting that you mouetrap has the led buttons..I’ve seen mostly just plain black version used with no LED…I guess they used both…I might swap mine..
The buttons look stock but the spare CP had just black buttons. It looks stock see they have shrink tube about the diode (will take some photos) but you have me wondering if someone upgraded them. I used Armor All on the black vinyl on my Frenzy and it made it look great. You just need to keep applying until it looks even and won’t soak in anymore. Figured, I’d try it on the Mouse Trap CPO and it worked great. The cabinet in person looks better in person. The flash from the camera really projects the flaws worst than they really are.
Just wondering if you ever figured out a good strategy for this game? I’m having a hell of a time getting higher than 400k….when the world record is around 64 million I believe.
@Matt… I can break 200K+ but never worked on my strategy yet. I know there are a few members over at KLOV that have been breaking 500K and would love to know some tips! 64 million? That is just crazy talk! 🙂
Hey Bill, another question….when you cleaned your doors on the bottom, were you able to take them out to sandblast them and repaint them?
Hi Matt… From what I remember there are 6-8 screws around the edge of the inside of the door. Loosen them up and spin the steel that holds it against the cabinet and the door will pop right out.
So yes, I removed it to blast and paint it.
Kelly Tharp has the record at about 67 million or so.
Yes, some very skilled Mouse Trap players out there!!! I myself never was that great but could still hold my own for a few minutes. 😉
i am the BEST EVER at this game
EVER’
give it to me NOW