Classic Portable Arcades
There's something about these little Coleco hand-held arcade games that Video game enthusiasts love. Unlike other versions this model was more advanced, sporting a colored LCD display and mirror to create better visuals. Many of these vintage arcades have held-up very well over years but seldom are they clean. This tutorial covers the basics on tear-down and cleaning.Overview:
- Original Price $60
- Release Date: 1983
- Manufacture: Coleco
- Today's Value $70-$150
Watch video footage of the actual gameplay, this color LCD display was advance for 1983.
Restoration Supply List:
- Phillips Screwdriver Medium Sized
- 90% Rubbing Alcohol
- Windex or similar brand
- Cleaning Swabs
- Hi Polymer Eraser
- Lint free cloth
- Dawn Dish Soap or similar brand
Lets Get Started:
First Remove the 3 screws located on the right side. Note: Some models have the screws on left side.
On the bottom plate remove the six screws as shows. The four corner screws are hidden under the rubber anti-slip feet.
Separate the two halves as shown, the front faceplate will easily be removed during this step.
The left half is attached to power and speaker wires. This is a common area for power issues, check this area for loose connections.
If the battery contacts have built-up corrosion clean them with swabs dipped in vinegar.
Remove the top light panel, its has small clips in the right & left side. This aged plastic can be brittle, work carefully.
This is the backside of the LCD. For this tutorial I did not disassemble the screen. There are several layers of colored filters over the screen producing the color effects.
Remove all screws shown. 5 for the game controllers and 2 for the reflective mirror screen.
Once removed clean all the crevices, mirror & lcd viewing area with Windex / lint free cloth.
Wash the pads and controllers buttons in dish soap and water. Inspect the silicon pads for splits or other damage. Mild cleaners will prolong the life of the silicone pads vs rubbing alcohol.
Clean these contact areas with a Hi-Polymer Eraser (my preferred method) or rubbing alcohol.
Once the plastic is clean and completely dry reassemble the arcade follow the steps above.
