General Category > General Discussion
Custom Carts
Dravenae:
Hey guys.
I'm thinking of under taking a project during the summer. As the title may suggest, I would like to start making customized carts for a few Gameboy, N64 and SNES games, when I say "make", I actually mean paint and print a custom label.
There's a few games like A Link to the Past, Ocarina of Time, Links Awakening, Super Metroid, and Donkey Kong Country, that I'd like to have custom carts for.
With the Zelda games, I just want to paint them the usual gold, then either print the retail labels or ask you guys to take a stab at it (cheeky I know, but you guys are awesome at this stuff).
With Donkey Kong Country, I would like to rock a yellow cart and retail label, and with Super Metroid I'm thinking of going a little bit more flamboyant, with different patterns and shapes, the color scheme primarily being black and red.
I'll obviously be buying replacement carts and not actually using the original carts. I'll most likely be making double universal game cases for them, storing both the custom cart and the original cart, that way the original cartridge stays in good condition, so if I ever decide to put the board back into the original cart, I have that option and it's still in awesome condition.
Right, to get to the point, I'm looking for any advice you guys have.
I was planning on leaving the replacement cart in some soapy water over night to remove the original labels, then giving the cart itself a light sand to smooth out any scuffs or scratches, then give it a thorough clean to remove any debris. Once the cart is clean and dry, I was going to give it a black or white primer, then go over it with the gold paint. Does this plan sound good?
Should I use some type of sealer once the cart is painted? Is there anything I need to know or be concerned about? Remember, I won't be using the original carts for the games, I'll be picking up cheap sports titles to use as the custom carts.
If any of you guys have done this before, please send me your words of wisdom and experience.
wiggy:
There's a now-to for painting plastics on my blog.
As far as label removal, lots of stuff works. I soak em in a tub of 50/50 isopropyl/water solution overnight. Works like a charm ;)
FritzWhite:
This guy recommends using auto paint because of its durability. All of the equipment for auto paint is really expensive, so you might ask him for a price quote. I know because I looked into start up painting equipment costs after I first started watching his videos and considered trying to tackle some painting myself.
It would probably be a lot nicer than just using spray paint with a bunch of clear coat and for something like a cart that gets moved around a lot, durability is going to be important.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZ3fGX9fVEg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03-5UGSwytE
I don't mean to step over Wiggy here as he does really awesome stuff and I highly respect his work (I'm curious about those SNES controller faceplates and modded GBAs), but I personally consider Jayrod2 to be the best of the best when it comes to custom paint.
wiggy:
Is that customNESguy? (Vids won't load on my phone for some reason).
If so, yes, he does great work!
I've done a LOT of painting over the years and do have an auto paint setup, but there's a ton of work between setup, prep, cleanup, etc. I can't justify the cost (and then the price for the customer) for the scale at which I do things. There are some really nice aerosol top costs out there. I really like Upol. Their rattlecan clear is about as close as it gets to 2-part. Ain't cheap though :-\
Has anyone ever checked his pricing? I've talked with him once or twice, but never talks with him about the subject. Just curious.
FritzWhite:
--- Quote from: wiggy on May 11, 2013, 09:23:45 PM ---Is that customNESguy? (Vids won't load on my phone for some reason).
If so, yes, he does great work!
I've done a LOT of painting over the years and do have an auto paint setup, but there's a ton of work between setup, prep, cleanup, etc. I can't justify the cost (and then the price for the customer) for the scale at which I do things. There are some really nice aerosol top costs out there. I really like Upol. Their rattlecan clear is about as close as it gets to 2-part. Ain't cheap though :-\
Has anyone ever checked his pricing? I've talked with him once or twice, but never talks with him about the subject. Just curious.
--- End quote ---
Yes, it's the same person. I always knew him by his youtube handle 'jayrod2', but it's the same person. He doesn't like to openly discuss prices, but I messaged him about prices for SNES system and controller painting and he replied, "Each order is different, but SNES starts at $135 and each control $55"
It's pricey, but I'd rather pay more for something that's going to look perfect and last. Supposedly the auto paint is the most durable. Judging by all that I've seen, I'm sure your work is really solid too.
Since you're here and responding, could you tell me exactly what the GBA mod is? I was looking at your website and I searched TCP and I can't figure out what it is that you change in the mod. Thanks!