Question about acquiring a Asteroids Machine?

[Nate Nanjo]

I found a listing on craigslist for an Asteroids maching, this is the description:

Asteroids Arcade Game - Vintage Original 1980’s
The game has a monitor problem – at times, part of the display fades in & out. The board has been tested and is fully functional, so it is only a monitor problem. The cabinet is in super condition, showing very little wear. The game counter is 022080. Free Play or can use quarters. Barrel lock on front door.

He is asking $400 for it. What I want to know is the monitor problem he has listed, is it something that can be fixed quite easily?

I find $400 a good price for an Asteroids machine, so just wondering about the monitor.

[otaku]

if four hundred is a good price then I really blew it on one that went for 100 bucks here locally (I was to late-just like the 50 dollar neo geo cabs!)

[shawnbo42]

I don't really know a lot about Asteroids, but I do know that a black and white monitor is a tough fix, mainly due to the fact that there aren't many guys out there who will touch that anymore. It's very possible that someone here could point you in the right direction to get it repaired. As far as worth, it's only worth what you're willing to pay. If $400 is fair for you, and it's local, and you REALLY like Asteroids, then grab it. If you just want an arcade machine in your house, there are cheaper out there.

[tommykrash]

I had a similar problem and was able to fix it with a cap kit which I would rather not do again. To me the price is a bit hi these days especially since it has issues but if you plan to keep it for a while it may be worth it to you. I loved that game and wish I still had it...

[Arcade Antics]

No way to tell without seeing it or getting a better description of what it's doing. If it's not the monitor, it should be a relatively easy fix. If it is the monitor, depending on what the issue turns out to be it could be expensive. It's a vector monitor, they're much less common than raster monitors and more difficult to keep working. Finding parts or a replacement will be more expensive, you'll want to keep those issues in mind if you decide to make an offer.

[Videogamerdaryll]

In that Condition...I'd be all over it for $400.00-(I'd try to offer $350-300).

.especially if it was local pick up..I prefer pick up..

I love Asteroids..My dad had one in his shop when i was a kid..

My Brother in law has one(mint,and he'd only let it go for over $1000.00

But he has had Monitor Problem in the past ..and I'm not sure if he actually fixed it..(It sounds like it was the same problem)
I know from talking to him about it and all he knows about arcade machines It wasn't something that he was happy to have to fix.
He's very knowledable about aracade machines but once the monitor problem repair is mentioned his eyes rolled up like it was more of a pain then anything to fix..

He's restored all these machines,inside and out but Asteroids just sounded like the monitor was the hardest to fix.