To customize, or not to customize... That is the question.

[Burrilliance]

So I finally cracked open my AMI mm-3 and having cleaned all the mouse shit out, I got a better feel for how rusty and kinda nasty it all is inside.

I'm sure plenty of people have asked this before but I couldn't find a thread - how much can/should one customize it before it loses its nostalgic feel?

As for my mm-3, I wanted to take the front cardboard picture and the metal backer holding it (reflector panel assembly) and the lights out and replacing it with just glass. That way you could see in.

And as for the inside, I'd clean then maybe metal paint the inside of the cabin. I'd have to remove everything but it would give me a better chance to derust things and get a feel for each component.

I was also thinking of making some of the brackets maybe an accent color, so it would all really pop when you saw inside (I'd add more lights inside too).

How much altering and tinkering takes away its late 60's feel? I fear I'll like it all much less if I make it too shiny, taking away its personality.

I had the same problem with my pinball machine. Removing all the inscribed names, scratches and whatnot felt like I took away its history and identity.

Any thoughts are appreciated. I searched for a previous thread but wasn't super successful.

Thanks in advance!

Burr

[jukeboxmarty]

Sometimes when you make too many changes it affects the value and sell-ability of the machine, but that probably pertains mostly to machines in higher demand with elevated values.

There are many purists that would say not to customize, but hey... it's your machine. You are the one who gets to enjoy it! I'd do whatever you'd like!

I don't think much can take away from the 60's feel, the 60's were all over the place.

-Marty

[Burrilliance]

Yea, I'm not that concerned with resale ability and value. If it looks cool enough, it won't have to go to the basement.

I think if I had a fancy Seeburg or something, I might feel differently. Especially as this is my first too.

[jukenorman]

From what you're proposing, you're not actually inflicting irreversible damage - so it could be redone as original if you subsequently had the inclination!

Norman.

[doghouseriley]

As has been said, it's really up to you. In my opinion, models that haven't visible mechanisms, "don't look right" if you convert them.

I've a Rock-Ola 443, which I could have converted to visible mechanism,  by taking out the front graphic, which had faded badly faded and no replacements were available at the time and replaced it with clear glass.  Or changed the panel under the dome glass to clear glass. But I think either would have looked naff.

But I re-made the graphic, with overlaid coloured and frosted acetate, so got it back to how it was designed to look. I think it is almost as good as it looked when new.