Project: LLC Metal Replacement Panels Round 9 Stainless Steel

blklightning21

LLC Steel Replacement Panels

General information and FAQ

Website-TheGameSurgeons

Hey Guys and Gals and welcome to your source for Metal Replacement Panels. These panels were made for the sole purpose of changing the layout of your manufactured arcade stick to a more personalized and preferred layout while at the same time giving the best support a panel can have, sometimes even stronger support than the stock panel.

Now another reason these panels were created were to allow for many different other joysticks to be mounted, including many different types of Japanese sticks, Korean sticks, and even Happ and IL sticks. Although these panels are able to mount different joysticks whether the joystick will mount properly depends entireley on the case depth. I will provide as much info on which joysticks are able to mount in which cases.

For more information regarding the panels and how to order please visit the Vital Information page and take your time reading up on all the important information.

Currently Supported Sticks

Madcatz TE(Stock Covers and Metal Replacement Panels)

HRAP 2/3/EX(Stock Covers and Metal Replacement Panels)

HRAP 1/T5/T6(Metal Replacement Panels Only)

Hori RAP VX/V3 SA(Stock Covers and Metal Replacement Panels)

Hori FS3/Wii/SC4(Stock Covers Only)

Sticks being worked on or on the radar

Madcatz SE

Hori EX2

Hori VLX

Hori Fighting Stick VX/V3

Qanba Q3

Madcatz Fightstick Pro

blklightning21

Metal Panels and Joystick Mounting

Joystick Mounting

If you have an earlier revision of one of my panels then the mounting will differ and you will receive info on how to mount correctly.

The newest and final solution for joystick mounting allows all joysticks( both korean and Japanese Joysticks to be mounted from the bottom with ease(see spoiler)

Spoiler:

Here is how the plate will be set up when you receive it

You will receive

4 x jap machine screw

4 x washer

4 x 1/16" nylon spacer

4 x Korean machine screw

With this setup you are able to mount most if not all different types of japanese joysticks and korean sticks.

Not only will this setup allow you to mount these many different joysticks but it will allow you to mount them at the correct heights even when using plexiglass covers making for a true universal setup.

Here is a pic of the Sanwa jlf mount plate mounted

Here is a pic of the Seimitsu LS 32 SS plate mounted

Here is a pic of the Fanta stick mounted

Now that you can see them all mounted Let me explain what i mean by true universal setup.

Looking at this pic of the mounting solution, you can see that each of the posts are setup at a length where they will allow for proper mounting height for use with a 1/16" size plexi cover by default.

So how do we adjust the height to make it sit at the correct height if we want to use just the metal panel without a plexi cover?

The answer,

These 1/16" black nylon spacers allow for your sticks to be mounted at the correct heights in different configurations.

Lets go over mounting the different sticks correctly in the different configurations.

*Important* When screwing in the screws into any of the posts there is no need to overtighten them, just screw them in until you feel resistance and then screw just a bit past that and you will have a strong hold.

Japanese Sticks

*Important* - any and all japanese sticks that will be mounted to these panels will need to have the washer and spacer included in order to mount correctly in either configuration, This is because the washer and spacer allow for the correct space for the machine screw to secure the joystick to the panel without complications.

Mounting Japanese sticks for correct mounting height with a 1/16" plexi cover.

This is extremely simple just flip the panel over in your lap and place the joystick over the bare posts.

then take the machine screw with the washer and black spacer on it and screw it into the screw posts and your done

you can see here that the washer and black spacer are used in the mounting configuration as needed.

Mounting Japanese sticks for correct mounting height using metal panel only.

Almost the same as for mounting for 1/16" height except now the you will place the black spacers on the bare post before the joystick.

after those are placed on the posts simply place your joystick over them

Then simply take your machine screw with the washer on it and screw it into the posts.

You will have this when you are done

As you can see the washer and spacer are still used, the only difference in this configuration is the mounting plate is in between the spacer and washer.

What if i am using a 1/32" slim cover?

Well because the slim cover is so thin it really makes no difference. If you already own one then you know exactly what i mean. However when i am using a 1/32" i use the mounting configuration for the metal only. You can try both ways and see if you can tell a difference, if you can it will be very very minor.

What about mounting the LS 32 with the ss mounting plate at dfferent heights?

Ok this one is just a little different because the mounting will be the same for both metal and plexiglass covers because there is no real way to mount the ss plate closer to the metal panel to get a correct height for 1/16" plexi covers. Now this is not too big of a deal but if that is something that bothers you then you can simply get a slim cover as that difference will be minor.

This is how you should mount the stick to the panel.

Remember you need to have both the washer and spacer on the screw.

First you need to take apart the bottom of the ls 32. dont worry as it is not hard and takes only a minute or two and all you need is a philips screwdriver

1st remove the blue gate by unscrewing the two screws

Next you will remove the 4 screws on the metal

and then you are done and can screw the stick into the panel

The reason you need to do this is because the screw posts for the ss mount plate are offset and the green pcb gets in the way of screwing the machine screw straight down and you dont not want to be lazy and try to screw it in sideways because you may end up stripping the threading on the screw posts. So better safe than sorry and take the couple extra minutes to do this.

once you have the base of the ss mount plate screwed into the panel you can put it back together and you will have your LS 32 mounted.

Mounting Korean sticks at the correct height for 1/16" Plexi covers.

The idea is the exact same as for the japanese mounting except you do not need the spacer or washer for this configuration.

Simply place the K stick on top of the bare posts

Then use the korean stick screws to screw it into the panel.

You can see you need no washer and spacer for mounting the k stick for correct height for 1/16" plexi covers.

Mounting Korean Sticks at the correct height for metal panel only.

With this configuration you will need the 1/16" black spacers.

Place them on top of the bare posts

Then place the k stick on top of them

Use the Korean screws to screw the joystick into the panel and you will have your k stick mounted correctly

Ok guys and gals so that is the jist of how it works, i know like this may seem complicated but it is not at all. it really is as easy as flipping your panel over and screwing it in. Just remember that Japanese sticks need both the washer and spacer at all times to avoid complications.

One thing that is also nice about these panels is that when mounting every stick except the SS mounting plate you do not have to worry about losing parts.

In both of these pictures you can see that all the supplies are in and can be kept in to avoid loss.

This sadly is not the case with the LS 32 SS mounting plate because on two sides the microswitches are in the way of where the korean screws would go and the mounting plate doesnt allow for but just two of the screws to go in so you can only have the two screws, two spacers and two washers holding the joystick in and just two korean screws in. So just make sure you place the others somewhere safe that you will remember.

Qanba Q4 and Q3 Mounting.

Spoiler:

Jap Joysticks

For jap joysticks this is the mounting equipment you will receive.


It consists of
-2 1/16" spacers
-4 flathead 6-32 screws
-4 lock washers
-4 lock nuts

To mount a JLF.

Start by putting the two spacers over the 4 holes.

Make sure that the countersunk side of the spacers is against the metal panel, that way it
allows the flathead screws to sit nice and flush on the other side of the metal panel.

After that simply place the jlf on top of the spacers lining up the holes.

Then place the flathead screws in from the other side of the metal panel and place the lock washer and nut all the way on the screw.

*A little tip when getting the screws in is to start with opposite corners so when you finish two you can flip the panel over and adjust alignment easily.

When you have finished you should get this.



the screws should be flush on the other side and you should be ready to mount to mount to the rest of the arcade stick.

It may seem like the height is going to be way off but because the plexi is a massive 1/8" the mounting height will be perfect.

Example.




K-Stick Mounting

If you chose to have your panel mount K-Sticks, this is how you will mount them.
The K-stick mounting equipment will consist of
- 4 6-32 panhead screws with connected lock washers
-4 1/8" spacers.

First start off by putting the 1/8" spacers on the 4 standoffs.


Then place the K-Stick on top of the spacers.

After that simply insert the 4 screws through the K-Stick and spacers into the standoff and tighten(no need to overtighten)

*Tip: once again the easiest way to mount the K-Stick would be to start with opposite corners that way it will have some stability and you can easily get it mounted.

When you are done you should have this.



Once everything is in place simply mount the panel to the case and put the plexi cover on top and the K-Stick will sit nicely at the correct height.

blklightning21

Lexan/Makrolon Covers

Madcatz TE Covers

Hori V3/VX Covers

HRAP Covers

Hori Fighting Stick 3 Covers

Custom Covers

blklightning21

BartStation, post: 4980852 wrote:

I really want one, this is making me decide to keep my TE. The lexan covers the mounting screws right?

haha you responded to quick for me to reserve some spots but to anwer your question. You will still need to have the screws to securely hold down your panel but if you only wanted the outside 4 that is perfectly fine. There is a way where you could get different M4 screws and screw down only the metal panel but you would need screw down buttons to hold the lexan and i am not sure how secure that would be for the bigger lexan pieces

Chad

Are you offering 6 button versions of these layouts without the Turbo panel cut for the TE?

blklightning21

Chad, post: 4980856 wrote:

Are you offering 6 button versions of these layouts without the Turbo panel cut for the TE?

Actually Yes i can chad. i have not made my first order yet so i can take any custom orders now. Which button layout were you speaking of.

Chad

Astro City (first 6 buttons only).

pzlate

Oh man a Fanta mount.

I want to see how the Happ works out. I may have to pick one up.

x24

Looking at the pictures, it seems like the joystick mounting screws are protruding. Will these screws be flush with the surface of the metal panel? If not, won't these be in the way of the lexan top?

spenzalii

x24, post: 4980860 wrote:

Looking at the pictures, it seems like the joystick mounting screws are protruding. Will these screws be flush with the surface of the metal panel? If not, won't these be in the way of the lexan top?

I was just about to ask about this. Depending on how it works out, one of your DIY panels sounds extremely tempting

blklightning21

x24, post: 4980860 wrote:

Looking at the pictures, it seems like the joystick mounting screws are protruding. Will these screws be flush with the surface of the metal panel? If not, won't these be in the way of the lexan top?

spenzalii, post: 4980861 wrote:

I was just about to ask about this. Depending on how it works out, one of your DIY panels sounds extremely tempting

I added a pic of a panel with the screws sitting flush

RosserRooster

can you show a picture of the joystick mounting bracket thanks

gahrling

RosserRooster, post: 4980863 wrote:

can you show a picture of the joystick mounting bracket thanks

I don't think there is a mounting bracket - you just bolt the joystick flat against the surface.

blklightning21

correct there is no bracket. I was never a fan of the bracket. So in order to have compatibility with most joysticks, proper height is acheived using spacers. I will show a pic of how it is done in just a bit

gahrling

Spacers.. that's a nice idea. Hadn't thought of that..

blklightning21

gahrling, post: 4980866 wrote:

Spacers.. that's a nice idea. Hadn't thought of that..

yep the spacers work great and to test the strength of them, for the last week i have been playing 3S for long periods of time. Last Saturday and Sunday i played 3S for about 8 hours each day on ggpo and everyday during the week i played about 3 to 4 hours, and yesterday and the day before i played another 8 hours each day. (Needless to say my fiancee wasnt the happiest person in the world hahaha) I had my jlf mounted with only two screws as opposed to 4 and the screws were just secured with a nut as oppossed to a nut and a lock washer which the final pieces will have. The results were amazing because the mounting is just as strong as the first day i tightened them, so i know there will be no problem with the mounting at all.

thebluedino

What kind of options will there be for the lexan covers? I'd like to have a TE with a 6 button astro city layout but would like to do so with a black or white "full" cover ala Arts Hobbies "full" plexi covers

pzlate

Man, I want one :I

blklightning21

thebluedino, post: 4980868 wrote:

What kind of options will there be for the lexan covers? I'd like to have a TE with a 6 button astro city layout but would like to do so with a black or white "full" cover ala Arts Hobbies "full" plexi covers

Well because Lexan is already much more expensive than plexiglass, I will probably never offer colored pieces. I believe the only colored pieces of lexan i have ever seen were white, clear, and gray. You could always spray paint a sheet of lexan to achieve the same blackness. I will most likely only supply clear lexan so i can keep the price as cheap as possible while giving you the very best.

pzlate, post: 4980869 wrote:

Man, I want one :I

This makes me happy, they will be available real soon.

kubebot

These look really awesome. Definitely interested in a MK layout. What grade steel are these?

gahrling

What material are the spacers made out of? And are they all cylindrical in shape?

Yonke

Im really interested in getting a Panel, good work!.....

blklightning21

kubebot, post: 4980871 wrote:

These look really awesome. Definitely interested in a MK layout. What grade steel are these?

TE panel replacements are 16ga Commercial Grade quality, and the DIY panels are 14ga Commercial Grade quality

gahrling, post: 4980872 wrote:

What material are the spacers made out of? And are they all cylindrical in shape?

Here is a pic of some of the spacers

I originally wanted to use steel spacers only but i tried the nylon spacers and they work incredibly well, they are just fantastic.
These spacers here from left to right are 8mm for fanta sticks, 2mms for sanwa and seimitsu, and 10mm for Happ(the 8mm works just as well for happ).
These spacers have all been tested for hours and hours and hours and they all perform exactly the same without any damage to the spacer whatsoever and no movement when using the spacers. so everything tested great

Yonke, post: 4980873 wrote:

Im really interested in getting a Panel, good work!.....

Thanks alot they will be availalbe shortly

gahrling

Yeah, good stuff.

pzlate

Markman was doing an interest check about TE metal panels a while ago too. I wonder if these end up being successful we'll see some Madcatz ones.

Don illMatiX

in for an HRAP 6 button layout ASAP!

blklightning21

gahrling, post: 4980875 wrote:

Yeah, good stuff.

thanks for the support guys

Don illMatiX, post: 4980877 wrote:

in for an HRAP 6 button layout ASAP!

Hraps are coming, as soon as i get my hands on a hrap or the very least a panel

ukyo_rulz

HRAP panels are listed as coming soon. Do you mean the classic HRAPs or the new VX/V3 models?

blklightning21

ukyo_rulz, post: 4980879 wrote:

HRAP panels are listed as coming soon. Do you mean the classic HRAPs or the new VX/V3 models?

The classics and the vlx. I am not too sure about the vx and v3 just because they dont look like have steel control panels but if i am wrong i will look into those as well especially because i want an excuse to pick up a v3 hahaha

Don illMatiX

As long as it fits on my T5, im good.

Heres a random question, would it be possible to put a TE Turbo Panel into a T5 stick? If so id love to have a custom T5 panel with the TE turbo panel cut out. That would make me happy lol

ukyo_rulz

blklightning21, post: 4980880 wrote:

The classics and the vlx. I am not too sure about the vx and v3 just because they dont look like have steel control panels but if i am wrong i will look into those as well especially because i want an excuse to pick up a v3 hahaha

VMS did a mod on a V3 before and underneath the sticker is a metal plate:

VMS, post: 3753195 wrote:

Anyone else done this yet?





The stock art is actually some kind of adhesive foam, about 2mm thick. Also note that it extends beyond the metal plate.

I got replacement arcade vinyl from mamemarquees.com (now called gameongrafix.com)... posting the results soon...

blklightning21

ukyo_rulz, post: 4980882 wrote:

VMS did a mod on a V3 before and underneath the sticker is a metal plate:

O wow thanks, looks like i have an excuse to get a V3 hahaha


Thanks for all the support guys, I am getting alot of emails about people wanting panel and for different sticks.

I can do replacement panels for virtually any stick, however steel is not cheap so the more i can sell the more options that will open up for everyone.

Special thanks to thaBadGuy I will have an hrap panel so I may have some of those available with the TE panels and DIY panels.

Also for those who wanted steel panels for other builders custom sticks i have to say that I am sorry but i cannot do that because i do not want to disrespect someone elses work. If it is your custom that you built that is perfectly fine however I will not make any panels for other custom builders work. Thanks for understanding that.

I have a large DIY panel that i should be posting up shortly and a hitbox DIY panel as well.

I plan on making replacement panels for multiple sticks so the more i can branch out will result in more options opening up. If you guys have any other forums or know of any other ways to branch out i would welcome it very much.

sikwidit

Nice thread blk. You can put me down for 3 of the te panels, the hibox, the astro city, and the mk layout. I cant wait for these to be done

Dezik

Would you be able to do custom etching for the lexan tops? If not, would these compatible with art's plexi replacements?

blklightning21

sikwidit, post: 4980884 wrote:

Nice thread blk. You can put me down for 3 of the te panels, the hibox, the astro city, and the mk layout. I cant wait for these to be done

will be getting them cut soon just waiting on a couple of last minute things

Dezik, post: 4980885 wrote:

Would you be able to do custom etching for the lexan tops? If not, would these compatible with art's plexi replacements?

No custom etching yet but hopefully soon in about a month or two i will be able to custom etch.
As for being compatible with Arts plexi tops, the button placing is the only thing that would differ from his current plexi tops as well as the joystick hole.. You could always ask him if he would make a top for it.

Spider-Jew

These look great. I might need to buy one of these panels.

MonoTekETeA

Damn. I wish these were out 2 weeks ago. Might still want a few though...

blklightning21

Spider-Jew, post: 4980887 wrote:

These look great. I might need to buy one of these panels.

Thanks alot

MonoTekETeA, post: 4980888 wrote:

Damn. I wish these were out 2 weeks ago. Might still want a few though...

you and me both my friend, these were actually planned to be out months ago but due to hardships i am just now able to get these started.

Wow guys just realized you have given my thread 5 stars. Thanks so much everyone for the great support I am getting.
I am working as fast and as hard as i can to get these ready for everyone so you can have more modding options.

mastermind

Would be willing to donate my Hori EX2 for research! :D

Svenuser

Once I get some extra money I'm definitely buying some DIY panels!

IWinAlot

These look amazing. Let me know if you are going to get some replacement panels for the V3 Sa. i would love a 6 button astro and maybe even a mk for my stick.

blklightning21

mastermind, post: 4980890 wrote:

Would be willing to donate my Hori EX2 for research! :D

Man you guys are simply the best!

Svenuser, post: 4980891 wrote:

Once I get some extra money I'm definitely buying some DIY panels!

Just drop me a line when ready

IWinAlot, post: 4980892 wrote:

These look amazing. Let me know if you are going to get some replacement panels for the V3 Sa. i would love a 6 button astro and maybe even a mk for my stick.

ETA on those are maybe a month or two away depending on how well these panels do.

sikwidit

Hey I have a friend who might be willing to let you borrow his V3 for a while, i will keep you posted

Mad Mistress

Sorry if this is a noob question, but why would you have to bend the button connectors? If they aren't bent with the stock TE panel, why now?

I have never even opened up my TE, but I read this forum to learn before I start modding.

also, any idea how much shipping to the UK would be for a panel and artwork?

NeoBlood

button bending is for layouts that dont fit well with the plastic beneath the metal panel inside the TE. Most likely the bottom ones for the MK layout and so on and so forth.

DeepThoughts

mastermind, post: 4980890 wrote:

Would be willing to donate my Hori EX2 for research! :D

Yes please! I could finally mount a JLF in there properly.

Also, are there separate spacers for mounting a JLF with and without lexan? for those of use who are really picky :)

Mad Mistress

NeoBlood, post: 4980896 wrote:

button bending is for layouts that dont fit well with the plastic beneath the metal panel inside the TE. Most likely the bottom ones for the MK layout and so on and so forth.

Aah, thanks, makes total sense.

blklightning21

sikwidit, post: 4980894 wrote:

Hey I have a friend who might be willing to let you borrow his V3 for a while, i will keep you posted

Oh wow thank you very much PM sent

Mad Mistress, post: 4980895 wrote:

Sorry if this is a noob question, but why would you have to bend the button connectors? If they aren't bent with the stock TE panel, why now?

I have never even opened up my TE, but I read this forum to learn before I start modding.

also, any idea how much shipping to the UK would be for a panel and artwork?

No need to apologize for asking a question, but the reason you need to bend the tabs are because the TE has a black middle piece that only has the vewlix layout in it. so if you bend the tabs there is no touching.
For shipping to the UK I am not too sure. That is something I will find out soon. I did a couple of padhacks for people in the UK before but i dont really remember how much the shipping was. I want to say it was 30 but i am really hoping it is cheaper.

NeoBlood, post: 4980896 wrote:

button bending is for layouts that dont fit well with the plastic beneath the metal panel inside the TE. Most likely the bottom ones for the MK layout and so on and so forth.

Correct Sir

DeepThoughts, post: 4980897 wrote:

Yes please! I could finally mount a JLF in there properly.

Also, are there separate spacers for mounting a JLF with and without lexan? for those of use who are really picky :)

Believe it or not this is something that I have been working on more info about spacers and such to come soon

IWinAlot

ETA on those are maybe a month or two away depending on how well these panels do.

Oh thanks guy. Hey you should try to get these front paged I bet if more people knew you could get more out faster.

IWinAlot

ETA on those are maybe a month or two away depending on how well these panels do.

Oh thanks guy. Hey you should try to get these front paged I bet if more people knew you could get more out faster.

blklightning21

IWinAlot, post: 4980901 wrote:

Oh thanks guy. Hey you should try to get these front paged I bet if more people knew you could get more out faster.

That would be great but i have no idea how to get anything front paged, someone told me they emailed keits trying to get it front paged but they did not get a response. so who knows