Fabricating the front panel will be difficult without the correct tools and some woodworking skills. If you want to replace instead of repair, I suggest contacting Doug Huse (Let's Play Pinball) and see if he will sell you a front panel.

If you take your time, the front can be removed without damaging the side panels. You could also take the front panel to a local cabinet shop for fabrication. Or take the whole cabinet to a local cabinet shop.

Patching may be your best option, provided the cabinet is still structurally sound. Structural integrity is hard to determine from the pictures.

No matter which option you choose, you'll need to fill, prime, & paint.

Good luck with your project.

Steve (in Escalon, CA)

I wouldn't recommend using MDO. It isn't as strong as plywood and will swell if it ever gets wet. Although the plywood requires (minimal) sanding, it's the filler and primer that you need to get smooth before paint and decals.

Steve (in Escalon, CA)

Agree...don't use MDO. Use a 3/4" plywood, assuming that is what is there now. Measure it carefully because often what is sold as 3/4" is really something like 23/32". Best to match the exact size of the existing wood. Birch finish is usually the best for a smooth finish. As far as taking it apart, you need to look down on the joint to see which way it will come apart. Hopefully the joint in not too complex and you can gently beat the corners out toward the front. If the joint requires they be separated sideways, it gets a little tougher. A lot of cabinets are just glued but if there are nails or staples, they will pull free and what ever damage that causes can be easily repaired. The joints can generally be cut pretty easily on a table saw. I had an F-14 with a lot of damage on the lower front edge. In my case, I sliced about 2" inches off the bottom of the front with a skill saw and straight edge then put a new piece in just that part. Glued, nailed, sanded and repainted. I kept a piece of the lower cabinet to remind me of what it looked like before I restored it. If the wood work is not something you are comfortable with, if you can get the original front removed, I expect you could find a cabinet shop that could make you one very easily.

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