In the long run I'm hoping to install a 27" TV as the main display for this MAME machine. But, until I can convince the CFO that I "need" to spend $250+ to make this purchase, an extra 17" PC monitor will have to do. Before I installed the contact-paper, I did a test piece and discovered that it comes off the plexiglass VERY easily. So, I can install it now, and take it off later, resize, and re-install! WHOO hoo!

So, first order of business is to get the plexiglass. I got one sheet of 30"x36" lexan. I figured I could cut the 30" inch side down to the width of the opening, 28", and the length I could cut into 3 pieces: a 24" monitor section, and 2x 7" marquee pieces. I cut the plexiglass with a fine-tooth plywood blade on my circular saw. There was a little bit of chipping around the cut edge, but not much.

Next step was to put the contact paper on. But, before I could do that, I needed to install the plexiglass and mark where the current monitor would line up.

I decided to install 1/2" quarter-round molding surrounding the area where the molding would be to act as back-support. In this picture you can see what the molding looks like installed from behind. I was thinking about installing some 2x2 supports like I used in the cabinet construction, but after a quick measurement of my 27" TV I have in the bedroom, there wouldn't be enough room width-wise when I go to install it later. So, 1/2" molding worked perfectly. One small tip: Clamp them and pre-drill the holes. If you simply try to power-drill the screws in, the MDF will create a little "hill" of wood where the screw enters and keep the molding from holding tight to the MDF.

First I aligned the molding so it was flush with the front on the monitor support shelf. Then I just followed the molding up the inside of the monitor area keeping the same distance from the edge as I went. After a test-installation I realized 2 things. I needed back-support at the top, and I needed something to hold the plexiglass at the bottom.

Solution to problem #1: I had a scrap piece of 1/2" MDF that worked perfectly across the top. Of course, I pre-drilled the holes!!! Drilling a drywall screw into the EDGE of the speaker panel was scary business. I didn't want to crack that wood since it took me a long time to measure and cut those speaker holes. You can see the entire molding and MDF back-support pieces in this picture. You can also see the 2 pieces of craft-felt that I installed over the speaker holes. I didn't want the flourescent light shining through the cracks in the speaker holes!!

Solution #2: To support the bezel at the front edge I decided to install a standard clear plastic "edge saver" strip. This is the same stuff you install on the corner of an interier wall to keep it from getting banged up. I cut a small piece that would not get in the way when the control panel was finally installed. If the plastic strip doesn't work out, I'll just replace it with a more-sturdy metal angle bracket later.

Well, here is the installed bezel. I'm not worried about the white edge of the monitor showing through. If the 17" monitor turns out to be a more long-term installation, I'll mask off the edge with the contact paper... heck I might just do that anyway, I have some left over. Also, I'm going to install some black quarter-round molding across the top to hide the ugly top edge... eventually.

Here we go... after a few hours of work, the monitor bezel is installed. YAY! Next step is to cut and install the marquee. Hmmmmm......