SEGA Naomi 18 Wheeler Arcade PC Cabinet Conversion

[Bailey]

My latest evening project over the past few weeks has been bringing this original SEGA Naomi 18 Wheeler arcade cabinet back to life.

Rather than retiring the original hardware, I converted the cabinet to a PC-based system, allowing the game to run at an upscaled resolution while preserving the authentic arcade experience.

The restoration included:

• Taking out the original SEGA NAOMI and replacing with a PC, configuring and setting up.
• Removing the CRT and upgrading to a Unico 26" 4:3 LCD display.
• New speakers and subwoofer.
• Full LED lighting throughout.
• A JVS USB I/O board, keeping all the original controls—including the buttons, steering wheel, and shifters—fully functional
• A complete strip-down, deep clean, and restoration

The goal wasn't to change what made the cabinet special, but to preserve it. Externally, it remains true to the original machine, while internally it's now far easier to maintain, more reliable, and better equipped to keep running for years to come.

A really enjoyable project and great to see a classic arcade machine given a new lease of life.

A lot of hours were put into this project so I hope you enjoy!

Bailey

 

[varkanoid]

Excellent job. I see you have Pet curiosity too. When I was doing my arcade cab I came back after had my lunch to find the cat asleep in the back of it.

 

[R4z0r]

That looks great, fantastic work.

 

[Zaf]

Lovely project. How long did it take to get the Unico display and what’s your plan with the retired Naomi, I might be interested!

 

[Bailey]

Excellent job. I see you have Pet curiosity too. When I was doing my arcade cab I came back after had my lunch to find the cat asleep in the back of it.

Glad you like it, Yeah my little pom is so nosey and loves it

That looks great, fantastic work.

Thanks so much!

Lovely project. How long did it take to get the Unico display and what’s your plan with the retired Naomi, I might be interested!

Glad you like it, It took about a month on a slow boat from China but well worth the wait.

I sold the SEGA Naomi already to another arcade collector but I do have the 18 wheeler GD Naomi Cartridge for sale if your interested?

Cheers

 

[kaku]

Instead of retiring the original hardware you... retired the original hardware? If only LLMs could proof-read too!

The Unico display looks great. they are bloody pricey though!!

How was the process of refurbing the controls?

 

[cee-S-dee]

Hows the performance of the Unico Display? Have you tried any other games on it? Would love to know how it performs on some Cave games, and Tetris Grand Master 3

 

[Fluffybob]

What a cracking project, love it

 

[Bailey]

Instead of retiring the original hardware you... retired the original hardware? If only LLMs could proof-read too!

The Unico display looks great. they are bloody pricey though!!

How was the process of refurbing the controls?

I meant it in the instance of scrapping the original hardware.

Unico are great, well worth every penny tbh!

Absolutely fine with the controls, took everything off, cleaned all the switches, re cabled and installed into the JVSCAB2PC USB converter board. Cleaning everything controls wise was the biggest job.

Hows the performance of the Unico Display? Have you tried any other games on it? Would love to know how it performs on some Cave games, and Tetris Grand Master 3

Absolutely superb performance and quality, yes tried Initial D Ver 3, Crazy Taxi, F355 Challenge, King of Route 66, Wild Riders, Sega Rally 1 & 2, Daytona, Manx TT Supebike all on this cab. The joys of it being a PC

What a cracking project, love it

Glad you approve, thank you!

Got a SEGA Lindbergh Outrun 2 SPDX cab to convert to PC next now this ones done