The solid clear plexiglass replacement top panel for the Qanba Q4 Real Arcade Fightstick (Q4RAF) is perfect for adding new artwork. To install, unscrew the old top panel, place the artwork, followed by the plexiglass, and screw in place.  Each plexiglass will ship in a sturdy container with film protection from dust or scratches. 

How the Q4RAF Plexi is Protected

The Q4RAF plexi faceplates are shipped with a very thin film that surrounds it.  This slippery, cloudy-looking film is to protect the plexi from scratches and dust.  These elements will appear on the film itself, but not the plexi.

To remove the film, locate a loose portion of the film on the edges of the plexi.  The film should give way if you pull up on it.  You will notice that the film is held to the plexi with an almost static cling, but will come off with little effort. Remove it from both sides of the plexi.  Once removed. you will see a clean, clear plexiglass finish.

Step-by-step guide to Installing the Q4RAF Plexi

If you are unsure about replacing the artwork on your Q4RAF, these detailed instructions will guide you through each step, from beginning to end.  It's important to note that the Q4RAF's original artwork is held in place with 6 screws, which are hidden behind black stickers and surrounded by a clear glue solution.

Some materials you'll want to have during installation: Phillips head screwdriver; thin flat-head screwdriver or pocketknife blade to remove the black stickers.  The steps follow:

1. The Q4RAF is first opened from the bottom by removing 8 small Phillips screws. One of them is under the small white warranty sticker; you'll need to remove it.
2. Disconnect the wires from the Sanwa buttons and start button. Remove the wiring harness from the Sanwa JLF joystick by unseating the white connector from the joystick's PCB.
3. Un-snap the Sanwa buttons from the top overlay by pinching the sides and pushing up. The start button has a similar method.
4. Unscrew the balltop from the Sanwa JLF joystick.
   
5. The original overlay has 6 screws holding in in place. Those screws are hidden behind small black discs on the overlay, and a glue solution surrounds the screws to prevent tampering.
   
6. Remove the discs and a portion of the glue with a small knife (pocketknife works best). Take care not to scratch the original art plexi if you plan to use it again.
   
7. With the glue still surrounding the phillips screw, proceed to unscrew each using a Phillips head screwdriver.
8. When all of the screws are removed, lift the original art plexi off of the joystick housing. You can wipe the screws clear of the glue with either soap and warm water, or a solution like Goo-Gone™.
   
9. Place your artwork atop the metal frame, matching the button, joystick and screw holes.
   
10. Place the plexi atop the artwork, matching the button, joystick and screw holes.
11. Insert the cleaned screws that were used to hold the original artwork plexi.
12. Replace the joystick buttons by inserting them atop the plexi until you hear them "snap" into place. Screw the balltop back onto the JLF joystick.
13. Replace the wiring for each button and re-insert the white connector of the Sanwa JLF joystick to the PCB.
14. Re-insert the 8 screws at the bottom of the joystick, screwing them back into place.

We will have a video showing each step of the install soon!

Want to create custom artwork for the Q4RAF?

For the creative among us, Qanba developed a great-looking photoshop template to design custom artwork on the Q4RAF.  You can download it here. Thanks to tROYISM of shoryuken.com for originally posting the URL to download it.

Additional questions about the Q4RAF?

Head over to the official Qanba Thread on Shoryuken.com to post your question, or get answers about designing and installing artwork.  Also check back for updates as we will have templates when they become available.