These instructions will assume you are going to build the same panel I did.  First step is to order all of the arcade control parts and whichever arcade control to USB solution you would like to use.  In my case, I designed my own.  It is open source, based on the TI Tiva C Launchpad, and is also posted as a project here.

Step 2 - Design your graphics for the top.  I will add mine to this project at some point, feel free to use it if you like it.

Step 3 - Hit up your local hardware store and pick up all of the lumber and hardware you will need.  Or if you are like me, dig through your salvage and scrap for most of it, then pick up what you don't already have.

Step 4 - Now things get interesting.  I happen to have access to both large printing equipment and a CNC mill.  I was able to print my design at full scale repeatedly till I decided I liked it, then transfer the design into the CNC software and mill the top panel in one go.  This allowed me to recess the body of the Happ joysticks into the panel to allow for a longer stick height.

For everyone without access to my nice toys, the top can be made by hand with a sabre saw and drill.  Your local repro or blueprint shop can print the layout full scale to use as a template.

Step 5 - If you are following my build exactly, you now have a nice looking piece of plywood with a lot of holes in it.  Next you'll need to use a forstner bit to make a shallow recess for the top of the T-Nuts to sit flush with the top surface of the panel.  Then tap the T-Nuts into the eight mounting holes for the joysticks, and use wood putty to make the top surface smooth again.

Step 6 - Get your top graphics printed, or if you can paint the top.  Your choice.  If you choose to do graphics like I did, you will want to have them printed on a latex inkjet, using a quality self adhesive vinyl, with a polycarbonate or similar laminate.  Either way, apply your graphics or paint your panel.

Step 7 - Build the lower box and mount it to the panel.  More details on this step when I get there.

Step 8 - Mount you controls to your panel.  While it is not technically a necessity, I HIGHLY recommend you order the wrench for the button nuts.  They would not be at all fun to install without it.

Step 9 - Make your wire harnesses for your buttons.  The details for this step will depend on which control to USB interface you decide to use.  They all come with wiring instructions.

Step 10 - You will likely want to mount some kind of USB extension connector through the back of the frame.  Again, the type and style will depend on your control adapter, and if you've made it this far, you should be able to figure that out on your own :)