Went ahead and added the D-Pad.
Still debating the VMU .......
Wired the GD-Rom. I had to use a heat gun and heat up the two connectors while twisting with pliers. Popped both of them right off. Then I wired those small-a$$ 50 wires.
Went to hook it up and nothing but a red flash from the led. Tripled checked everything tried again and nothing. So I said screw it for a few days.
Bought another Dreamcast and hooked up the power supply / controller ports/ and voila it worked.
I decided I still didn't like the wire job so I unhooked all 50 wires and re-did them. Hooked everything up and the same darn one red flash and nothing.
Then I noticed it. I had the power supply on upside down. Yea with everything apart it can easily be done.
Thank goodness these Dreamcast are tough.
Flipped it around and everything is perfect.
I now have the front done ad painted and am working on the back cover for the Gd-rom. Yea what fun.