How to open Model F AT?

[nubbinator]

I have an F AT that I want to clean up a bit more, but when I go to open it, I'm always terrified I'll break something.  It's easy to open up the back side, but the front seems to catch and I haven't seen any screws.  Does anyone have any directions for it? 

And are there any fairly cheap sources for replacement barrels?  I was thinking of popping out the barrels, sanding, and powder coating the plate, but saw someone say to expect to break a good number of the barrels.  If that's the case, I'm a bit hesitant to clean it up more.

[The_Beast]

I have an F AT that I want to clean up a bit more, but when I go to open it, I'm always terrified I'll break something.  It's easy to open up the back side, but the front seems to catch and I haven't seen any screws.  Does anyone have any directions for it? 

And are there any fairly cheap sources for replacement barrels?  I was thinking of popping out the barrels, sanding, and powder coating the plate, but saw someone say to expect to break a good number of the barrels.  If that's the case, I'm a bit hesitant to clean it up more.

Cracking the case is scary as ****. It sounds like it's going to break the whole time, but you gotta power through it.

For barrels, I don't see how you could break a barrel unless you are REALLY careless. They pretty much fall out of the plate once you tip it upright again.

Honestly, the trickiest part for me was getting the spacebar off. If you break it, the whole thing is boned since there is no replacement FAT spacebar

This might help

[dorkvader]

the case is scary as ****. It sounds like it's going to break the whole time, but you gotta power through it.

Yeah. It's scary but it works every time. you get used to it after a while.

And are there any fairly cheap sources for replacement barrels?  I was thinking of popping out the barrels, sanding, and powder coating the plate, but saw someone say to expect to break a good number of the barrels.  If that's the case, I'm a bit hesitant to clean it up more.

Cheap barrels from PC / XT. My 4704 had a broken one, fortunately I just removed one for hhkb layout anyway. It's improbable that you'll break one doing that though.

[nubbinator]

Awesome. Thanks you two.  Looks like the project won't be as bad as I thought.

[sleepy916]

The XT barrel are different than the one on the AT, 122, Kish, ect.

This picture by wcass shows the difference. The XT has no notch directly connected to the barrel but a center notch directly below. The AT barrel has a notch in around 4 o' clock position. The flippies are interchangeable though even if they have slight differences.

[dorkvader]

The XT barrel are different than the one on the AT, 122, Kish, ect.

This picture by wcass shows the difference. The XT has no notch directly connected to the barrel but a center notch directly below. The AT barrel has a notch in around 4 o' clock position. The flippies are interchangeable though even if they have slight differences.

Show Image

Yeah, I forgot to mention this, but to use an XT barrel, you'll have to cut the "nib" off. Put it in the middle of a bunch of other ones and the barrels surrounding it will hold it in place correctly.

[Parak]

I've never had flippies, much less barrels break on me. I haven't even managed to break barrels while applying much higher than normal clamping force on the plates, so I'm not sure why you're worried

[fohat.digs]

The only thing to worry about is opening the case. I open the back and gently fan the front back and forth until it releases, so far with good success after a total of at least half a dozen iterations over the years.

Then there is the foam pad, but nothing else should be damageable without extenuating circumstances.