Opening Unicomp SpaceSaver

[ocdonkb]

Couldn't find any threads on this, so here it is....

I'm trying to disassemble my Spacesaver.

Similar to a Model M, I've unscrewed the 4 nut bolts. The top half of the outer casing came off easily.



Now I'm left with the black mounting plate, which sits on top of the bottom half of the outer casing. How do I separate these two? It's not obvious to me how these are attached so not sure how to proceed.

If anyone's had any experience please advice. Thanks.

[InSanCen]

There should be 2 more of the same sized bolts holding the plate onto the bottom of the casing. On my 1391406, these are located to the top left and right of the plate.

[ch_123]

Nope. Pull up the keyboard assembly hard. Unicomp attaches it to the bottom with double sided sticky pads. They're classy folk down in Kentucky.

Nevermind, Ripster beat me to it.

[ocdonkb]

Thanks guys. That was it.

for posterity:

[InSanCen]

Due to my slow-ass internet, I didn't see the picture, and completely missed the Spacesaver part of it due to trying to do far too many things at once. I was wondering how it was possible to miss those 2 screws though, as they stick out like a sore thumb.

[ocdonkb]

An update on this little adventure.

The project I was on was to paint the outer casing, in an effort to imitate the IBM Industrial color scheme. Here's the outcome:






As a reference, here's a ref image, borrowed from the "IBM Industrial Complex" thread.



I think mine is a bit too dark. The exact color proved to be "elusive". Depending on the light condition on the picture, the color varies from a dark grey to a grey brown'ish. I even made multiple trips to the paint shop before deciding. I may paint this again for a better match, and may try a more brown'ish grey.

[Mental Hobbit]

Looks really good. How did you do it?

[bigpook]

nice work, I have a model m mini I would like to try that on. details?

[ocdonkb]

This is a very easy mod. Simply disassemble the board so the outer casing is by itself. Then buy spray paint(I got mine from Home Depot). Spray in continuous motion, and be sure to cover all the nooks/corners. Then let it dry.

Oh, before you paint, make sure to tape over the LED indicator, and the keyboard manufacture sticker on the back. Those you want to preserve.

Of course, the hard part, as I said before, is getting the right paint color. For this part, browse the IBM Industrial Complex thread, and study those sexy photos very very carefully. That's what I did.

[bigpook]

The next question then is how well do you think the paint will hold up?

Did you prep the plastic case with anything before you painted it?

I wonder how well the paint will 'stick' to the plastic. Will it peel or chip?

[ocdonkb]

Yeah, that's a great question. Here's the Home Depot stuff I used:



I know nothing about paint, so if anyone here can suggest something better I'm all ears.

The only prep work on the outer casing was just a simple wipe down with a wet towel. I was really in a hurry trying to get it done so didn't pay much attention to the details.

[ch_123]

I think mine is a bit too dark. The exact color proved to be "elusive". Depending on the light condition on the picture, the color varies from a dark grey to a grey brown'ish. I even made multiple trips to the paint shop before deciding. I may paint this again for a better match, and may try a more brown'ish grey.

I must say, if I was making one, I'd go for a more blue grey like what you did than the OD green.

[bigpook]

I know nothing about paint either. From your picture it does look good.
Awhile back a bunch of people were working with dye. A few hosed up their cases by over heating them or something, but when done right, looked very good. I think dye will last longer as it bonds with the plastic.
Someone else here will post that have done it.
Not sure how paint will hold up though. But like I said, I don't know much about it.

[ocdonkb]

I must say, if I was making one, I'd go for a more blue grey like what you did than the OD green.

There're so many variables in trying to identity color from an online image. There's the lighting condition when the picture was taken, the gamma setting was it's saved. And even the brightness/contrast setting of my monitor. So you and I could be looking at the same image and come to diff. conclusions.

It's interesting, ch_123, I even stared at your avatar picture a lot. It's clearly more brown than grey there.

[ocdonkb]

I recommend skipping the part where you mask the label.  Looks much better painted.

You mean the LED light lable? Yeah, it's hard to get it to come out perfectly shaped. In my case, some paint seeped through the edge.

[didjamatic]

Looks great!  I have thought of using Hammerite on a keyboard case or two.  It comes in a a rattle can or regular cans and is really easy to evenly cover something.  It also holds up well.  I actually covered a Formica counter top with it as a test and was astonished how well it held up.

[ch_123]

There're so many variables in trying to identity color from an online image. There's the lighting condition when the picture was taken, the gamma setting was it's saved. And even the brightness/contrast setting of my monitor. So you and I could be looking at the same image and come to diff. conclusions.

It's interesting, ch_123, I even stared at your avatar picture a lot. It's clearly more brown than grey there.

Oh, that picture is a bit off. If I was to be pretentious, I'd describe the M13 as being "Dark Charcoal"