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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: chyros on Thu, 12 March 2015, 19:45:24

Title: My first bolt mod
Post by: chyros on Thu, 12 March 2015, 19:45:24
So I got this mystery, unlabelled Model M from the uni that I posted about a while ago, and opened it up. It's from 1987 apparently - same year as me! As many as 17 of the rivets had snapped off - quite a lot. Figured it could do with a bolt mod as I wanted to see if I could improve it. It was INCREDIBLY filthy when I got it:

(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab207/Chyrosran/IBM%20model%20M%20in%20original%20condition_zpsaxhgt9qx.jpg)

The key stickers on it were unsalvageable (and annoying anyway) so I peeled them off and cleaned the hell out of everything. I don't have a drill so I had the guys from the mechanical workshop from my uni drill the holes in the barrel plate for me as a favour - they're highly skilled craftsmen equipped with great tools and had the job done beautifully for me - thanks Robert! They also provided the nuts, bolts and washers - I used two different lengths depending on where in the keyboard the bolt came out (I used shorter bolts where they might clash with the top cover or the stabiliser bars on the numpad). And tadaa!

barrel plat with hammers and holes drilled out
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab207/Chyrosran/WP_20150311_005_zpscjykuecm.jpg)

the steel plate with bolts
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab207/Chyrosran/WP_20150311_011_zpsz7feh7bz.jpg)

nearly there...
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab207/Chyrosran/WP_20150312_001_zps3uunig2t.jpg)

Finished!
(http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab207/Chyrosran/WP_20150312_004_zpsrvtuayor.jpg)

Keyfeel and sound has improved noticeably, all keys work and and the keyboard looks virtually brand-new. Hope you guys liked this message :) . Also, many thanks to Azhdar for providing me with the missing ctrl key! :D
Title: Re: My first bolt mod
Post by: Altis on Thu, 12 March 2015, 20:00:03
These things clean up very well. Looks like you've done a good job!

I just got a SSK from '87, my year as well. Enjoy!
Title: Re: My first bolt mod
Post by: 0100010 on Thu, 12 March 2015, 20:00:20
Nice job - it came looking very good.
Title: Re: My first bolt mod
Post by: Bucake on Fri, 13 March 2015, 07:55:27
a total beaut
Title: Re: My first bolt mod
Post by: Snowdog993 on Fri, 13 March 2015, 17:15:37
Nice restoration!  Looking really good!  Another Model M saved!
Title: Re: My first bolt mod
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 14 March 2015, 06:08:54
Very well done - another M is restored to glory!

Should last at least another 30 years :)
Title: Re: My first bolt mod
Post by: fohat.digs on Sat, 14 March 2015, 11:25:15
Nice work.

It has never occurred to me to put the screws in from the back.

My original guide by Sandy55 installs them down from the front so I do it that way, too.

I guess that I had assumed that the nuts and protruding screws would interfere with the keys on the downstroke.
Title: Re: My first bolt mod
Post by: chyros on Sat, 14 March 2015, 12:25:48

Thanks for the compliments everyone :) .
 
Quote from: fohat.digs on Sat, 14 March 2015, 11:25:15
Nice work.

It has never occurred to me to put the screws in from the back.

My original guide by Sandy55 installs them down from the front so I do it that way, too.

I guess that I had assumed that the nuts and protruding screws would interfere with the keys on the downstroke.
The don't, fortunately :) . On a few places I used shorter ones because they would clash with the case or stabilisers. I thought it'd be nicer to have the heads on the backside because it looked more elegant and bolts are easier to undo than nuts.