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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: fishcola on Mon, 10 August 2015, 19:48:39

Title: Advice for restoring a Model M.
Post by: fishcola on Mon, 10 August 2015, 19:48:39

Hi! I've owned this model m for a while, and a few years go, it fell victim to some ginger ale:(

(http://i.imgur.com/9ar3xkal.jpg)

I was never able to fully open the keyboard, but I cleaned the caps and the exposed surfaces below the caps. So far, the leds light up when my computer starts up, but afterwards, no keystrokes register. I like the gray case, and want to keep it for some fresh innards, but there's a problem with the case:

(http://i.imgur.com/GG95G4fl.jpg)

A screw post seems to have separated from the body, with the screw still inside. Is this able to be fixed? Or do i have to start with a fresh new case as well? any input would be much appreciated ;

Title: Re: Advice for restoring a Model M.
Post by: fohat.digs on Mon, 10 August 2015, 20:19:26

You can't really evaluate the situation until you take it apart.

Broken cases can usually be repaired pretty well with epoxy and imagination.

Once apart, you can give it a thorough cleaning, and that often takes care of it.

Generally, replacement parts are available.

Title: Re: Advice for restoring a Model M.
Post by: fishcola on Mon, 10 August 2015, 20:42:32

thanks for your input. I just ordered a 7/32" nut driver, so I'm hoping that I can restore functionality once it's thoroughly cleaned.

Title: Re: Advice for restoring a Model M.
Post by: fknraiden on Mon, 10 August 2015, 21:06:01

Quote from: fishcola on Mon, 10 August 2015, 20:42:32

thanks for your input. I just ordered a 7/32" nut driver, so I'm hoping that I can restore functionality once it's thoroughly cleaned.

7/32 should work. It's "technically" 5.5mm

Title: Re: Advice for restoring a Model M.
Post by: fishcola on Mon, 10 August 2015, 21:32:54

I should be good; grabbed it on amazon and some reviewers said it worked with the model m: www.amazon.com/Wiha-26556-Precision-Driver-Inch/dp/B000O5ILWA/ref=pd_sim_sbs_469_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1KEPGP6C2QSAHX46VCBG

Title: Re: Advice for restoring a Model M.
Post by: fohat.digs on Tue, 11 August 2015, 08:01:43

Quote from: fknraiden on Mon, 10 August 2015, 21:06:01

7/32 should work. It's "technically" 5.5mm

Seriously? IBM iron built during the Reagan era using metric hardware? That would surprise me.

Title: Re: Advice for restoring a Model M.
Post by: Parak on Tue, 11 August 2015, 08:45:39

The gray cases are generally more prized than regular beige ones, so you should definitely try to fix it up. I shudder to think what years of ginger ale have done to the insides, however :(

Title: Re: Advice for restoring a Model M.
Post by: Snowdog993 on Tue, 11 August 2015, 09:43:11

I guess I'll just see what develops from this thread.

My suggestion is to have it restored by Maxx at Phosphorglow.net.

Up to you.

Title: Re: Advice for restoring a Model M.
Post by: fishcola on Sat, 15 August 2015, 12:28:55

So I got the nut driver in the mail yesterday. There doesn't seem to be much mess under the outer shell, save for some dirt directly under the keycaps. I took some isopropyl to the controller and connectors and still no dice. The led's start when powering the computer up, but no functionality afterwards. I'm surprised to see that nearly all the plastic rivets are in place:

(http://i.imgur.com/XZL6e9gl.jpg)

so I'm assuming that the problem is the membrane under the rivets & backplate, and I have to go forth with a bolt mod after tearing it down further to clean out any gunk on the membrane...

...any opinions, doctors?  :D

Title: Re: Advice for restoring a Model M.
Post by: fohat.digs on Sat, 15 August 2015, 14:52:47

First time bolt mod is intimidating. After doing a few, it's not so bad.

If the membranes are damaged once you peel them apart, they will need to be replaced, cleaning probably won't do much.