Is Model M Terminal worth restoring?

[hanshan]

Got two of these (single Fn key row - not the 122 key version) and a 1391401 for $20 - need a few keys, key caps etc - all boards could use/need bolt mods & are pretty grimy (though all keys click nicely).   I don't feel like putting in much work unless I can get out of this at least what I put in (sweat equity and $,)  I've checked some online offerings and googled around - they don't seem to be worth much unless in pristine condition?  (ebay has 'em from ~$50 & up to a delusional $199...)

1. Are these worth buying the missing keys (~12 total)?
2. Are the terminal models worth bolt modding? (resale vs. personal use) (both the new acquisition '1401 and one I already have are candidates as well.) Do people actually want these - as opposed to offering them on Ebay?
3. Is it possible/good idea/terrible idea to swap out the barrel and steel plates & install in '1401?  (terminal models seem to be a much heavier build)
4. Do I need another hobby/get a life?

Thx

[fohat.digs]

You will not make any money on the terminal unless you sell it as-is for what you paid.

Using the best internals and a bolt mod to make at least one and maybe 2 top-shelf 1391401s is probably a good plan.

Terminals are parts donors as far as I am concerned.

[Puddsy]

1) yes

2) yes to both. a lot of people are averse to modding their own keyboards, doing it for them is a plus

3) i don't know

4) no, im writing my personal essay for college on my keyboard hobby, so trust me it's fine

[hanshan]

Thanks - though doubt I could sell the terminals for more than the cost of shipping in present condition (even after cleaned up) - doesn't seem worth the effort (would have to find sources for keys/caps as the graphics seem different from the '1401s, etc.)  One of the 1401s would be for me and the other probably a gift - so I'd be much more willing to devote time to these - read/watched several of the better pieces on modding - without a drill press, the bolt mod seems a better way to go than screw mod?

[fohat.digs]

without a drill press, the bolt mod seems a better way to go than screw mod?

I do the bolt mod because I am a fanatic and I want to take it completely apart and thoroughly clean each piece.

A screw mod is going to be far easier, but anything like an ISO-to-ANSI mod will require it taken all the way down.

[hanshan]

I might practice the screw technique on the terminal boards - it does seem easier (notwithstanding phosphor_glow's caution that the drilling be perfect) to see if doing it by hand produces an acceptable result - would do the drilling/screwing in stages - drill, tap and fasten the missing ones to hold the board together, then cut the remaining rivets & repeat (window scraper with single edge razor should work perfectly) - once all the holes are drilled, teardown and rebuild should be easy.

Would this not end up with a comparable result to a bolt mod?

[ezrahilyer]

i have been restoring terminal Ms lately, and I think they are well worth doing. they require a teensy, and some elbow grease, but yeah don't toss them!
I do a screw, and washer modification that is really successful, but I would never try it without a drill press. The area you are drilling through is very thin and you can really make a mess of it if you do it by hand.

-Ezra