Since I'm NOT going to pay $800 for a beamspring, I thought I'd work on redoing an XT with new
keycaps at least. I was able to get a full set of keys from a Selectric II (as well a black IBM
Selectric badge) and set about the task.
I've seen a couple of different ways of prepping the BS stems for new keycaps that seemed a bit
involved or time consuming, such as hand dremeling or even using a heated section of sharpened
pipe and a drill press.
I found that using a 1/2 in hole saw bit (from Lowe's) and a handheld power drill works very well
and is quick. The bit is not designed for plastic, but it works well with some firm pressure.
After prepping the stems I dremeled out the keycaps. Next I tore down the board and removed a
few barrels so that the Tab, Return and Lock keys would fit. Put in new foam while I was at it.
The space bar was the biggest challenge. After dremeling out the underside posts, I made two new
posts and cut slots for the stabilizer bar. I didn't think to take pics at the time but this is
what the posts looked like:
I've found it works best to put the prepped stems onto the board and then attach the caps with a
dab of plastic epoxy - much easier to be sure everything lines up right that way. I was worried about glue getting on/into the barrels but didn't have any problems - just don't over do the glue. I ordered some white F and
numpad keys from Unicomp. Reprogrammed some keys with Soarer's and it works!
Results so far:
The shift keys are in non-standard position but I found the keys fit best this way given the barrel
positions on the XT. I may still try rearranging a bit at some point.
I'm still debating the numpad section. Going to try some different color buttons on top and try
some different keys for the numpad + as well, but overall I don't think it looks too bad so far.
