u/Zagalia1984

Yeah, that's it. It's really hard to find cases for the 4th Gen 20GB Photo model around here—I've barely even been able to find a replacement front faceplate... So, to protect it, I looked to see if there were any 3D-printed options, and voilà. The files didn't look that big, but when I actually put the iPod in there... lol, it looked like a 60GB model, if not even bigger.

But honestly? I really like it. For now, I just used school glue because I picked up another bumper-style case that I'm going to test out later.

Link the the hard case: https://www.printables.com/model/1422578-ipod-4th-generation-20gb-case

Link for the simple case: https://www.printables.com/model/1509992-simple-case-for-ipod-classic-4-th-gen-aka-ipod-pho

Planning to mod the hell out of it and make it actually usable

In addition to hoping not to do it again anytime soon, it's really cool that at least the iPods have pieces that you can literally restore and stay like new... It was exhausting but it's worth every penny.

I would like to have more mp3 players with spare parts, especially those from Sony of the NW models that are pretty cool.

Basically, that’s it. I’m pretty good at minor repairs and cleaning electronics—I’ve even opened up iPods like the 7th and 4th gen models. With time and the right tools (shout-out to the iSesame tool and isopropyl alcohol), I can open them up and quickly swap out batteries—without damaging the connector (I don't even lift it)—as well as the HDD and audio flex cable. However, right now, I just don't feel like doing a full shell swap soon... I actually lost one of the tiny screws that holds the front shell in place because I was so focused on carefully disconnecting all the flex cables.

Fortunately, it worked out 98% perfectly. I did struggle to remove the white film that comes on these new shells, and after slightly damaging the rubber gasket around the screen, I used some adhesive tape to stick to the protective film and pull it right off. About the adapter: I didn't need to replace the original ribbon cable, nor did I need to use Kapton tape to get it connected. The Windows restore took a while (I use Parallels with Windows 7), but everything worked out fine—I didn't even need AOMEI—and afterwards, I added the "Terminal" theme using iPod Wizard.

About the 3000mAh battery: I ended up buying the 3000mAh battery (model 385872) and managed to tuck it underneath the audio ribbon cable, leaving enough clearance for the 30-pin connector to close properly. I found this tip right here on Reddit and it worked, even though the fit was a bit tighter than usual. I'll leave a link and a photo showing how the battery turned out.

A tip for anyone wanting to do this: Don't attempt it unless you have the right tools and have watched a tutorial. It only worked for me because I watched a ton of videos from Elite Obsolete and iPod Parts Plus, and I have tools like the iSesamo, a precision Phillips screwdriver, plastic opening picks, and a spacious workspace.

I'm really happy because the payoff was huge, though the effort was even greater... I hope this post helps some people out.

O cara deve ter escavado pra achar esses fósseis, só pode.