My "New" 1986 Model M - bolt mod and repair internals
I just finished my first keyboard restore, of this 1986 square badge Model M. It was full of cat hair and cigarette ash (how 1980s, right?) and the keys were covered in some grime. A few keys on the bottom row didn't work, but otherwise it was intact and in pretty good shape. I wanted an old model, and 40 years old seems old.
It sounded like a rattle with all the broken rivet heads swimming around (good news to me since no one had been in there yet!). I disassembled, ultrasonically cleaned what I could, rinsed the rest, then discovered the black plastic plate had a bunch of age cracks all the way through, and it was almost in 3 pieces. I made up ABS slurry from filament and acetone to take care of the cracks, which looks ugly, but worked really well. Then used the milling machine to drill all the 1/16th bolt mod holes.
Built a Soarer DIN to USB-B converter, and modelled up a printable case just for fun. I posted earlier asking about circuit board replacements, but after seeing what awesome original condition this thing is in, decided to keep the functioning internal board.
Typing: OH MAN does this keyboard feel great. I just typed this up on it. So heavy and clicky. I had a couple of these boards in college but lost them. Now I can reaquaint myself.
And it looks and feels brand new after just a couple day's work! Not really any scratches even. What a tank.
I've got the bug. I just ordered a Model F AT that needs some work. To be continued.