Thinkpads Forum

Anybody tried if the complete lid of a T40/41/42 will fit on an R50/51 14" base?

I don't believe that can be done.

Never tried it on a 14", but wasn't working for me with a 15" unit...

Well, it's a somewhat amusing and good thought, I think it would be close, however, it's not going to be a direct swap out.

1) the hinge screw holes are wider apart on the R5x, so you can't secure the lid to the base
2) the T4x cover is slightly smaller, so the lid clips may not reach the clips holes on the R5x
3) since the lid is slighly smaller, it may not close fully around the base

I'd say, the only chance you have is to use R5x hinges with the T4x lid, but that still may not work.

The panel and inverter are interchangeable, the cable probably is, too. So, all you really need is an empty T4x lid assembly.

Going the other way, an R5x lid with a T4x base, may be more likely (again, using the correct hinges), because at least the lid will fit over the entire T4x base. Not that this helps in your situation! Let us know how it goes.

My situation was the following:
- R52 base with the long metal bar on the left missing
- R52 LCD/inverter (fits in a T4x lid)
- T43 Motherboard with Intel GPU
- T40 complete Lid with antennas/hinges/LCD-cable (but w/o LCD)
My solution was to buy a T42 base, and when that arrives, construct a Frankenpad T4XR52
The alternative (to buy an R5x lid + that elusive bar) would have been more expensive, and R5x are harder to sell...

I'd say you did the right thing. With the Intel GPU, you'll have a fine machine. If the cosmetics are good, even better!

Hopefully, your base is coming with the Ultrabay cage, palmrest, etc., since the internal parts and plastics differ between the R5x's and the T4x's. If not, just let us know here or with an LF ad in the marketplace, I can spare a few T4x parts for the project and I'm sure I'm not alone!