Replacing T42 Base Cover (14" model)

[KirstyMcK]

Hey guys,

I've decided I'd like to replace the base cover of my T42, it is out of warranty now and the base is quite dinged up.

I've read through the Hardware Maintainance Manual and the process looks pretty straightforward, and there doesn't look like there would be any problems with the swap, has anyone had experience doing this before (or replacing a system board as the process itself is simmilar). Do I need any special tools?

Just to note I will be replacing quite a few other parts at the same time (LCD Cover, Keyboard, Palmrest) and I don't plan on carrying out any of this work until May/June, so I thought I would see if anyone could offer any advice on the process so I can properly plan and get it right.

Thanks!

Kirst

[EOMtp]

Do I need any special tools?

The only tool you will need is one proper-sized Phillips screwdriver.

You may wish to order a screw kit from IBM so that you can replace screws whose heads are likely to be stripped/worn -- even one or two insert/remove operations of some of the screws "damages" them sufficiently that you may have trouble removing them in the future.

The LCD bezel has double-sided tape around its inside perimeter. Don't be surprised to find that you have to detach the bezel slowly, applying enough lift force to permit the adhesive tape to "let go".

There is no magic to doing what you are planing. Use the Hardware Maintenance Manual for directions and you should encounter nothing unexpected.
Good luck!

[PatrickE]

A few videos of the simpler things to remove can be found here http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-50233 Other than that, good luck.

[mitchellst]

I've done it at least a hundred times. I haven't actually looked at the manual, so I don't know what it says, but I work on thinkpads pretty much full time.

While they aren't impossible by any means, they do have a lot of screws compared to other units (I can only compare them to toshibas). If you've ever replaced a laptop motherboard, then I trust your judgement on the level of difficulty you feel comfortable handling. It's not complicated, but it really sucks when you put one back together and it doesn't boot. Keyboard or palmrest replacements are simple enough for anyone. Thinkpads make that easy in general. When you start trying to remove motherboards or LCDs, it can be difficult the first few times.

As far as tools go, I'd recommend an electric screwdriver with a phillips head that fits any of the screws on the back (sorry I can't be more specific). That should remove any screw that you need to get to. Another useful tool is a small flathead screwdriver. They can be usefull for aiding in disconnecting cables and whatnot, but you shouldn't need it for any screws. A nut driver is required to remove the nuts on the rear ports before removing the motherboard from the base assembly. Other than that, it's all on you.

My best advise, is to organize each part you remove, in order, with the screws that go with that part. That way, when you go to put it back together, you can just go in reverse, and at least you know you're going in the right order, and looking at the right screws.

I'd be happy to do it for you for a small fee, but seeing as how you're in Scotland, it might not be worth the shipping charges and whatnot. However, if you have any questions, feel free to ask. I don't charge for advise. I know these machines inside and out, and I'd rather throw you some advise than see you break your thinkpad. This is, of course, assuming I'm still floating around this forum when you do the repair.

Good luck either way.

[yourself]

how hard would it be to get the stickers as well... ie, the bottom ones, can they reprint serial number stickers for you?

[mitchellst]

I know that the base assembly comes with the generic stickers. You need a blowdryer and a pocket knife to transfer your windows sticker and serial number. It's not a big deal. Just heat up the stickers while you slowly peel them off.

I'm pretty sure that if you don't heat the windows sticker, then it will say void on it when you pull it up.