I finally got my NEC ND-6500A DVD Writer !!!!

[2901bruce]

Hello!
I received my NEC ND-6500A DVD Writer! I removed my CD drive, then removed all three plastic rails at one time (stupid me). Now I need to know which way the side rails are mounted on the DVD writer. The rear rail is no problem, but the side rails are a little confusing. As you know, I'm the guy with the "bad e-mail" problem in Bill's ThinkPads.com. My e-mail address is bstarks@ecrinc.com.

Last question.......... Where do you notch the faceplate?

Thanks !!!!


2901Bruce

[rkawakami]

Now I need to know which way the side rails are mounted on the DVD writer.

I've done some mods to full faceplates for installation into the Ultrabay 2000. I don't have any pictures that show the rails at the moment, but the thinner piece goes on the side where the disk drawer extends past the body of the drive, with the "taller" end at the back. Both side rails have holes which should line up with the threads on the body of the drive. Don't forget the small metal spring or "bump" which goes inside the square hole of the "thicker" side rail.

Last question.......... Where do you notch the faceplate?

The best thing to do is to take your existing CD faceplate off and place it against the new drive and mark off where it needs to be cut off. I have a picture here:

119KB picture of T23s with modified and stock bezels

The top T23 has a modified UJ-820B faceplate. The bottom T23 has a factory DVD drive. I used a Dremel cutting wheel to cut the notch in the plastic. You just need to be careful that you don't cut too far "up" or "over". I have found that it's easier to put the Dremel tool into the drill press stand accessory and move the faceplate around, than it is to try to put the faceplate in a vise and hold the Dremel.

[ambientscape]

Any modification for the inside other than the bezels outside?

[danage]

i have not seen any ibm drives that have bezels that would be mountable to the nec drive.

what you can either do is saw out part of the original bezel, like shown in the picture. or you can take the original bezel off, and glue your ibm bezel to the nec. you have to take a bezel that has the same button, led and eject hole positioning.

i glued mine on with 2-component glue and i can tell you, it holds VERY fast.

[rkawakami]

Any modification for the inside other than the bezels outside?

I've done several "conversions" of various optical drives to fit inside either the T23's Ultrabay 2000 (U2K) or the 600X's Ultraslimbay. Only thing required is swapping the mounting rails and rear connector from the original drive onto the "new" one. Since most of the drives I buy have a "full-face" bezel, the U2K systems have to have the notch cut on the right side. No electrical or internal modifications are needed. I've seen some eBay sellers that are supposed to have pre-cut bezels that match the U2K opening for the drives that I get, but to me, it's not worth the $10-$15. A couple of minutes with a Dremel is all that it takes.

[2901bruce]

Any modification for the inside other than the bezels outside?

I've done several "conversions" of various optical drives to fit inside either the T23's Ultrabay 2000 (U2K) or the 600X's Ultraslimbay. Only thing required is swapping the mounting rails and rear connector from the original drive onto the "new" one. Since most of the drives I buy have a "full-face" bezel, the U2K systems have to have the notch cut on the right side. No electrical or internal modifications are needed. I've seen some eBay sellers that are supposed to have pre-cut bezels that match the U2K opening for the drives that I get, but to me, it's not worth the $10-$15. A couple of minutes with a Dremel is all that it takes.

Hey Ron!

It's a SUCCESS! Thanks for all of your help, bud............ 2901bruce. And that picture of both drives............. really did the trick!