Thinkpads Forum

Would it be possible to put a T61 motherboard into a T60 14" chassis? What would doing so entail?

A Frankenpad is a 14" 4:3 T61 into a 15" T60. Search Frankenpad as there's a lot of info on this.

I have looked at the structure frames of 14.1" T60 and T61 models, and it seems like the motherboards may be interchangeable without modifications (15" frames must be modified, of course). I believe you will need a different PCMCIA cage, since the connectors on the motherboards differ. I will actually be trying this sometimes over the weekend out of curiosity and will report back.

The case of my 14.1" T61 flexes slightly more than the one on my T60 and is more noticeable around the ultrabay. This is probably due to the additional cutouts in the T61 frame.

Update:

Frames are not interchangeable between 14.1" models, nor are the base covers. The screw hole to the left of the modem was moved slightly left on the T61 chassis, so the T60 chassis will hit the modem socket. This can be fixed by using a dremel to thin the screw port. Other than that, everything else seemed to fit fine.

You can do this with some frame mods, but when members have purchased conversion kits from me with intentions to mod a 14" I usually give them a complementary 14" frame and lower cover so there is no loss of modem or frame mods needed.

The 14" T60 lid looks nice on the T61 lower because the lcd isn't offset. Of course this is still a frankenpad, there is no single definition of the word, it's simply a combination of parts that wasn't offered from the factory.

Quick question: What weighs more, the 14" T60 or T61 lid?

T61 lid weighs more. How much more, I do not know. Also it is possible to fit a T60 base cover on a T61 frame. You just need to file down some of the CFRP to the left of the battery compartment, just to the right rear area of the power jack. There is not much benefit, other than fan grilles that are less easy to break.