Just bought a T60 as a project - Questions

[spuddog]

Hi, I just bought a T60 project machine. Type 1952-AS2. The machine is missing lots of parts, but supposedly the LCD, mobo, and case are in good shape.

I will be posting in the marketplace a list of parts that I need.

I received the serial number, and to my surprised it is under warranty until 12/07/09.
Here's my main question ( there will be many more to come), since many parts can be interchanged along the T60, T60p, R60, R60e line. Can I use any part that works and maintain the warranty regardless that the FRU may not match the ones listed under the 1952-AS2 type on Lenovo's website?

I realized that there is probably no hard and fast answer, but does anyone have any experiences or stories regarding this issue. I original thought I would use anything I could get my hands on to get it up and running. Since I found out that the warranty has not expired, I might keep this for the long term and extend the warranty. My main concerns would be the Motherboard and LCD, I'm not sweating the small stuff.

As a point of reference, I am pretty confidant doing about anything to Thinkpads. I have replaced a motherboard on an A20. Replaced an LCD on a Toshiba. I presently have a R60e and have replaced the CPU, Ram, Hard Drive, etc. I will use some of the parts from many R60e for testing purposes.

Thanks for any input that you may have on this subject
Scott

[Harryc]

What parts specifically do you need? Generally speaking if you use another part in the T60 there 'may' be a problem because you're supposed to return the same part that was replaced under warranty. Replacement parts are determined by the original parts shipped list.

[spuddog]

I need (long List), Keyboard, k/b bezel, palm rest, CPU and fan, Modem card, Wireless card, Hard Drive, hard drive cover, ram.

I would not expect Lenovo to replace anything that was not original to the machine. My question would be are the parts original to the machine (Motherboard, LCD, Frame, Plastics, etc.) covered, even though other parts are not original.

Actually the fact that there is remaining warranty is complicating my original intent to build a cheap T60.

Thanks for the reply Harry.
Scott

[Harryc]

Well, I think as long as you use a T60 keyboard that would not be an issue. CPU has to be original, the fan doesn't matter. Modem card, Wireless card, Hard Drive would all have to be the same parts as original to be covered under warranty. RAM would also have to be the original FRU. The answer to your other question is yes, all other original parts are covered.

[RealBlackStuff]

AFAIK, with the exception perhaps of CPU and fan, all parts are CRUs (customer replaceable units).
CRUs you can do yourself without voiding the warranty. Get the same CPU & fan that were in there ex factory, and you should be good to go, if you need to send it in.
Just in case, check the HMM if they are indeed CRU.

[Harryc]

I agree CRUs are customer replaceable units, but you must send back the original parts. As an example, lets say that the machine came with an 80GB hard drive, a CRU. Instead of that CRU you install a 320GB drive and it breaks. By your logic Lenovo would replace that? I don't think being a CRU has anything to do with it being covered by warranty. It's the part itself being the same FRU as originally shipped.

[spuddog]

Great thanks for the replies. I will be posting in the Marketplace for the needed parts as soon as I physically receive the machine and verify the parts I need.

Scott