Polymatt repairs and restores a Thinkpad 730T (video link)

[axur-delmeria]

He replaced the screen because the original was cracked, but the one he found wasn't an exact match, so he had to model and 3D print a new bracket as well as modify the LCD cable (different connector and position).

He also swapped the CCFL tube and made new battery packs (fortunately it's a dumb NiMH pack).

Link to video: https://youtu.be/QSin6MzqSCU

[panips]

That was a great work.
I was working on a 730T restoration, too. And thanks to Polymatt for the decal, I have a really good-looking 730T now.
Hopefully he can get back and work on his 360P, I now have 2 defective 360PE with white screens (which have the same issue of his). I think it could be the contrast circuit or maybe the dc-dc converter but really want to know what he can find out.

[solidpro]

I've done quite a few Thinkpads from the 700 up to about the 370/750 with white screens and its almost always the caps. I replace them with little ceramic ones and as long as you're gentle it's a fairly short and satisfying job.

I saw the Polymat video within about an hour and just had to sit down and watch it. Coincedentally I've been fighting with a 730TE for a few weeks - cosmetically nice but was misbehaving. I did end up doing a few things he didn't - like recapping the DC board.

The biggest issue I found was getting an OS on a replacement drive as my original 260Mb drive was failing. I got there in the end.

I've left a comment for matt as I wondered if he could share the exact part for the battery replacement bit as I don't want to second guess for mine.

I have actually ordered a set of replacement parts for the frame, from his STL files - just for the fun of it - set me back about $100. I kinda recognise and feel I could replicate what he does but I just don't have the patience, so sharing those files is really a great thing to be doing!

[pkiff]

I love the care and attention to detail that Polymatt puts into each restoration. And the videos are edited with care. Watching these videos is like watching an antique restorer merged with a skilled electrical engineer and a CAD designer. Always relaxing and surprisingly informative.