600x docking port doors: pins broken off

[schnitzelcore]

This is my first post here and I'm afraid I already know the answer, I would just like to know if you experts agree.
I recently bought a 600x that is in almost perfect condition. The rubber coating looks great, screen is perfect, keyboard without signs of wear. The 'almost' comes in two parts: the floppy connector port cover is missing. I bought a set of covers on ebay, so that problem will be fixed soon if all goes well.
Also missing are the docking port doors, I know I can buy those on ebay too, but... of the four pins that the doors latch onto the two on the left (if looking at the back of the 'pad) seem to be broken off.
These pins aren't _supposed_ to be shorter than the ones on the right are they?
I'm afraid there's nothing that can be done, the pins seem to be part of the main casing and looking for one that is as mint as what I have but with all four pins would be too much. I don't think it's feasible to glue something in there that could replace them and I don't think there's a way to place the doors without the missing pins.
I wouldn't mind so much (it doesn't look that bad) if not for the fact that my 600x would be in perfect condition if it had those doors. Am I missing something, is there a way to fix this?

[rkawakami]

Welcome to thinkpads.com!

Yes, the two pins on the left side (as viewed from the back, bottom of the system down) are longer than the two on the right. Here's some pictures of a broken and working docking port on two of my 600Xs:

http://www.kawakami-ca.com/ibm_600x/ima ... g_port.jpg
http://www.kawakami-ca.com/ibm_600x/ima ... t_left.jpg
http://www.kawakami-ca.com/ibm_600x/ima ... _right.jpg
http://www.kawakami-ca.com/ibm_600x/ima ... g_port.jpg

I apologize for the dust and dirt but that's what I get for not having the port covers on that system .

I believe it is possible to install the docking port covers from the outside. In other words, you do not have to disassemble the system in any way. What seems to work is to put one port cover over the longest pin first, then carefully bend the opposite end until it slides over the short pin. Repeat the same process for the other cover, making sure that the spring goes over the long pins (towards you, not further into the system).

edit: I should clarify that the "broken_docking_port_left" picture shows a missing lower pin, while the "broken_docking_port_right" picture actually isn't broken . Both of the pins on the right are intact.

[schnitzelcore]

The left pins in my machine both look like the bottom one in "broken_docking_port_left.jpg": completely broken off.
Thank you for the explanation and the pics!

[rkawakami]

Oh, sorry to hear that . I think you are correct when you say that you need a whole new base to replace those broken pins. If by some miracle you have the broken pieces, it might be possible to use "super-glue" to re-attach them. That may require a complete disassembly in order to get them installed.

[joester]

I have a couple 600 bases I'm parting out.

I'm not sure about replacing just the pins (I'm at work, bases are at home), but PM me if you're interested.

Joe

[whizkid]

Bear in mind the 600X base is different from the 600/600E base. It has an extra door for the MiniPCI slot.

[joester]

I hadn't noticed that. I'll have to do a side by side comparison when I get home.

Joe

Thanks for pointing that out!

[tom_k]

you can take a flat headed nail with same diameter like the pin,
drill a hole where you removed the rest of the pin
shorten the nail to appropriate length
and fix it by glueing the head inside.

to make it perfect paint it black :D

[schnitzelcore]

@tom_k: I take it you have actually performed this operation succesfully?
If so: wow, that's skills and dedication.
Maybe I will try it one day.