*Lenovo T60 trying to swap out LCD, parts , and or swap Laptop size all together

[Azyardies]

Hi Forum members,
I was handed down a Lenovo Thinkpad T60p. The screen size I think is a 15.4" based on what I measured diagonally.
It is running Windows 7.
WHen I got this laptop, the bottom 3" of the screen ALL across had vertical colored lines all across. I applied pressure but the lines did not disappear. I decided I would check to see if a cable was loose or crimped, etc so I took the Screen apart following a few Youtube DIY videos. Well, when I put the screen back, the screen now stays dark and wont even turn on. I think I did not put the parts back correctly or ???
When I connect the Laptop to an external monitor, the monitor shows fine externally.

I have tried searching to see if I have to change out a cable or the actual LCD screen itself. But I havent got a real answer yet.
Here is what I am trying to do....
I am looking online for a super cheap "for parts" laptop of the same, but one that the LCD display powers on and works of course so that I can swap it out.

What I am finding out is that a lot of the ones I see are 14". I actually would rather have a 14" Laptop than the 15.4" one.
SO here are my questions:
If I get a decent non-working 14" Lenovo T60 Laptop (screen working of course), can I use the parts from my good working 15.4" Lenovo and put them in the 14" Lenovo? My Laptop has a good hard drive, good ram and everything good except the dark screen.

Keep in mind that I am trying to spend the least amount money possible to restore this laptop.
I hope you can help me and give me tips on if I want to keep my 15.4" and what to do if I cant swap parts to the 14".

NOTE: The back of the LCD of my laptop shows info: LG Phillips LP154W02 (TL)(06), P/N#13N7019
Thanks in advance and sorry for the long post....

[RealBlackStuff]

Welcome to the forum.

To begin with, click on the HMM link at the top of this page, to get the corresponding illustrated manual for your machine.
Your screen is a 15.4" WSXGA+ (1680x1050).
Alternative P/Ns are 42T0417 and 42T0423, both made by LG Philips.
There is also a Samsung screen 42X4641, but that one is not recommended.

During your (re)assembly, was the power (AC and battery) disconnected?
If not, you may have blown the backlight fuse F7, next to the LCD-connector on the motherboard.
Or you did not correctly put the LCD-cable back in.

If you go for a 14.1" T60, you can reuse CPU, RAM, HD/SSD, CD-drive and wifi card.
If you go for a 14.1" T61, you can reuse RAM, HD/SSD, CD-drive and wifi card. (CPUs are different).
The T60 series is limited to 3GB RAM max. and SATA I speed.
The T61 series can take up to 8GB RAM and (with updated BIOS) can go at SATA II speed.

Unless you can find a cheap 15.4" LCD, I'd go for a newer 14" machine, like T400 or newer.

[Azyardies]

Hello REALBLACKSTUFF, And thanks for taking the time for this informative reply.
Just to say that when I did remove initially the laptop screen to see if any of the cables were disconnected or to see the part number on the LCD screen, I did remove the batter and unplug the power prior to doing anything. So I dont think that I blew the backlight fuse. But if I did is it easy to check for this?

I am thinking based on what you said, that getting a cheap, 15.4" T60 laptop that has a good screen is going to be the easiest thing to replace, instead of trying to downsize and swap numerous other parts.

Of course the best thing is to get a brand new unit, modern and current laptop. But I keep thinking I can inexpensively get this one going again for a back up laptop.
Also, I would hate to see this laptop just waste away by not getting used. I love the fact that the laptop comes with windows media center and windows 7. Plus it runs quite fast for a laptop this age.
So, I will have to keep awaiting.
Thanks for your input. I welcome other ideas as well that have not been mentioned yet.