T60: no video until OS loads

[icebag]

This is a new problem to me, but I guess there is someone here who can solve it.

I have just bought a 'non-functional' T60 (2007-F2G) on eBay (for very little money). The only thing missing is the HD. When I power up there is no display of any sort; F1, F12 and the Thinkpad key appear to do nothing. So I put in an HD from another T60 and power up again. The HD makes all the usual noises but no display -- until I get to the Xubuntu splash screen, and from then on everything works normally. Great, and I can live with it, but I am puzzled.

Connecting an external monitor and booting, the Thinkpad splash screen is shown *very* briefly. But F1 brings up the BIOS screen in the usual way. I have checked the settings for internal display at boot time etc. and all is as it should be. I have even tried changing them and changing back, but to no avail.

As I say, it's not really a problem as such. But I would like to know the solution if there is one. Any thoughts?

[Raceboy]

It can be non-FRU LCD panel swapped in instead original?

[icebag]

That's a distinct possibility. There are a couple of screw covers missing on the screen bezel and the fit isn't quite as tight as it should be.