C64 keyboard asthetic fixer-upper...

[kevman3d]

Thanks to Spidersweb for a couple of broken non-functioning C64's... Although I'm not planning on getting them running (one is completely gutted anyway), I figured I'd at least repair a few broken keys as they're more for asthetic value for me (and they're an iconic design. They look nice on the shelf)

Lucky for me someone on eBay was selling spare keys (though at US$3.99 a key? Someones making a little money there), stems and springs. Have replaced three keys that were completely broken off. A bit of a scrub of the case in the sink to remove grime collected in and around the cases... I also bought a couple of LED's - I'll replace the missing one - even though it doesn't work... Well, its gotta at least look complete! lol!

I'm considering getting a Keyrah and making these into USB keyboards... And possibly thoughts on a Raspberry Pi emulator project. But we'll see...

Just thought I'd post a few piccies.

Pre-repair...
https://www.dropbox.com/s/mkzcbup956piify/64_KB_prerepaired.jpg

Spare parts...
https://www.dropbox.com/s/y23c5xfedpmxv5x/64_KB_SpareKeys.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/5krun0gaoa0dmxc/64_KB_Spares.jpg

Tada! Now with all in place...
https://www.dropbox.com/s/9ckoezdd28hx6f1/64_KB_repaired.jpg

[tezza]

Luverly! It certainly is an iconic sight.

[kevman3d]

Just slapped in the LED since it was the second to last piece to make it look more complete. Slapped an overview up on my blog (its not exciting, but its got pictures)

http://kevman3d.blogspot.co.nz/2014/03/tech-broken-doesnt-mean-it-cant-be.html

I still need a black side-plate to cover the Joystick/power area. I'm assuming its just a black plastic cover with holes (and labels) I need to source. Does anybody have any photo's of the plate (or even one sitting around) so I have some reference on what I need to make? I'm thinking if I can just find a sheet of black plastic and cut in the holes it'll be good.

The other alternate would be to model up and 3D print one - that's getting a little excessive (and expensive) for what is probably a simple bit of plastic I'm sure!

[tezza]

Kevin,

Do you still need the black side plate? I have a spare one here I could donate?

[kevman3d]

Do you still need the black side plate? I have a spare one here I could donate?

Yes! That would be totally awesome if you have one and save me trying to find some black plastic! I'll PM you my postal address...