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greekguy9999

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Mar 16, 2016
3
0
Hi all. I have been searching for definitive answers and have come up with so many conflicting opinions. I have an A1286 Mid 2012 15" Unbody (non retina) Macbbok pro. The glossy screen glass cracked, but the display is fine underneath. I have an old matte screen which has a cracked display (with typical rain bowing but no physical cracks in it), but the bezel is fine. They are definitely the same size.

Can the glossy cracked glass just be removed and the bezel from the other unit be installed or do I absolutely need another glossy glass screen to replace the cracked glass? I don't care if it is matte or glossy at this point.

Does the matte screen have just the glass removed or does it have a specific matte glass/cover separating it from the display itself? And if that is the case, can the matte bezel and glass just replace the cracked glass on the other one?

I am not understanding the parts that go into each display because there is so much dissent on how they are made up. Here is what I found

GLOSSY SCREEN

1. Has a matte screen underneath, a black bezel and a glossy glass over it (makes no sense because it would still be matted.
2. Has a glossy screen underneath, a black bezel and a glossy glass over it. (this makes sense).

MATTE SCREEN

1. Has a glossy screen underneath, a gray bezel and a matte glass over it.
2. Has a matte screen underneath, a gray bezel and a matte glass over it.

The final question is, with what I have between the spare display and the cracked glass unit, can it be swapped out or do I have to purchase something else, like a new glass? I do NOT want to have to spend the money on the entire new display as the display in the cracked glass unit is fine. It's just the glass that's cracked.

Thank you.
 
The glossy doesn't have the light diffuser layer that makes the matte screen matte. What's underneath the cracked glossy glass is the lcd panel, the piece that's cracked is the protective layer. So, you might be able to do what you're thinking, but I would highly advise against it. The glossy screen wasn't meant to not have a protective cover.
 
The glossy doesn't have the light diffuser layer that makes the matte screen matte. What's underneath the cracked glossy glass is the lcd panel, the piece that's cracked is the protective layer. So, you might be able to do what you're thinking, but I would highly advise against it. The glossy screen wasn't meant to not have a protective cover.
[doublepost=1458251837][/doublepost]I ordered another glass to replace it. Now let's see if I can do the replacement myself. Most places want to sell me a whole new display for $300. Only the glass is cracked on mine.
 
Oh trust me. I already did at length. Still scared though. BUT… with ifixit, I've replaced a display before just fine.
[doublepost=1458252237][/doublepost]
I believe that iFixIt has some tutorials on the subject. I would suggest checking them out :)
I am just afraid of melting that rubber piece that surrounds the display with the heat gun.
 
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