512k Teardown Question

[OhioFox]

Hi Folks, Happy Thanksgiving!

If you saw my previous posts, you’ll know I got a 512k system with a damaged case. I did manage to find a new case that’s in good shape, but the Apple logo on the front is a little more faded than the one on the broken case, so I’d like to switch them.

Rather than me tearing into both cases and destroying the badges without any idea what I’m doing, does anyone have any tips on how to remove these safely?

Thanks in advance for any information anyone may be able to provide!

 

[MacTech68]

First, practice with the faded logo.

Inside the case, there will be a hole where the center of the badge is fitted.

Use a hair dryer to gently soften the adhesive behind the logo. No hotter than you can place your finger on.

Next, use a soft tool (like a toothpick) to gently push through the hole. Observe the badge - it should begin to dis-lodge.

Don't push TOO hard with the tooth-pick or you could create a dimple in the badge.

If you can't get it to move, after holding some pressure via the hole, I've once or twice used a very thin blade (box cutter) to get between the case and the badge. The trick is to look very carefully and closely to what you're doing, so as to not scratch the badge or case. Place the blade at a right angle to the front panel, and get the point of the blade just below the rear-most part of the badge. You can then use a combination of the blade (with the point behind the badge) and the toothpick to slowly peel the badge away from it's recess.

I've done it years ago, and it's fairly nerve-wracking. Work slowly, it can take while for the adhesive to peel apart, even magnifying glasses help if you want to really see what you're doing with the blade.

Others may use a different method, or the adhesive may not be as good as it used to, due to age.

EDIT - pic of hole with badge removed:

[doublepost=1511537888][/doublepost]If you've not taken one apart before, then that's a whole other ball-game.

 

[OhioFox]

Superb information, thank you! I figured it was something along those lines, but thought it best to consult the experts before damaging everything!