How to remove dent from PowerBook G4 lid

[retta283]

I have a dent in my PBG4's lid. I've attached a few pictures to the post. Normally I wouldn't care, but the dent presses against the screen, so when it moves at all I see a wave/ripple pattern in the top left corner where the dent is. How can I remove this?
?

 

[timidpimpin]

You need to remove the lid and bang it flat from the inside. Then reinstall it.

I would use a wooden block + a hammer would do the job. Obviously only hit the wood with the hammer.

 

[retta283]

You need to remove the lid and bang it flat from the inside. Then reinstall it.

I would use a wooden block + a hammer would do the job. Obviously only hit the wood with the hammer.

Would you happen to have a link to a guide to remove the lid? I tried to find one but it only shows screen replacements. Don't want to pry at it without know what's what.

 

[timidpimpin]

Would you happen to have a link to a guide to remove the lid? I tried to find one but it only shows screen replacements. Don't want to pry at it without know what's what.

We first need to decipher which PowerBook G4 it is exactly. Let us know the model and specs.

 

[retta283]

We first need to decipher which PowerBook G4 it is exactly. Let us know the model and specs.

Early 2005 15". Model number is A1106. It's got the 1.67 GHz G4. Not sure if you need any more info, if you do I can look.

 

[timidpimpin]

Download this PDF and go to page 128. This will not be easy.

 

[retta283]

The iBooks certainly are easier to work on when it comes to the lids. At this point I might as well replace the whole top case with a new screen. Thanks for your help though. Trying to keep this PowerBook going; perfect machine for light web browsing and boy do I love OS X Tiger!

 

[1042686]

Got any car dent removal friends? Bet they could suck that dent out.

 

[retta283]

Got any car dent removal friends? Bet they could suck that dent out.

Sadly I don't... What kind of tool is used for this?

 

[weckart]

Sadly I don't... What kind of tool is used for this?

Suction cups over shallower and wider dents on less malleable and proportionally thinner sheeting. If you want to be flash, you can also use a flame but that seems more for social media clicks.

The problem with aluminium is its softness - it stretches. Even if you got that very deep ding out, the area around it would probably never sit quite flat because of the deformed metal. You often see the same thing around the lid button or on top of the optical slot. That part of the casing is very thin and gets easily stretched on opening the casing for the first time because of the damn clips on the top case that are so hard to release. They always bulge out or in afterwards and trying to squash that distortion back flat is a bit like playing whack-a-mole.

 

[AphoticD]

Would you happen to have a link to a guide to remove the lid? I tried to find one but it only shows screen replacements. Don't want to pry at it without know what's what.

Unscrew the two torx screws from the bottom left and right of the display (looking front on), then using a black stick/spudger, begin to pry the display lid away starting at the seam between the panel and the hinge. Work your way around the left and right sides until you get to the top and then lift it up and away from the display assy to release.

It only takes a minute. Just be careful not to cut your hands in the process (@eyoungren)

 

[retta283]

Unscrew the two torx screws from the bottom left and right of the display (looking front on), then using a black stick/spudger, begin to pry the display lid away starting at the seam between the panel and the hinge. Work your way around the left and right sides until you get to the top and then lift it up and away from the display assy to release.

It only takes a minute. Just be careful not to cut your hands in the process (@eyoungren)

I can't seem to fit in between the bottom case to unscrew them. I have the right bit to get them out. Am I supposed to take the bottom casing apart first?

 

[AphoticD]

I can't seem to fit in between the bottom case to unscrew them. I have the right bit to get them out. Am I supposed to take the bottom casing apart first?

Those two screws should come out if you can get in at and angle with the driver, but if not, removing the top case (keyboard, etc) will give you better access. Follow the ifixit guides to do this.

 

[amedias]

The iBooks certainly are easier to work on when it comes to the lids. At this point I might as well replace the whole top case with a new screen. Thanks for your help though. Trying to keep this PowerBook going; perfect machine for light web browsing and boy do I love OS X Tiger!

It’s a little awkward getting the back case off but it’s easy enough to do with patience, I’d certainly give it a go rather than opting for full screen assembly replacement.

As always with these things it’s easier the second time around, I can get these G4s apart in no time at all now but the first time took me ages! The key to it is working out where the clips are...

ifixit guides are always well photographed and comprehensive.