Case Cleanup. I removed the RF shield from the inside of both IIGS case top covers. I wiped down the RF shields, and then I washed the case tops with some 409 cleaner and a brush in the tub. The next day once the cases were dry, I reinstalled the RF shields into the case tops with some UV Resin to replace the plastic melted rivets that I had to cut away.
The RF shields rust easily and already have some rust on them, so I didn’t want water all over them that I couldn’t readily dry off quickly.
For the working keyboard, I removed all of the keys that don’t have stabilizer bars. I then brushed out all the dirt, hair and dust from the keyboard. I then used the air compressor to blow out what was remaining. It didn’t look like anything had been spilled in it, so it cleaned up well. I don’t know how the stabilizers remove, so I didn’t want to risk removing them. I cleaned the keyboard with Windex and IPA as well as the remaining keys. I took all the loose keys and put them in the tub, spraying them down with 409 and a brush again brushing all 4 sides and the top. Then I rinsed them off well, and laid them out on a towel to finish drying. The next day they were dry so I used the other keyboard as an example to be sure I had all the keys reinstalled properly on the keyboard.
The cords including power cord were wiped down with Windex to get the worst of the dirt off, and a bit of touch up with some 99% IPA.
For the Color and Monochrome monitors, I opened both up to check them internally. I was checking for RIFA caps, which neither had. I was also checking if there were any problems that could be seen. There were no obvious broken solder points or evidence of leaking capacitors. Unfortunately the Color Monitor’s flyback case is cracking around the Focus control. I wiped out a bit of dirt and dust. There wasn’t anything else that I saw of any concern in the monitors. I also cleaned the case backs with 409 in the tub, and dried them out. The front of the monitors, I just cleaned with windex and paper towels.
The next day I was able to check the Monochrome display, I was waiting to ensure no water was in the monitor and that it was all closed up. The display worked normally. I don’t know if it is dim or anything. It looks fine to me, but I don’t use CRT displays often and my memory from when I was using Apple IIs in school has been way to long ago to be helpful. Internally the Monochrome monitor looked like it may not have been heavily used.
I now have a single IIGS in working condition with a 5.25″ Disk drive and Monochrome monitor.
It looks pretty good, but with the texture of the plastic, it still has dirt in the texture. I think there is a chance that simple dishsoap and a good scrubber would get some more of that out. That is what I usually use, but this had mouse filth all over it. I have seen people use Mr Clean Magic Erasers for such things, but they are actually abrasive, so I want to limit their use, I may give it a try, but they are over 30 years old, so they aren’t expected to look brand new, by me at least. I figured as bad as it was the 409 would do well, but it really was not as effective as I was hoping. There is some yellowing, and the old id number badge left a non yellowed spot above the logo that stands out a bit.
I do have the Color RGB Monitor cleaned up, but I have to make up a cable for it. Making cables takes time, and I’ve been working on some other projects. It is missing the back feet as well, so I will 3d print some new ones in TPU. It is also missing 1 of the “front feet”, which are a bit weird, and because of the front bar that tilts the monitor up it doesn’t rest on the front feet. The Monochrome monitor has what looks to be the same foot setup, so I figure if I can use them to measure up to quickly model replacement feet.
I also have the second keyboard to tear down and clean. That keyboard also has a few keys not moving properly, I don’t know what that might involve to correct. I have the other two 5.25″ disk drives to tear down and clean and service internally. I don’t need those two drives at this time, and I have cleaned the cables and outside of the cases.
The work on these items is mostly cleaning, and testing the items. The Power Supply did need some work, and the second keyboard has issues. The other Power Supply I am not going to be doing anything with at this time as I don’t need both IIGSs.
Muldrf's Hobbytronic 