Can a PB 180c be forced to use an external display as main on boot?

[StarkRG]

So about a month ago I was trying to reassemble my PB 180c after fixing all the screw posts that had broken off and just as it was almost together the display flex cable broke in half. I tried repairing the cable but it just didn't work so I'm going to have to find a new one (which seems impossible unless I find another 180c to cannibalize). I figured I'd try to use an external display since I have the adaptor. The display is detected and gets the alternating grid of black and white pixels. However, nothing ever comes up even after it's completely booted. From what I can tell I need to actually enable the external display from within the control panel. However, without an internal display this isn't possible. Is there any way to force it to use the external display on boot? I can't find any information online about doing this, either disabling the internal display or forcing mirroring on boot.

 

[StarkRG]

Hmm, just found this post from almost exactly 9 years ago suggesting it's not possible. Damn.

 

[ClassicMac]

Is there any way to fix the flex cable. I also have run into this same issue......

 

[Solvalou]

The only way I can think of repairing it is perhaps getting a jumper wire from each termination. However, I have no idea if opening/closing it is going to cause stress on the individual wires that will need to be soldered to each point.