This Old SE/30...

[macosten]

So I have an SE/30.

It's FD is dirty and I want to upgrade its RAM. BUT whoever had it last was a real idiot not to replace the screws, instead gluing it back together.

So, my conundrum is, what do I do? I've already made the case ugly by trying to pry it open. Should I just bash the case in? Should I keep trying to open it the way I have been? Any other ideas?

Anyway, I'm upgrading this laptop to ML today, so I won't be able to reply for a while. Still, I will come back and read every single reply and suggestion.

In short, help!

 

[uniserver]

are you sure its glued in?

for some reason the se/30 i got was really hard to pop open,

holding the back case and a good hard jerk downward ( towards something softer, don't wanna break the tube )

usually pops it off.

 

[uniserver]

if its glued try to figure out what kind of glue, you might have to use a putty knife or a pocket knife work it free, depending on where he glued it.

i guess best kind of glue would be super glue because it can just break, the worst kind of glue would be GOOP, aka E6000, because that crap is elastic and strong.

Goop is my favorite acutely

 

[macosten]

The case is loose on the bottom, as it has been for a while. It's just the top that needs, uh, pushing/pulling.

(By the way, as for Mountain Lion, so far so good.)

 

[mcdermd]

Without a "MacCracker", you can position it screen-down, support it with your hand by the recessed handle and give it some downward hits with the heel of your hand near the front seam by the handle. You don't need to use a lot of force. Be careful and there's a good chance it will work without harm.

 

[macosten]

I tried that, and I'd continue to do it but it's annoying the people living with me. I might try it more later when nobody else is around, but in the meantime, are there any other suggestions?

 

[Trash80toHP_Mini]

Adapting a spring clamp into a MacCracker is the easiest method I can think of offhand. Maybe get six clamps and enlist two of you roommates to help at the sides with the base wedged against something for counter-balanced opposing forces against the SixHandedClampCracker(s) approach?

OOPSIE!!!!!!!!!!![/i] Gotta tweak that title, shoulda been "Plus upgraded 128k," no "Classic" involved. :I

 

[macosten]

I'll see if we have spring clamps available for that purpose. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[trag]

Are you sure that the two screws recessed deep in the handle space are removed? Open at the bottom and stuck at the top sounds consistent with the two handle screws still being in place.

 

[Macdrone]

I second that two screws are in the handle area.

 

[macosten]

I actually can't quite tell, I'm suddenly thinking you might be right. Huh.

Even when I manage to get this thing open, I'll still need your help on getting the FD clean - What to touch and what not to touch. You know, all of that fun stuff ^^

I find it strange that they wouldn't replace all of the screws, opting only to replace two instead... Odd.

 

[Juror22]

I have used this guide http://68kmla.org/wiki/Floppy_Drive_Lubrication to bring several floppy drives to working condition. Cleaning with cotton tipped swabs, 99% alcohol, VERY carefully and following this guide, has worked for me.

:b&w:

 

[trag]

I actually can't quite tell, I'm suddenly thinking you might be right. Huh.
Even when I manage to get this thing open, I'll still need your help on getting the FD clean - What to touch and what not to touch. You know, all of that fun stuff ^^

I find it strange that they wouldn't replace all of the screws, opting only to replace two instead... Odd.

More likely, somewhere along the way, someone tried to open it, easily removed the obvious screws and either didn't know about or could not reach the handle screws. They're deeply recessed in a narrow space and require a not-easily-found-but-not-too-rare tool to remove.