deskthority

I took out a couple of my IBM Model F ATs and they both have rusty/pitted metal plates under the key caps. I sent one as a Secret Santa to a member and I remember he was appalled by the condition of the plate which threw me off because I assumed it was like a model M with a plastic plate. In the end he refinished it and it came out great but can anyone definitively say this normal? I have pitted rusty plates on three of three.

What do you mean "normal"? The rust? Depends on how and where it was "stored"´, we all know that it's pretty old.

They were not stored in any damp location as long as I have had them but I did not buy either of them new. I guess I'm wondering if a pristine plate is normal or if a pitted, rusty one is common or uncommon.

snuci wrote: ↑

12 Feb 2019, 20:58

They were not stored in any damp location as long as I have had them but I did not buy either of them new. I guess I'm wondering if a pristine plate is normal or if a pitted, rusty one is common or uncommon.

Both, although I have never seen a pitted one in real life.

seebart wrote: ↑

12 Feb 2019, 21:03

Both, although I have never seen a pitted one in real life.

I guess it's not really pitted. It's just that the pain has flaked off.

snuci wrote: ↑

12 Feb 2019, 21:05

seebart wrote: ↑

12 Feb 2019, 21:03

Both, although I have never seen a pitted one in real life.

I guess it's not really pitted. It's just that the pain has flaked off.

Normal for that age, most are obviously not in really good condition.

That one pictured is worse than average but this is more a Model F problem than an AT problem specifically. I had an XT that was close to that but it was stored in a basement for 20+ years and likely got slightly wet. They all usually have some sort of surface corrosion though unless stored in a low humidity environment.

JP! wrote: ↑

12 Feb 2019, 21:21

That one pictured is worse than average but this is more a Model F problem than an AT problem specifically. I had an XT that was close to that but it was stored in a basement for 20+ years and likely got slightly wet. They all usually have some sort of surface corrosion though unless stored in a low humidity environment.

Right.I got lucky with all my Model F's but I have seen plenty corrosion.

JP! wrote: ↑

12 Feb 2019, 21:21

They all usually have some sort of surface corrosion though unless stored in a low humidity environment.

This is my other which I believe is normal.

snuci wrote: ↑

12 Feb 2019, 21:40

JP! wrote: ↑

12 Feb 2019, 21:21

They all usually have some sort of surface corrosion though unless stored in a low humidity environment.

This is my other which I believe is normal.

Right, most obviously won't look "new". Looks fine.

Based on 2-3 dozen Model Fs that have passed through my hands, I would describe those as "average-to-somewhat-better-than-average"

Try this: buy a liter bottle of superglue from aliexpress and some cheap canned spray paint. Sand off all the old paint then cover it with a coat of whatever color, then after that use a silicone brush/spatula to spread superglue in thin coats across the surface. I've done it on a 3d printer's glass plate, so it should theoretically work with a plate of metal that size. This should rust proof the plate for the next half century, at least, until someone scratches it.