Need help with restoring the F XT

[Luxanna]

Hi!
So I have recently gotten a model F XT in a pretty... Welp, medicore conditions and hence I decided to clean it, but as I don't have that much experience in doing so I'd like to ask you for some help!

1. What should I use to remove the rust and the glue from the mounting plate? I am pretty sure that scrubbing away the glue, and a "coke bath" would certainly do the trick I'd like to use well... More "gentle" methods. When it comes to removing the glue I was thinking about some isoprophyl alcohol and to remove the rust I was thinking about use some kind of sodium hydroxide (baking soda and water?).

2. What should I use to reattach the cloth with the mounting plate?

3. Where can I get the left foot and a spare spacebar (both of the stabilizers' prongs have broken off) and what prices should I be looking for to pay for them?

I guess these are all of the questions I have for now. I think that if I had more questions you'd not mind helping me out if I asked them later on in this thread?

Thank you in advice, Luxanna.

[Myoth]

1. A lot of restoration project featured a brushed plate, basically take one of those grill brush and brush as hard as you can, or maybe was it sand paper ? I don't know but either way you should check other restorations projects for that as there is not many ways to it. And if you're afraid of the paint of the plate, it'll be easier to paint it again rather than keeping the original paint I think.

2. 3mm thick art foam

3. For the left foot, you'll probably have a hard time, you might want to contact Elecplus from here to see if she has any spare ones. (same for the space bar)

[fohat]

If you are referring to the deteriorated foam, soaking in water for a few minutes and a gentle scrubbing will remove the residue without much problem.

The process is the same as in my 122-key guide.

workshop-f7/ibm-model-f-122-key-termina ... rry%20ansi

[Luxanna]

I think I will replace the foam with sound absorbing one. I called it a cloth, because it literally looks like a cloth in my model F and it's only got some thickness at the sides.

[fohat]

In good condition, the original foam was a very soft foam rubber about 2mm thick (before being compressed) with a thin shiny black "skin" on one side.

It deteriorates into horrible sticky black grit particles and a gummy residue on the metal plate. Fortunately soap and water with a little scrubbing will get it off.

[rich1051414]

If you brush the metal, be sure to protect it to prevent rust from setting up immediately afterwards.

[Darkshado]

If you can't get a foot, or prefer your keyboard flat and would like a narrower profile, a plug similar to this one might also work.