deskthority

So I found a Model F on ebay(and yes it definetely is a model f, it is identical to model f pictures from google) for auction. I don't know if the price will be driven too high by people who are willing to pay more money than me, but if I get lucky somehow, it doesn't seem to be in the best condition. In fact, it looks like its been through a sandstorm. Do you think I should invest?

XT? Got pics for us to advise?

ok here

:https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/gl8AAOSw ... s-l500.jpg

Yes, XT. Looks grimey but nothing obviously stands out as too awful.



The mark on the front of the case, by the zero and period keys, I wonder if it's a mark or a crack.

Looks more like a mark, from something rubber.

Based solely on that picture, it seems like an easy clean-up. Pull the caps (except the space bar!) and let them soak in warm soapy water for a while, then gently scrub any dirt still remaining. They should be fine once you’ve let them thoroughly dry off.

It’s possible the internals are a mess, but compressed air, q-tips, and rubbing alcohol go a long way. Mild rust on the plate is...tolerable.

yep. Thanks!

The caps will look good as new with soap + warm water and a damp cloth should get the case really clean. After that all you might need are new cork feet and a converter.

If the board is in one piece then don't bother with new foam.

F XT cases are really easy to take apart, just remove two screws and it opens up really easy to make case cleaning or removing keycaps easier. Don't open the inner keyboard assembly and don't remove the spacebar unless you want a bit of work

I will echo what others have said - ibm keyboards from this era clean up remarkably well. About the only thing you have to worry about is paint chips and cracks.

some dish soap and warm water will have that grime falling right off those caps. For the case I used 409, although i'm not sure if thats okay for the paint. mine came out fine though.

Before



After