Commodore.ca: The PET, VIC, 128, 64 & More Forum

Hey folks,

I managed to salvage a 128D(CR) from the wrecking ball a little while back and I really would like to restore it back to its original condition and use it. It appears to work fine; all modes seem to check out so I essentially have a working unit that's in bad shape cosmetically. No dents or anything major that I can see, the metal casing needs a really good scrub and probably a new paint job. The real problem lies with the plastic used for the front bezel and the external keyboard. They have yellowed due to UV and age (not smoke). I've researched a bit online and come to the conclusion that this yellowing cannot be "cleaned" away with bleaches or abrasives as the root cause seems to be a chemical reaction between the plastic and UV within the plastic itself. At any rate, I've resolved to repaint the entire unit including the front bezel and external keyboard case but my question is with regards to the actual keys within the external keyboard enclosure; or perhaps the keyboard itself. If I were to find a 128 (flat, not 128D) keyboard in good condition (as they seem to much easier to find and I don't even need a working unit), can I simply swap the keyboards? Or would there be some kind of hardware magic I'd have to perform to get it to work (ie. soldering, wiring changes etc.)? I guess my second question would be, is there anyone in the Toronto (Canada) area willing to part with a 128, working or not that has a keyboard in good working cosmetic condition? Any other ideas or suggestions would also be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Mervoid

I think the effort you would have to put into restoring that one is too much. You should just use it as your play computer then keep an eye on eBay for a nice looking one.

I found two really nice ones on eBay with original boxes too.

I also have one similar to yours thats a little worse for wear. But it has jiffydos installed, plus a drive switch to select the drive number for the internal 1571, even an internal fan installed. I use it for playing around with so the ones in nice shape can stay looking really nice.

You can still find deals for mint ones on eBay. The type of people who used to collect them are at an age where they are starting to give them up in estate sales.

The cost to restore the thing will cost a lot, Check eBay for a nice one however eBay's prices can be very high. below is some current eBay listings.
The last link is a 128 with the original box.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Commodore-128-CA120 ... dZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/COMMODORE-128-PERSO ... dZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/Commodore-128-compu ... dZViewItem

Those are just the regular 128's. The 128DCR's go for a bit more, around double.

Sorry about that, I am on eBay about 3-4 hours a day so if i see one turn up i will post the link.

Michael

Thanks for your replies! I think I'll keep my present machine and look at buying one in better shape. If anyone knows where I might find one, please let me know. I'm in Toronto and I'm willing to go almost anywhere in southern Ontario to pick one up

Thanks again!

Mervoid

I have an extra mint condition 128D (CR) with original box, but I am in Seattle WA, USA.

Hey Gambit,

Hehe! Thanks for that... If I'm ever passing through Seattle, I'll be sure to look you up! Seriously though, if I'm not able to locate a 128D locally, would you be willing to part with the one you mentioned? And if so, how much?

Thanks,

Mervoid

Mervoid wrote:I guess my second question would be, is there anyone in the Toronto (Canada) area willing to part with a 128, working or not that has a keyboard in good working cosmetic condition?

Have you tried contacting the Toronto Pet Users Group? They handle all Commodores. The website is http://www.tpug.ca

Truly,

Hey Robert,

Thanks for the suggestion! Yeah, I thought of that and fired off an email to them about an hour ago... Hopefully they'll be able to help me out!

Stay tuned...

Merrill

I don't think (99.9% sure) we don't have any 128Ds in the TPUG locker. Have you checked with Joe Palumbo?

Yeah, I sent Joe an email a couple of days ago but I haven't heard back from him as yet...

Merrill

I talked to Joe last October but it took about 3 weeks for a response. At that time he had 1 C128D left but it was broken. As World of Commodore was coming up and I was planning to attend he suggested I see him there and there would be a big demand for it. I don't know if he fixed it or even had it there as I found one from another vendor at the show (broken, $40 with keyboard). I ended up buying a bunch of 1581 drives from Joe at the show, and later an SX64 (broken as well) at the January TPUG meeting.

Steve

I am always in need of a vacation so maybe I can visit you guys up there in Canada at one of your future shows. I could bring my extra 128D to sell there.