Subject: Re: How do I clean my C64?
Date: Sun, 3 Oct 1999 21:58:44 -0500
From: "Jason Petersen" <petersenj@mindspring.com>
Organization: MindSpring Enterprises
Newsgroups: comp.sys.cbm

Jørgen Ladegaard wrote in message <7t86s7$7kn$1@news.inet.tele.dk>...
>Hi there.
>
>I'm a commodore collector. I want my machines to look perfect.
>Does anyone have some tips on how to clean/wash keyboard, remove dust from
>motherboard, clean the plastic casing.

Hi Søren, here is my process for cleaning up my commodores:

1. disassemble the case (3 screws in the bottom front)
2. remove the mainboard, and the keyboard from the top (or bottom, depending
on model) also remove the power indicator from the case. (the case halves
should be completely bare)
3. Case halves: soak in warm water and scrub with mild dishsoap. I've had
some luck removing UV damage from plastic by scrubbing with an abrasive pad,
but remember that this can scratch the plastic if you scrub too hard!
4. Keyboard: Remove every kepcap with a small flat screwdriver (watch the
springs!) and soak them in dishwater. Scrub keys as needed, but don't use
alchohol as this can remove the lettering. You can disasemble the keyboard
further by removing all the tiny screws from the back and desoldering the
wires from the caps lock key, but this is optional. (I only clean this if
the keys are not responsive and take a lot of pressure to register)
5. Mainboard: Spray with compressed air, and clean edge connectors with
alchohol. Replace heat sink compound on chips, add heat sinks to SID, VIC,
CPU, PLA as necessary.
6. Make sure everything is clean and dry, then reassemble. Your computer
should be in showroom condition!

It can take some time, but it's worth it if you want your machine to look
and function like new. Hope this helps.

Jason