Have you watched retro computer and electronics repair YouTubers and thought you would like to try that? Well, you can!
Have you watched retro computer repair YouTubers and thought you would like to try that? Well, you can!
I am going to show you the retro computer repair and refurbishment process I have put together through hard experience so you produce less magic smoke, miss fewer opportunities, and collectively more machines are salvaged from the computing graveyard.
Before we begin, though, I am NOT an expert and this is not an expert guide. I am learning and documenting over time, so you can avoid my mistakes.
You will still make mistakes, though, and that is ok! While the vintage computer refurbishment hobby (and it is a hobby in its own right) is not the cheapest, it is not the most expensive either, so consider any mishaps along the way as learning experiences.
The goal is simple:
Make your machines safe to power up
Make them work reliably so you can have fun with them
Keep them usable long term
You will notice I do not “retrobright” them with chemicals to remove yellowing, I do not focus on aesthetics much at all. This is not about achieving museum-grade restoration but to have something working (and hygienic) that you can enjoy owning.
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