Sandy's mod to replace the IBM Model M plastic rivets with nuts and bolts is a classic. I got curious though what would happen with a Model M that was NIB - would I feel and hear a difference? Other geekhackers have reported feeling a difference so I tried it with a few little twists of my own.

First you need a bunch of tiny itty bitty little parts.


FOR A 1391401 (may vary a bit for other M models)
58 2mm x 8 x .4 Pan Head bolts - can order at McMaster Carr LINK
58 2mm x .4 Hex Nuts - can order at McMaster Carr LINK
8 2.5 mm washers
1/16" or 51 drill bit and drill (dremel best)
4mm socket
Chisel

OPTIONAL
2mm x .4 or 2-56 tap
Electric screwdriver
Female hands

I found this stuff at my local True Value store (told ya we're going metric) but you can also order online. Doesn't need to be fancy stainless steel or anything - buying German though feels right. If you have a choice get the lowest profile head bolt. Buy a few extras of the tiny parts, you'll see why in a bit.

First remove the grounding screw and gently rock the membrane connector to remove.


Chisel away the rivets with a twisting motion - you want a CLEAN cut. Sharpen your chisel first if it's not razor sharp.


Pull off the plate (if it doesn't come off easily check for rivets under the labels). Then the sheets, the rubber mat and turn the board upside down into a box or something to store the springs.

Time to drill. If you cut cleanly with the chisel this will be easy - if you didn't prepare for pain. The goal is to drive straight down into the stud. I used the slowest speed on my dremel.


Art Break.


Clean this stuff off every so often.

CONTINUES IN THE DISCUSSION SECTION....

Contributors: ripster, microsoft windows

Created by ripster, 26 July 2009 at 01:27 Last edited by ripster, 2 Days Ago at 03:04 Last comment by jpc on 17 October 2010 at 19:05 168 Comments, 10,915 Views