Rare PET-Style VIC-20 restoration

Alexander M. Korn

But is this long waiting time when switching on not a sign of damage? Seems not normal. I checked several old capacitors in vintage HIFI equipment in the past. Even if the capacitors still appear to be working, I measured out of range values. Incorrect capacitance values can cause further damage …

The 8-Bit Guy

Well, I generally don't replace capacitors unless they are not working or are the type that are known for leaking and causing damage.

Alexander M. Korn

I'm wondering why you didn't replace the old capacitors?

Robert Bontrager

Personally, I'm so glad you didn't paint it.

The 8-Bit Guy

It is. I experimented with this in a previous video. But in order to actually remove the yellowing, you have to scrub away all of the texture until the plastic is basically glossy.

Alex James

Is it possible to lightly sand it down to get to the white part of plastic?

The 8-Bit Guy

It's okay.. I have one now, so I'm good!

I wish I had known this was what you were wanting when you had listed a Vic 20 with "Pet" style keys. While I will have to pull it out of storage, I'm 95% sure the one I have from childhood matches, same badge and power plug, just would need to verify the keys. Oh well, I now have even more reason to justify keeping it :)

Wallace Marbach

Have to agree unpainted was the way to go. Interesting experiment to see how the paint would come out, and while the color basically matches, even if you got a perfect coat, it would be "fake" :) I know you must get sick and tired of recording yourself restoring old machines, but I absolutely love it. Even if its keyboard troubleshooting, it still gives a variety of information and things to pause on and compare with.

Good work, as always! :) Great choice of option 3, some antique discoloration is probably makes it even more authentic.

Paul Jacobson

I love that pet keys keyboard, I was lucky enough to get one for my self built c64 =)

Matt Whitlock

That pan didn't have enough thermal mass. Dropping a cold egg on the hot pan mostly cooled off the pan rather than heating up the egg. (Water has a specific heat much greater than any metal, so you need to use a pan with a lot of mass.) Retry the experiment using a heavy cast-iron skillet, and I bet you'll see better results.

Great video! I honestly think the computer looks great even in it's still a little on the yellower side. I'm glad you ended up choosing the 3rd option of just leaving it unpainted.

Michael Steenbeek

I remember you getting upset about the judgemental reactions you got about your house not being winter-proof. And I can see why. But this goes both ways. You are now doing exactly the same as those people, except you have a much bigger audience than the average comment section troll. I am European, and I kept my mouth shut because I was sure as hell not going to tell someone who just lost their house to extreme weather it’s their own fault. I don’t wish to be lumped in with those who did, or made fun of just because a few pissants who happen to be vaguely from the same area said something that upset you.