Replace broken iBook G3 case?

Question

Level 1

20 points

Replace broken iBook G3 case?

My daughter's iBook case cracked and then broke at the back where the display is hinged. So the hinge popped out. I taped everything back in, including the piece that broke off. The display opens and closes, albeit with very much care needed to close it. If I can get a replacement bottom case part is it something I could install myself? Can I buy a replacement case?

Thanks, Dennis

iMac G5 20; 2.0, Mac OS X (10.4.11), 2 Gb RAM; 500 Gb Lacie D2

Posted on Mar 29, 2009 8:44 PM

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Answer 1

Mar 29, 2009 9:06 PM in response to Big Daddy D

Try taking a look here, and see if it's something you'd be comfortable in doing:
http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Repair/iBook-G3-12-Inch-Lower-Case/123/1

Different models take slightly different case parts. You can find out which one you need here:
http://www.ifixit.com/

Another source:
http://mac.macrecycling.com/casingbody-c-1826138.html

Good luck.

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Answer 2

spudnuty

Level 5

7,128 points

Mar 31, 2009 6:58 AM in response to Big Daddy D

Hey Dennis,
Well Rhonda gave you the usual suppliers of parts.
My question is exactly what broke?
Does the display feel loose and floppy? or is it just a plastic part that broke off.
Usually when these break it's in the frame of the display itself. The pot metal breaks just back of where the display attaches to the lower chassis or in the frame further along. Either way you'll need a new/replacement frame if that's the case.
Need to know the CPU speed and size.
Richard

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Answer 3

Big Daddy D Author

Level 1

20 points

Apr 9, 2009 10:13 PM in response to spudnuty

Thank you Rhonda and Richard,

The iBook is a 900Mhz and I'm not sure of the HD size but I think its under 60gigs. The screen is loose and floppy but it doesn't stand up okay. The piece that broke is definitely part of the lower case. is somewhat rectangle in shape, and I can see the rod (I can't think of a better word) that comes out of the screen at the bottom and hinges the screen to the case. I reviewed the steps in the procedure and I think I can do this. I just need to find the correct part(s) and get up the courage to proceed.

Dennis

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Answer 4

Big Daddy D Author

Level 1

20 points

Apr 9, 2009 10:23 PM in response to Big Daddy D

After reading Rhonda's links on replacing the lower case and looking at the link to the parts I'm not sure it is the lower case that is broken. There is a grey strip that runs around the front, back and side of the computer. This is what is broken, right next to the "clutch case". What is that grey part called? Is it part of the the top or bottom case or is it a part in itself?

thanks, Dennis

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Answer 5

Apr 9, 2009 11:06 PM in response to Big Daddy D

Richard actually takes them apart, so I'll let him address this, Dennis.

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