Rare PET-Style VIC-20 restoration

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 …

Alexander M. Korn

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

The 8-Bit Guy

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

Alexander M. Korn

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

Robert Bontrager

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.

The 8-Bit Guy

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

Alex James

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

The 8-Bit Guy

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 :)

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.

Wallace Marbach

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

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

Paul Jacobson

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.

Matt Whitlock

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.

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.

Michael Steenbeek