Fully Restoring the Iconic IBM ThinkPad 701C Butterfly Laptop from 1995

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 3 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 128

  • @TechDave
    @TechDave Рік тому +44

    the patience, precision & workmanship here is quite frankly astonishing, genuinely impressed

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  Рік тому +4

      Thanks so much Dave!

    • @TechDave
      @TechDave Рік тому +2

      @@polymatt I came for the thinkpad, I stayed for the aforementioned 😉

  • @GQPREPPER
    @GQPREPPER Місяць тому +1

    Thanks for the trip down memory lane!
    I worked at IBM in 1995 and repaired a dozen or so 701c ThinkPads daily. Surprisingly, your process mirrors much of what we used to do, including the cosmetic work. We’d glue damaged areas, carefully remove labels and logos, and transplant them onto new plastic covers. Thankfully, we never had to paint anything.
    Great job.

  • @kaitlyn__L
    @kaitlyn__L Рік тому +10

    Dude, watching you repaint this is a lot like watching people painstakingly repaint 50s cars. They're both surprisingly robust examples of their engineering yet at the time were designed to be basically disposable. Both involve taking care to undo decisions which clearly were not expected to have any impact on the longevity of the product. Both involve loving the product far more than the manufacturer ever did. I love it.

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  Рік тому +1

      Totally! I liken the repair/restoration of vintage machines to classic cars all the time. The hardware itself is much more simple and elegant than it is today - far easier to understand and diagnose as well. You may enjoy my 90’s Mac unboxing video that turned into a full-on repair :)

  • @racinggameschannel
    @racinggameschannel Рік тому +5

    This is the nicest restoration of a thinkpad, thank you for keeping such a rare machine out of the garbage!

  • @404MULTIFAIL
    @404MULTIFAIL Рік тому +12

    I watched the video from start to finish and I'm still not 100% sure you didn't just somehow open a portal to 1995, grab a brand new 701c and use its parts to restore this one. Magnificent work.

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  Рік тому +5

      😂 next video: how to build a Time Machine…

  • @ThatOneBonk
    @ThatOneBonk Рік тому +12

    this is genuinely amazing, and i don't mean just the video - the dedication and effort you put into the 701c is just incredible, and it's all open source as well. i don't think i'll ever get my hands on a butterfly thinkpad but still i want to say thank you a lot for your work

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  Рік тому +2

      I really appreciate that and keep in mind a lot of these techniques can be used for a list of early to mid-90s ThinkPads!

  • @marti3668
    @marti3668 Рік тому +1

    Man you're cool, you're bringing back the past

  • @LaptopRetrospective
    @LaptopRetrospective Рік тому +4

    Phenomenal work! This is probably the only way of owning a pristine model now with time taking its toll on the originals. Certainly puts all the ones I've seen in person to shame.

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  Рік тому +1

      Thanks so much! These are definitely getting harder and harder to come by.

  • @johnferguson3254
    @johnferguson3254 Рік тому

    Nice Work. I was the original owner/operator of one of these and it must have been 1995. I changed jobs in 2000 and moved to a Compaq M300 which is about the same size but with a shrunk keyboard. In 2004 +/- I decided to restore the 701C. T1 bits were not easily sourced at the time, and I ended up buying mine from IBM with a couple of the other parts it now needed. I bought a second one on Ebay, and combined parts to make one that worked and was nice.
    But, the coating had become sticky. We tried to un-stick it but nothing worked, so I removed the drives from them and they were left on a bench at the Marina - were gone same day.
    I'm very impressed that you took on refinishing. It is clearly a lot of work.
    Your video is excellent, thanks
    john

  • @johnwelander
    @johnwelander Рік тому

    Incredible job! The true meaning of 'attention to detail'... Thank you, wonderful to see old machines like this restored so well.

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  Рік тому

      Thanks so much John! Glad you enjoyed it.

  • @jakesincase
    @jakesincase 8 місяців тому

    So many specific tips and techniques here to do the job right. The dry transfers especially look so cool. I love feeling like I'm in a pro's workshop learning things I couldn't know otherwise!

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  8 місяців тому

      Thanks so much Jake! Really glad you enjoy the content and are able to pick a few things up :). I learned a lot of what I know from other channels.

  • @jonathan.writes
    @jonathan.writes Рік тому

    Loved it. Love that you dont talk on your videos. I find myself dancing to the music while watching haha

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  Рік тому

      Awesome! The same thing I do when I'm editing :)

  • @wenboquan9275
    @wenboquan9275 3 місяці тому

    I really love your videos. I have a 701c that my best friend left me when he moved away 10 years ago. I've kept it in storage and never really touched it. About 5 years ago, I checked on it and found the battery had leaked, so I threw it away. The surface also became very sticky. Since then, I've always wanted to clean it up and have searched online for information, but after reading up on it, I felt like I couldn't do it myself, as I didn't want to make it worse. I even brought it with me during my recent move. Today, I felt inspired to refurbish it and found your video on UA-cam. It's really professional and your craftsmanship is amazing. After watching it, I'm even more convinced that I can't do this. It's too difficult for me. Now, The laptop can power up but doesn't have OS. I have a question: how did you reinstall the system? If you have time, could you teach me? Thank you very much.

  • @wiebel7569
    @wiebel7569 11 місяців тому

    I feel very strong Baumgartner vibes. I could watch you all day.
    You notice immediately that it's pre ROHS. the leaded solder flows so much nicer. Granted it also has a lower melting point, but look at the flow, love it.

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  11 місяців тому +1

      Thanks so much and great callout! Leader solder is definitely a different beast. Working on these old machines you can absolutely tell. Also I hadn’t heard of Baumgartner before but just watched a couple of his restorations and now I’m a fan! Incredibly impressive work. Thanks for that and for turning me on to him!

  • @viniciuslima5021
    @viniciuslima5021 Рік тому

    The surgical precision is just mesmerizing to watch

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  Рік тому

      Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it.

  • @wasdplayer
    @wasdplayer Рік тому

    I wish I had this IBM ThinkPad. Please make more videos like this. It is so addicting... Excellent quality work. You deserve more subscribers and views!

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  Рік тому

      Thanks so much and will do!

  • @sluxi
    @sluxi Рік тому

    Truly a wonder to see such skilled and insanely detailed restoration work!

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  Рік тому

      This was a really fun one for me. Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @gfhfhrthsefsehtjgngd
    @gfhfhrthsefsehtjgngd 8 місяців тому

    I have one of these that's in a desperate need of restoration. I might use your guides if i restore it in the future. Thanks for putting this up

  • @ale6242
    @ale6242 Рік тому +2

    Amazing work!! looks brand spanking new!! I am curious however, at 16:10 you state that the dry transfers need to be sealed. and yet you dont show this? do you not seal them and are just careful around them? or is there a step i missed?

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  Рік тому +3

      Thank you! Good catch. I unfortunately didn’t get the footage but I used light coat of a matte acrylic spray paint to seal them.

    • @jozsefizsak
      @jozsefizsak Рік тому +1

      @@polymatt Wonderful! One lingering question out of the way. 😀

  • @richardgilmore5607
    @richardgilmore5607 Рік тому

    This blew my mind. I had access to one of these back in the day. Being in a it support department I came across a lot of ibm Thinkpads. This one I had my hands on from one of the executives in the company I worked for. Thanks for bring up the memories. I still have one of the other laptops prior to this one. It was my work laptop when I took work home. Doesn't boot and rathering dust. I will check in your videos and guides to see if there is a way as a project of mind to get it working again.

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  Рік тому

      That’s awesome. Embarking on a renovation of these is no small feat but crazy rewarding. Hope it helps!

  • @fschnidi
    @fschnidi Рік тому

    This is one of the most satisfying vids I watched here on YT. Bravo for that wonderful restauration!

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  Рік тому

      Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it. Really happy with how this one turned out. Doesn’t always go well :)

  • @LetsPlayKeldeo
    @LetsPlayKeldeo Рік тому

    The decals are the cherry on top ! Amazing work

  • @RealTPFanatic
    @RealTPFanatic Рік тому

    one of the most incredible videos I have ever watched. Thank you.

  • @RealMoochie
    @RealMoochie Рік тому

    This is incredibly well done! The algorithm found you for me, and I imagine with videos like this you'll take off soon enough. Sharing with a bunch of friends.

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  Рік тому

      Really glad you enjoyed it and thanks so much for sharing! 🙏

  • @ronescholz-nielsen3559
    @ronescholz-nielsen3559 Рік тому

    Amazing work and craftsmanship! My first was a 700 model from 1991, and have had Thinkpads since :) (current X1 Nano G2)
    Keep up the amazing work!

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  Рік тому

      Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it! ThinkPads are just great machines. I’ve got a slight lean to pre-Lenovo but probably purely nostalgic.

  • @hectoraracena7076
    @hectoraracena7076 8 місяців тому

    wow..! a really wonderful Job...My Respect and admiration for the level of care and detail.

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  8 місяців тому

      Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it.

  • @TheBasementChannel
    @TheBasementChannel Рік тому +1

    Another epic restoration journey. Great work Matt, enjoyed the video.

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  Рік тому

      Thanks so much Johann! 🙏

  • @retrotv1tech
    @retrotv1tech Рік тому

    Nice! I just got one of these as well, and I need to fix a broken right hinge. I have been very nervous to take it apart because the plastic is very brittle, but this video helps a lot in seeing what I need to do!

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  Рік тому

      Awesome. Glad I could help and best of luck on the restoration!

  • @QuantumGarage
    @QuantumGarage Рік тому

    This is amazing work and a refreshing change from other refurbs, that seem rushed and never quite right. Looking forward to seeing what other machines you apply that magic touch to

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  Рік тому

      Thanks so much! This was a fun one and I get pretty methodical. Really glad it resonates :)

  • @mauromerconchini
    @mauromerconchini Рік тому

    Impressive work Matt, the level of meticulous attention to detail is insane! Great job!

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  Рік тому

      Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @reggietheporpoise
    @reggietheporpoise Рік тому +1

    Really beautiful work. Your attention to detail is really admirable and super satisfying to see. Can’t wait to see your next project 😃

  • @jozsefizsak
    @jozsefizsak Рік тому +1

    This is sensational! I and countless others could actually rescue one of these now, thanks to your meticulous research, dedication and skill. I still wonder what primer is suitable for the plastic case though. Also, I'm used to leaking corrosive battery electrolyte in old computers being alkaline and thus neutralized with white vinegar. Baking soda is of course alkaline as well and used for neutralizing acid. Do we really have acid here? I'm no battery expert so I have to wonder what battery tech was used back then.

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  Рік тому

      Thanks for the questions! The primers are a long story and I’ve tried quite a few. The best I’ve found are acrylic used with a “soft touch” top coat. Unfortunately they’re hard to come by and the company I used stopped making them before I filmed this. Haven’t found another suitable replacement with the same feel.
      You’re also💯% right and this was a miss on my part. The batteries are Nickel Cadmium which are alkaline. I definitely should have used white vinegar to neutralize the electrolyte.
      Thanks so much and I’m glad you enjoyed the process!

  • @Samplers
    @Samplers Рік тому

    Incredible. Beautiful work. Thank you for documenting and sharing.

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  Рік тому

      It was a fun one. Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @Van_Darkhole
    @Van_Darkhole 7 місяців тому +1

    oh my.. the design of this thing is kinda insane, in a good way

  • @LongGlovv
    @LongGlovv 11 місяців тому

    Greatest work what i'v seen! Bravo!

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  11 місяців тому +1

      Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @spirieo
    @spirieo Рік тому

    This is like the scene in Toy Story 2 when the toymaker restores Woody, except Woody is an IBM Thinkpad 701C. Amazing work as always Matt.

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  Рік тому +1

      😂 thanks! Btw I’d 100% watch that movie: A ThinkPad Story.

  • @ST-RTheProtogen
    @ST-RTheProtogen 11 місяців тому

    It belongs in a museum!

  • @hawkeye454
    @hawkeye454 5 місяців тому

    Magnificent work

  • @GarthBeagle
    @GarthBeagle Рік тому

    Incredible work!!

  • @Hadisabetghadam
    @Hadisabetghadam Рік тому

    Best Restoration I'm Ever see

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  Рік тому

      Thank you very much! I’ve had a lot of practice with these.

  • @joshuah5542
    @joshuah5542 Рік тому +1

    My 701c is in shambles, just falling apart. Wish you offered this as a paid for service for 701c owners.

  • @heinhtettunoo
    @heinhtettunoo Рік тому

    Beautiful restoration work! Subbed to the channel

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  Рік тому

      Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the sub! Definitely more to come.

  • @robocopvegan
    @robocopvegan Рік тому

    AMAZING WORK. VERY PATIENT AND DETAILL

  • @Numfuddle
    @Numfuddle Рік тому +1

    That was really cool to see and how everything comes together in the end. Must have been a lot of time, effort and money until you had all of the parts and the workflow down.
    Would it have been possible to repaint the Thinkpad with rubberised paint to get it 100% there? Have you ever looked into this or is this simply not feasible?
    I have one request though if it’s not too much hassle. I love the zen aspect of watching you work without talking and having the context provided via subtitles. Another channel I love - Primitive Technologies - does it the same way and it really makes me focus more on the content.
    Could you maybe increase the on screen time of the subtitles though?
    I had to skip back quite a bit because - especially longer - sentences vanished before I was able to read them or before I even noticed that they were there.
    You usually have the time and space for the titles to just linger a few seconds longer and it would help out a lot.
    Thanks and keep up the great work

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  Рік тому

      Thanks so much for the comment. I’m definitely still finding the sweet spot for the subtitles and will continue to try to make them more readable.
      As for the paint, I’ve actually don’t a lot of research into it. Most *commercial* rubberized paints today aren’t very durable. We’re taking about the plastidips, etc. I have tried those and one bump and you need to peel the whole thing off.
      The closest I’ve found for durability are soft-touch coatings. They have a velvety feel similar to how the paint was originally and I have seen some pretty good success. Unfortunately before I shot this video the supplier I found in Spain stopped making it so I’m back to hunting for a solution. Ultimately I’ve been trying to find someone to do a custom paint. If you look closely during the striping process there are small blue and red shiny flecks in the paint as well. I’d love to do a complete reproduction, but in order to do that, I couldn’t do a clear coat and would have to silk screen the labels on, which again I’d need to figure out how to do myself or find someone who could do a very precise and very custom job!

  • @overnxted
    @overnxted Рік тому

    Awesome work!!!

  • @jdavilape
    @jdavilape 8 місяців тому

    Good job, great machine and pretty dog

  • @tkb301
    @tkb301 Рік тому +1

    Woaaah! You wouldn't happen to be open to commissions would you?

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  Рік тому

      Glad you enjoyed the video! I would love to be able to take on individual projects but unfortunately I just don’t have the time.

  • @tvamos73
    @tvamos73 Рік тому

    Wow! Amazing!

  • @MightyJabroni
    @MightyJabroni 8 місяців тому

    Wow, what an effort! I think, that is as great a result, as one could hope for. If only we could go back in time and slap some sense into the guys, who came up with the rubber coat on old Thinkpads. I love these machines, but dealing with the rubber falling apart and getting all sticky is just a massive pain.
    How long did this process take, if I may ask?

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  8 місяців тому

      I’ve gotten to the point where I can do a full restore over a weekend - but that took a while to get right :)

  • @cleanycloth
    @cleanycloth Рік тому

    I’ve got a ThinkPad 600e with the rotting rubber disease. I’ve been wondering what materials to use to remove it all and repaint it, now I know! Excellent restoration 😄

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  Рік тому

      Thank you! Yeah it’s definitely a common coating they used on early to mid 90s ThinkPads. It was so luxurious when it was new but man have they not aged well.

    • @cleanycloth
      @cleanycloth Рік тому +1

      @@polymatt Yeah, I have a 600 as well that’s also like it and it’ll make any laptop near it *stink*. Thankfully my T23 and T43 haven’t gone that way…yet!

  • @Fezzler61
    @Fezzler61 Рік тому

    WOW! Outstanding! I have removed that rubber paint from older Psion 3C and it is a tough job! Looks fantastic. As for the paint, does it dry hard enough that you don't need a clear finish for durability? Thanks!

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  Рік тому +1

      Thanks! Yes the paint is super durable however I do add a soft-touch clear coat (that I didn’t show in the video) in order to protect the dry-transfer decals as they’re only semi-permanent.

  • @bustersgarage
    @bustersgarage Рік тому

    @polymatt I love it when people aren't ham-fisted with things that are a balance between lightweight and "strong enough."
    That being said, break down, repair and even repainting is an exercise in patience! Until this video, I had only heard about the butterfly models.
    The mid to late 90s Thinkpads were the stuff of dreams as a teenager, I would read about them in magazines and see the benchmark values and would be in awe/shock at the capabilities and price tag. When the average house where I lived was 20 to 50 grand, these things were 3 to 5!
    I have a 770z project arriving in the next couple of weeks. I believe it's mostly complete, just ugly because the soft touch rubber coating has seen better days. I wonder what the graffiti removal equivalent is here in Ireland. They're pretty restrictive in what chemicals are sold retail here.

  • @KylesDigitalLab
    @KylesDigitalLab 3 місяці тому

    Hi Matt, great video. I have a 760ED and 770Z with bad rubber paint, but worse. On the lids of both machines the paint/rubberized coating is completely coming off and exposing the bare shiny metal. On the 770Z even the paint on the palmrest is coming off and exposing the shiny metal. Do you recommend using the same method to remove the rubberized paint and the same method to apply a new coating of paint using the same paint you used?

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  3 місяці тому

      Thanks so much - replied on Reddit. Hope that helps!

  • @mariocmoreno2220
    @mariocmoreno2220 Рік тому

    Excellent crftsmanship. What paint did you use?

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  Рік тому

      Thanks! It’s a Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover Flat Black. I’ve tried many rubberized paints over the years and unfortunately none with good success. This one matches the color the closest!

  • @rahithahsan188
    @rahithahsan188 2 місяці тому

    2:26 The screwdriver has the colours of the ThinkPad.

  • @emmettturner9452
    @emmettturner9452 Рік тому

    What did you use to seal the dry transfers? I didn’t see that part.

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  Рік тому +1

      Yes! I didn’t get footage of it but I sealed them using a light matte acrylic clear coat.

    • @emmettturner9452
      @emmettturner9452 Рік тому

      @@polymatt thanks! You were amazingly thorough.

  • @retroanderson
    @retroanderson Рік тому

    Hey, have you ever got ride of coloured lines on the LCD or figure out how to find out what memory chip is bad?

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  Рік тому

      Hey there. I've definitely seen damaged LCDs from the era with the colored lines. In my experience this points to corrosion, water or impact damage on the LCD panel itself and not something I know to be easily fixable. Id try first dismantling the LCD panel and see if anything is obvious. The other option might be a damaged ribbon cable, but from the sounds of it, thats a lot less likely.
      As far as the memory chip goes, I'd remove any expansion ram and use the memory check in the BIOS utility and compare the addresses to the memory map - you should be able to find it online. If it is the onboard RAM I don't envy you... finding a replacement chip and getting it soldered in there is tricky business!
      Best of luck!

  • @Hadisabetghadam
    @Hadisabetghadam Рік тому

    good job

  • @IMAGINUMfilms
    @IMAGINUMfilms Рік тому

    Magnificent job! I also own one. Mechanism works fine, hinges and keyboard are perfect. But the soft touch paint is a mess. What would be the price for such a restoration? Plus mine has a broken display :(

  • @MrSunDevil23
    @MrSunDevil23 Рік тому

    VERY impressive!!

  • @mabuchild
    @mabuchild Рік тому

    牛逼! 啊,非常精细的修复.

  • @levimaaia
    @levimaaia Рік тому

    Nice!

  • @CleytonFernandoEugenio
    @CleytonFernandoEugenio 9 місяців тому

    Iniciei um curso de Rede de computadores, pra nós amantes de tecnologia é um deleite ver uma restauração dessas! Diretamente de São Luis MA , Brasil!

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  9 місяців тому +1

      I'm glad you enjoyed the restoration! Best of luck in your class and maybe you can introduce your students to some old technology :)

  • @Byte5
    @Byte5 Рік тому

    Well, I have one of them (701C instead of 701CS). Unfortunately, I don't have the same talent that you have with this kind of repairs.... Also, the screen is bad, everything else seems to be working (except the battery that is long gone [I don't have it anymore]).
    The board works, the computer turns on and even booted the last time I tried.
    If you would consider repairing it for me, we can probably sort that out some way (I'm very far from you since I'm brazilian).

  • @hadifageeh
    @hadifageeh 10 днів тому

    Can you upgrade the hardware with modren motherboard , ssd hard disk , ram.....
    I have a 701c laptop but I wounder if someone could upgrade it with modern hardware

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  10 днів тому

      You should check out this project: community.frame.work/t/thinkpad-701c-with-a-framework-brain-transplant-work-in-progress/27409

    • @hadifageeh
      @hadifageeh 10 днів тому

      @@polymatt Thank you

  • @wrtucey
    @wrtucey Рік тому

    Wow.

  • @Fatallizm
    @Fatallizm Рік тому

    i love it

  • @proximacentauri1574
    @proximacentauri1574 10 місяців тому

    Never seen a keyboard do that before

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  10 місяців тому

      It’s a really cool mechanic that came out right before wide screen formats became a thing. They wanted a way to get a larger keyboard but keep the sub-notebook form factor. It was an incredibly solid mechanic but just came out a little late to catch on.

  • @imissyy
    @imissyy Рік тому

    fxxking amazing 💯

  • @thej3799
    @thej3799 5 місяців тому

    This is what I would do if I had money, time, and my own space to do it. *cries in already being 42 and having none of that* But at least I can see what it's like on UA-cam. It seems amazing to be able to collect repair and test vintage hardware.

  • @mainlab7021
    @mainlab7021 Рік тому +1

    You are D*** GOOD

  • @b0zzz
    @b0zzz Рік тому

    cool video, as a feedback I personally don't like the music you add to the videos, would love to have unlisted videos without the music if you could make

    • @polymatt
      @polymatt  Рік тому

      Hey thanks so much for the feedback. I know it’s not for everyone!

  • @TheoHoffmann
    @TheoHoffmann Рік тому

    :oo

  • @KaterKomPuter
    @KaterKomPuter Рік тому

    Amazing work dude