Re: Beige Apple IIgs

[ranster@aol.com (Ranster)]

>I am experiencing what must be a common problem for GS >users, and
possibly for the older Mac users. My gs, through >years of use, is turning
from it's Factory color, Platinum >Gray, to a beige that is just beginning
to resemble the >//e. This color change is due to dust buildup on the
>monitor, cpu, and disk drive casings. I've seen extreme >cases at my
local Junior High School, where their GSes >have become badly discolored
due to neglect. I think, in >my case, that a mildly damp cloth will do the
trick, but in >case it doesn't, what cleaning fluids (standard
>supermarket stuff) can I use to clean the cases without >damaging them or
rubbing off the letters silkscreened >on?

If your machine sits in a room where any sunlight gets in, I'll betcha you
don't have dust to blame for the color change. Your IIgs has become the
victim of UV discoloration. I've run into this problem when adding new
members to my old Apple collection. Some of the Apple IIIs I've seen were
turned a hideous mustard yellow color. Grey parts seem to turn beigeish.
Not long ago in a used computer store I saw an IW II which was as beige as
an original IW, it was weird. Even white parts like //c's seem to return
to the Apple color of old. They start going from white to off white and
can end up a beige hue. Here's how I've cured the sunburn on my stuff: I
disassemble the components down to bare plastic and take 'em to the
bathtub and get some water and Lava soap going and scrub away. This will
get rid of a lot of the discoloration, but there will still be a
noticeable amount there. You can't go overboard with the scrubbing or the
Lava will start to remove the texture of the plastic. Aside from Apple
IIIs, I've had some uncanny luck getting old machines which were in
excellent shape and looked great after a small amount of scrubbing. But
protecting your equipment from sunlight is the best way to keep it looking
good. My March '87 signature edition IIgs has received so little sunlight
over the years, you cannot distinguish any difference in color between it
and new components.
--
Randy Shackelford               temporarily stuck in AOHell
ranster@aol.com