Resurrecting a Soaked, corroded, and damaged Commodore SX‑64 (2025)
2 days ago
- #SX-64
- #vintage computing
- #hardware restoration
- The author acquired an SX-64 computer at a show, noticing exterior was decent but hearing suspicious internal rattling.
- Upon opening, severe internal rust and corrosion were revealed, indicating salt-water damage.
- Teardown involved drilling out fused screws, using rust removal baths, and sourcing replacement parts including a chassis.
- Electronics were carefully cleaned, dried, and treated with DeoxIT, with some components like the drive motor needing replacement.
- Reassembly required non-original fasteners and replacement parts, completed with cautious optimism.
- Pre-power tests showed good power supply voltages, but the computer displayed a white screen and spinning floppy drive.
- A dead-test cartridge indicated a failed PLA chip, a common failure point, which was replaced.
- The repair emphasized patience, hidden corrosion, and resilience, with plans to pass the restored machine on to another enthusiast.