After removing the POKEY, the computer will not work!
At the time when running BASIC, press RESET. If it is cold start (lack of the warm start) is at 99% POKEY.
If I unplug the keyboard, the letters also appear?
Remove the ROM BASIC - the computer will operate (you will see SELF TEST).
Check MMU (U3) and PIA (U23).
CPU - very unlikely.