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Atari XF551 disk drive latch disassemble help


a6502

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Hello,

 

today I got my first XF551 and the poor guy needs some whitening.

 

I already got the top and bottom cover out but I’m having trouble to remove the disk drive latch without breaking it.
 

And if I don’t remove that I’m not able to remove the plastic front either.

 

I’m attaching a picture for your reference.  
 

Any tips you can share is highly appreciated.

 

Thanks

a6502

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B88D7898-29AC-4C9A-A1CA-9FBD00948624.jpeg

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Are you disassembling it to retrobright it? Might you consider sunbrightening it? Just putting it out in the mid-day sun will restore most or nearly all of the yellowed plastic with no need to disassemble it.   As far as removing the door handle, if it doesn't pull off then I don't know. I've not worked on these drives.  Someone here should know.

Edited by Sugarland
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Thanks Sugarland, yes I plan to retrobright, but the main reason to disassemble is because of the smoke smell on this thing. It’s really bad ? I almost threw the drive away, but it deserves to be cleaned and have an extended life.
 

Pulling the latch was the first thing I tried and failed. I also tried a small pry, but I stopped before breaking the plastic.

 

I wonder if the smoke fumes solidified underneath the latch making things tougher to pull. Any tips to remove cigarette smell are also welcome.
 

I’m thinking an ultrasonic bath may do the job with the guts of the driver.
 

The plastic parts (except the front and the latch) I’m already cleaning with water and soap before the retrobright dance.

F3A2DF26-B38F-4DD8-B364-55F81BC1A66B.jpeg

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Have you tried removing the handle with the shaft complete, looking at the photo, there's a circlip holding

the shaft at the front, what's holding it at the back where we can't see ?

 

If any retainers can be removed, then you should be able to pull the shaft out.

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The cigarette smell I've found will naturally dissipate over maybe six months.  Another idea is to put a fan on it to accelerate odor dissipation. I don't think the smoke would have caused the handle to stick.  You might try burying the case in baking soda for a couple months. Be careful though, baking soda is abrasive and should not be used to scrub it.  Baking soda might not work and might inhibit dissipation.

Edited by Sugarland
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I've had success in the past with disassembling the offending item as much as possible, then putting it into a sealable container and tossing an unscented dryer sheet in with it.  Close the lid tightly, let it sit for a few hours (say, six to eight), then toss that sheet and replace with another until the smell is gone or at least under control enough that airing it out naturally will work.  Note that you may need to do this for a period of a few days.

 

 

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I had a 130XE that was from a former heavy smoker... Dark yellow, and they keys were dirty to the point where you could barely see the letters... the top case and keyboard (once detached from the mylar cleaned to almost brand new looking condition after a run through the dishwasher, and the remainder of the case cleaned up with Isopropyl alcohol wiping... All that nicotine coating basically coated and protected the original plastic from yellowing.. Now it's one of the best looking XE's I have. :) Wish I could find before/after pictures...

 

Anyway... just saying see how it looks after a good wash!

 

 

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On 8/21/2021 at 10:26 PM, a6502 said:

I already got the top and bottom cover out but I’m having trouble to remove the disk drive handle without breaking it.

 

On 8/22/2021 at 1:48 AM, Sugarland said:

As far as removing the door handle, if it doesn't pull off then I don't know.

 

I'm gonna be a little pedantic for a moment.

 

<little mr. pedant>

There is no door here, it's a slot; and handles are grasped with your hand -- hence the name handle. It's a latch, that's actuated by being moved with your fingers. If you ever get one of your hands around that tiny little thing, please take a picture to prove it (I'm sure this last comment is just asking for "off-subject" replies :lol: ).

</little mr. pedant>

 

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On 8/21/2021 at 10:26 PM, a6502 said:

Hello,

 

today I got my first XF551 and the poor guy needs some whitening.

 

I already got the top and bottom cover out but I’m having trouble to remove the disk drive latch without breaking it.
 

And if I don’t remove that I’m not able to remove the plastic front either.

 

I’m attaching a picture for your reference.  
 

Any tips you can share is highly appreciated.

 

Thanks

a6502

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B88D7898-29AC-4C9A-A1CA-9FBD00948624.jpeg

Please don't, you will break it, instead remove the c-clip/circlip/snaprings and slide the shaft out! Take care to not lose spacer and rings etc. Pictures take to put it back correctly

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