Need help sourcing correct paint for Apple IIe base plate

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Verault's picture
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Need help sourcing correct paint for Apple IIe base plate

I recently saved/bought a pallet of Apple II computers that were from a school put into storage decaded ago and forgotten. Apparently the roof caved in and these apples have seen better days. Due to my compulsion im determined to restore as many as I can (albeit slowly). I picked a particularly bad one out of the pile to determine what I am dealing with.

 

The computer Base/plate is the worst. Its currently in an acid bath and then Ill need to repaint. Does anyone know a good replacement paint for that greyish color used on the base/back port connector area for the Apple IIe? I have a bunch to do so Im not looking to break the bank, just find something close enough. Just trying to save these from the trash heap.

 

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If it is that bad, I woulnd't

If it is that bad, I woulnd't worry about making a perfect match.  I'd just use something like Rustoleum that is designed to work on a corrosion damaged surface and prevent further corrosion.  Just pick the closest color and call it good enough.  Function is far more important than cosmetics when it comes to a non-collector grade machine like a typical //e.

 

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I completely agree. I just

I completely agree. I just figure im late to the game on this topic and someone must have sourced a good solution by now. Finding some grey rustoleum would have been my Plan B.

 

Ideally Id like it to be "close enough" that noone notices from afar.

 

 

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Found an online post from

Found an online post from 2008 where someone claims they did a ton of testing and Valspar Satin Enamel Color #65091 Warm Grey (UPC 071915235795)  is an exact match to the paint on the apple IIe

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What kind of "acid bath" have

What kind of "acid bath" have you used?? That sounds harsh.

 

Can you post any pictures of what you are dealing with?

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White vinegar. Hah, harsh?!

White vinegar. Hah, harsh?! No its a common practice for removing rust. Youtube has many videos on this. As long as the ferrous metal is COMPLETELY submerged in the solution only the rust is targeted. I have done this many times, works great on screws and little bits. Only drawback is the acid eats the natural oxidation of the metal (the good areas as well) so once the metal is taken from the acid bath and washed in water it needs to IMMEDIATELY be covered in some oil or protector or it will oxidize immediatley. But its fine, it till be painted.

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OK, you said acid bath, which

OK, you said acid bath, which sounds harsher than white vinegar. I have used apple cider vinegar on a motorcycle gas tank. It flash rusts without thorough rinsing and maybe a wash with baking soda / water to neutralize it.

 

Good luck.

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Thanks I appreciate it, I

Thanks I appreciate it, I hope I can save at least a bunch of these machines.

Just an update I picked up two of the worst ones in the bunch, a IIgs and a IIe the IIe displays the "apple IIe" on the screen more often than not so thats a pretty good sign, the IIgs gave nothing but characters so I used deoxit to clean the board and cleaned all the socketed IC's, not it gives an error 911 with the flashing apple logo zipping back and forth..

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