68kMLA Classic Interface

This is a version of the 68kMLA forums for viewing on your favorite old mac. Visitors on modern platforms may prefer the main site.

Click here to select a new forum.
iBook G3 Clamshell vinegar syndrome
Posted by: srp on 2025-12-21 09:53:09
Wow, that was quite the saga to read. I have a similar story to you, I have a clamshell in every color and I take them out every 6 months or so to power them up and make sure everything still works. My graphite has pretty bad vinegar syndrome so I was hoping your LCD replacement was going to be a smooth process I can replicate easily - what a hassle, can't believe a flipped connector fried your whole machine (RIP). I think I'm going to just try and replace the polarizer on my existing panel.
Posted by: mac27 on 2025-12-21 11:05:26
Yeah, this has been quite a mess. But that's very similar to how I manage mine. I was finally able to locate a replacement FireWire motherboard which should be here in a few days. Lesson learned - just because the connector fits does NOT mean it is compatible. Hoping the new mobo will get this thing back up and running again.

I probably would have gone the polarizer route if I'd known that this level of disaster was even possible. I remain baffled and infuriated that any manufacturer would make two versions of the SAME PANEL with the connector FLIPPED. Serious WTF.
Posted by: mac27 on 2025-12-23 10:51:20
Well, finally a step back in the right direction. Got the replacement motherboard installed and I have an iBook with operational display again (granted it is the original panel with the vinegar syndrome, but still a huge improvement).

IMG_1560.jpeg

So I am now more or less back to where I started. It is also good to know that the original panel was not damaged electrically during this saga.

I'm gonna let this one sit over the holidays while I muster up the courage to attempt fitting the replacement panel again...
Posted by: Fred1212 on 2025-12-27 22:35:33
Good luck with it. Unfortunately I ordered one of these panels a couple of days ago So I'm hoping you sort it out before I attempt to change mine. Cheers
Posted by: mac27 on 2026-01-02 13:18:43
After a break from this project over the holidays I went ahead and snipped the (very tiny) plastic tabs/ridges off of the connector on the cable harness and got the new panel reinstalled back into the iBook once again.

IMG_1588.jpeg

Ta-da ... Worked like a charm. No fried motherboard or lack of video! Thank goodness.

IMG_1601.jpeg

After all that, I'm actually not that impressed with the new panel; it's no brighter than the original (which I somewhat expected) but it's also got a glossy finish which I'm not a fan of. But at least it's sharp, working, and vinegar-syndrome-free.

So if anyone is reading this far in the future and is able to recommend a *known, tested working* replacement panel that has a *matte* finish, I'd be curious to hear about it. Also always curious to hear if others have had similarly major problems with this panel/seller.

Thank you to wottle on TinkerDifferent and @GRudolf94 for the advice on this one. Very glad to have this mess of a project behind me.

Good luck with it. Unfortunately I ordered one of these panels a couple of days ago So I'm hoping you sort it out before I attempt to change mine. Cheers

So I'm gonna attest that it is *absolutely mandatory* that you *check* the orientation of your iBook's cable/signals, using a multimeter/probe type thing, before attempting this replacement. On mine, the tabs had to be snipped off so that the connector could remain in its original orientation but still fit the replacement panel which had it flipped. But others have reported buying the SAME panel from the SAME seller and receiving a unit that worked with no mods required. Not sure why but please don't end up with a fried motherboard like I did!
Posted by: Fred1212 on 2026-01-02 21:27:04
I'm glad it worked oK will let you know what happens when my panel arrives
Posted by: Fred1212 on 2026-01-05 21:22:04
Panel arrived. Pics of old panel connector and new panel connector both exactly the same. Screen shot of new panerl really pleased. @mac27 seriously bad luck on your part I hope you are seeking a refund from the seller.
BTW Does anyone have an orange Apple for the clamshell?, the grey just doesn't look right. Cheers
Posted by: micheledipaola on 2026-01-07 10:19:58
BTW Does anyone have an orange Apple for the clamshell?, the grey just doesn't look right. Cheers

Someone was selling good replicas on Etsy (IIRC) sometime ago. I bought one and it was ok.
Posted by: mac27 on 2026-01-07 10:48:14
Yeah, that person disappeared a few years ago. See this thread on Reddit for more information.
Posted by: mac27 on 2026-01-07 10:50:04
Panel arrived. Pics of old panel connector and new panel connector both exactly the same. Screen shot of new panerl really pleased. @mac27 seriously bad luck on your part I hope you are seeking a refund from the seller.
BTW Does anyone have an orange Apple for the clamshell?, the grey just doesn't look right. Cheers
I can't tell which of your photo(s) is of the original, but you're saying they both had the connector oriented in the same direction?
Posted by: Fred1212 on 2026-01-07 14:39:28
The first phot is original last phot is new panel. Yes both were the same
< 2