Thread
Over 100 Vintage Macs
Hi everybody,
You might know me as the guy who shoehorned an Intel Mini ATX Mobo into a color classic (as seen here viewtopic.php?f=7&t=11543&p=113842#p113842 )
I've recently taken a position as a vintage electronics restoration specialist at a large electronics recycler, and have more than 130 macs under my care, as well as many C64's and Amigas, and a few old PCs
I'm really excited about the new job (how many people get to turn their bizarre hobby into a career?)
Anyhow, my position involves restoring all these machines to their best, and with 130 in stock, its going to be a big push. Many of these machines will eventually go up for sale once the have been cleaned, repaired, and tested. I've also got a room full of accessories, from 400k external drives and 20HD's to Asante Ethernet cards and DOS cards.
Just thought I'd warn you, I'll be here quite a bit from here on out. And I'll be posting pictures, LOTS AND LOTS of pictures.
Below, because this is a conquests forum, is a list of the machines I have after a cursory inventory. (Many of these I have more than 4 or 5 of, and a few I have 10 or more!)
Apple II e
Apple II gs
Apple II plus
Macintosh
Macintosh 512k
Macintosh Portable
Macintosh SE
Macintosh SE FD/HD
Macintosh SE/30
Macintosh Plus
Macintosh Classic
Macintosh Classic II
Macintosh Color Classic
Macintosh II
Macintosh II ci
Macintosh II c
Macintosh LC
Macintosh LC III
Macintosh LC 475
Macintosh SE Superdrive
Macintosh IIfx
Macintosh IIv
Macintosh Quadra 605
PowerMac 5400/180
PowerMac 7100/80AV
PowerMac 9600/200MP
Performa 200
Performa 550
Performa 577
Onward!
-Patrick
You might know me as the guy who shoehorned an Intel Mini ATX Mobo into a color classic (as seen here viewtopic.php?f=7&t=11543&p=113842#p113842 )
I've recently taken a position as a vintage electronics restoration specialist at a large electronics recycler, and have more than 130 macs under my care, as well as many C64's and Amigas, and a few old PCs
I'm really excited about the new job (how many people get to turn their bizarre hobby into a career?)
Anyhow, my position involves restoring all these machines to their best, and with 130 in stock, its going to be a big push. Many of these machines will eventually go up for sale once the have been cleaned, repaired, and tested. I've also got a room full of accessories, from 400k external drives and 20HD's to Asante Ethernet cards and DOS cards.
Just thought I'd warn you, I'll be here quite a bit from here on out. And I'll be posting pictures, LOTS AND LOTS of pictures.
Below, because this is a conquests forum, is a list of the machines I have after a cursory inventory. (Many of these I have more than 4 or 5 of, and a few I have 10 or more!)
Apple II e
Apple II gs
Apple II plus
Macintosh
Macintosh 512k
Macintosh Portable
Macintosh SE
Macintosh SE FD/HD
Macintosh SE/30
Macintosh Plus
Macintosh Classic
Macintosh Classic II
Macintosh Color Classic
Macintosh II
Macintosh II ci
Macintosh II c
Macintosh LC
Macintosh LC III
Macintosh LC 475
Macintosh SE Superdrive
Macintosh IIfx
Macintosh IIv
Macintosh Quadra 605
PowerMac 5400/180
PowerMac 7100/80AV
PowerMac 9600/200MP
Performa 200
Performa 550
Performa 577
Onward!
-Patrick
Why don't you go back through your list and throw in a price next to the machine listed,
I can't figure out wether you are tootin your horn or wanting to sell mac's,
throw some prices up ...
I can't figure out wether you are tootin your horn or wanting to sell mac's,
throw some prices up ...
Strictly tooting my horn, none of the machines is ready to sell. I'm just excited about the job and figured I should share it with people who have the same strange obsession I do.
so your going to soon flood ebay with great vintage machines ?
maybe get the prices down?
That'd be great!
maybe get the prices down?
That'd be great!
That's a great job to have. I look forward to seeing your restorations. :approve:
Agreed. If I could support my family doing so, I'd take the same sort of gig.
That's a like a dream job for a Mac-enthusiast. Good luck with the project!
I would be interested in the Performa 200 once it's restored!
It just made me very happy to learn that a large recycler to do what you do, and to read the list of the hardware you've got. It's awesome they see there's greater value in them by offering them to the market that exists for them.
Fortunately compact macs aren't worth a whole lot in raw material, between 6-10 dollars, add to that the fact that the CRT actually costs recyclers to dispose of.
I imagine a lot of larger recyclers have a back room where they store these, and with their increasing value you will begin to see them looking for solutions. The particular one I am at stored them until they ran out of room, an then began recycling additional units as they came in. I shudder to think how many 128ks and SE/30s were broken down in the last 6 months..
I remember a thrift store where they had a 512k, tote bag, and matching MAC CHARLIE they were trying to get rid of for 20 dollars in the late 90s. I don't think it ever sold. The increasing value of these machines is a benefit for collectors, the environment, and posterity, and I'm glad people are beginning to realize it.
Ooo, very cool job. I wouldn't mind getting paid to do a hobby. 
Favorite system so far.
A 512k with a 20HD... running 6.0.1 8-o
A 512k with a 20HD... running 6.0.1 8-o
Please compress and/or downpixel photos before uploading here - they take an age to load over slow connections, and then show up small anyway.
The shop in full swing.
Burgerville? Where are you? I'd love to stop by.
The generational shelf.
128k
512k
Plus
Plus Platinum (not shown)
SE
SE FDHD
SE Superdrive
SE/30
Classic
Classic II
Performa 200
Color classic.
128k
512k
Plus
Plus Platinum (not shown)
SE
SE FDHD
SE Superdrive
SE/30
Classic
Classic II
Performa 200
Color classic.
I'm in Portland.
Looking good! Time for some retrobriting now!
I gathered you were in PDX area (Burgerville). Which recycler are you at?
I gathered you were in PDX area (Burgerville). Which recycler are you at?
Um please oh please slide me some of those compacts. I'm in rainier and would love some.
Did somebody say retr0brite?
I'm not sure I can disclose the recycler I'm with, I'll ask.
I'm not sure I can disclose the recycler I'm with, I'll ask.
The triage shelf. About 20 PowerBooks, not shown.
Well, I can't slide em, but let me know which models you're interested in and I'll hook you up with the recycler web I'm done.
Hey, it's great to hear you are saving these machines from landfill, and making some bucks from it along the way.
I'm curious about the shelving you are using there - that looks ideal. What is it?
I'm curious about the shelving you are using there - that looks ideal. What is it?
Does your recycler not sell to the public at all? Just scrapping?
It can be found at the Home Depot, near the closet organization isle. I paid 35 dollars for each unit. It is pretty ideal, and you can fit 6 Macs to a shelf.
They have a public thrift shop, they just needed someone to come along who knew how to restore macs.
I've only really been to Free Geek and EcoBinary. Where else should I be stopping by?
Got any Amiga 600s? I'm also looking for the power supply and AV adapter for a C64C. 
EDIT: Also looking for iMac G3 stuff and is there a recycler in Georgia that I don't know about?
EDIT: Also looking for iMac G3 stuff and is there a recycler in Georgia that I don't know about?
The twins, 8 hours of restoration and retr0brite each. 128ks.
I think I have all of that. Send me a PM with specifics for the G3 stuff.Got any Amiga 600s? I'm also looking for the power supply and AV adapter for a C64C.
EDIT: Also looking for iMac G3 stuff and is there a recycler in Georgia that I don't know about?
I think I have all of that. Send me a PM with specifics for the G3 stuff.Got any Amiga 600s? I'm also looking for the power supply and AV adapter for a C64C.
EDIT: Also looking for iMac G3 stuff and is there a recycler in Georgia that I don't know about?
Next!
Just found it, under a desk, in pieces.
Just found it, under a desk, in pieces.
Ok I officially am .....jealous........
Leaning tower of Pismo!
The Admiral
The coolest screen saver ever to grace an SE.
So what's with the secrecy regarding your employer, anyways?
if he told ya then he would have to sell you something, and stop showing it all off 
I talked to the today about that. I'm a contractor and didn't want to violate and confidentiality agreements.
I'm working for free geek, come buy some of this stuff.
I'm working for free geek, come buy some of this stuff.
Where at free geek? They never have the old stuff out. It's all newer stuff.
I sent my PM! And holy crap at all the Pismos, I might try to get one of those too... XD
Give me!
The coolest screen saver ever to grace an SE.
That's just after dark Star Trek. I have original disks. It takes three.
Interesting. Like macdrone, I never see any vintage stuff out at Free Geek. The NeXT Cube was hanging out above the entrance door to the retail shop for a long time. It disappeared sometime this summer.
Well, cool. Maybe you'll be able to help getting some of the vintage kit out for sale then
Well, cool. Maybe you'll be able to help getting some of the vintage kit out for sale then
FYI, I'm looking for a Macintosh Plus starter kit for my really nice boxed mac plus beige. I have the manual, warranty card, programmers switch, stickers, but that's it. I don't have the starter kit box either. Check my post in conquests in the next hour, I will be uploading a bunch of pics. The main box is in better shape than I ever could have imagined.
Hey i have a question throw out a ball park price just so i get an idea where your coming from,
Next Cube - $?
IIfx - $?
Mac 128 - $?
Pismo - $?
just some super ball park numbers they don't have to be set in stone, just to get an idea etc…. thanks!
Next Cube - $?
IIfx - $?
Mac 128 - $?
Pismo - $?
just some super ball park numbers they don't have to be set in stone, just to get an idea etc…. thanks!
I will come buy that stuff at free geek if they put it somewhere I can buy it. The thrift side is the only place they put stuff to buy. Let them know the stuff will sell and set it out please. Then let us know.
McD, if the stuff gets set out I will let you know and get it if I see it. Same with anyone else. At this point my collection is pretty full so I'm more in help others get there stuff working.
McD, if the stuff gets set out I will let you know and get it if I see it. Same with anyone else. At this point my collection is pretty full so I'm more in help others get there stuff working.
Free geek hasn't had the capacity to repair thier vintage stuff, so It's been collecting in a warehouse, I've been contracted to sort that situation out for them, and get them the best return on the machines I can.
That is going to vary greatly on the condition of the items. The 128k I just rebuilt with a perfect case, NOS analog board, and rebuilt floppy will probably shoot for around 900, because its indistinguishable from new. The 512k I have kicking around with a few pry marks on the bezel will go for closer to 50. The next cube will be getting the same treatment, you won't be able to tell that it was ever used once I'm done with it.
The IIfx I haven't even started on pricing yet.
Essentially look for averaged out ebay pricing, but on restored, recapped, relubbed, retr0brited machines, with a good return policy.
Some machines won't be restored, and I'll probably have spare parts enough to keep this community busy for years. Pricing will be explored more as we get into the swing of things. Right now its just a rush to get a system in place to handle the current machines so incoming ones don't get scrapped.
I'll talk to them about getting a good variety of vintage going through the store. I'm working hard right now to build an inventory system so they can handle parts requests as well.
any amigas floating into your electronics brothel?
I'm not looking for restored. I like a working museum so start putting that stuff on the shelf so we can have at please. Tell me when you do so I can head that way and get some. It's an hour drive so help a Mac guy out lol.
I'll talk to them, and put a message up here with whats in the shop, if they decide to go that way.
A number of them, but I've got to get through the Macs first, expect 6 weeks before we start looking at PCs, Amigas, Commodore 64s and 20s, MicroVacs and the like.
man, it must be like a hospital without enough beds there! I hope you can save lives fast enough! good luck! looking forward to lists and pictures of everything!
) Well I'll tell you those free geek guys are clueless then because they flat out tell me they just throw macs away (pre G3) macs. G3 and up a few at a time all day long. Do me a favor don't Ebay price those things that's just cruel. Thanks a bunch.
Contractually, I can't comment on their internal processes. I can tell you that the people working there want nothing more than to save computers and benefit people. They help a LOT of people and save a LOT of material from the landfill.
A lot of these machines need a lot of work. Historically relevant pieces will easily get 10-12 hours of work a piece to restore them. I think the pricing is quite fair, considering you are getting a tested, rebuilt, museum quality piece.
With that said, I'm not going to try to sell yellowed Classic for 100 bucks, and just leave it on eBay at a perpetual buy it now price. Its annoying.
Hi,
What exactly is free geek? And where is it? Does it have a web site?
I've neither seen nor heard any evidence that it exists in California anywhere.
c
Edit: is this it?
What exactly is free geek? And where is it? Does it have a web site?
I've neither seen nor heard any evidence that it exists in California anywhere.
c
Edit: is this it?
Yep!
Well most of us here don't want museum quality or can't afford eBay prices.
Maybe so, but still, I find it fascinating that someone is actually doing this in a more "official" manner, so to speak.
But when it comes to my own machines, I agree with Macdrone, I prefer cheapness over quality (to a point); to buy a "ready-made" museum quality example of something is OK, but it takes the fun away from it all (which, for me, is the process of searching for and restoring the machine to a workable state; I find it to be a wonderful way to learn about electronics).
Be that as it may, I am glad someone has the opportunity to turn this hobby into a full-fledged career for themselves. That probably doesn't happen very often.
c
p.s. I must visit this place next time I'm in Portland, OR.
I'm not trying to sell anything to anyone. This is the conquests section. I'm showing what I've got. I think its pretty cool.
I'm not fixing these machines for someone to get a killer deal on. I'm restoring them so they are worth more, and an organization that does a lot of social good can get the money. I won't be selling them on this site.
I'm posting this here because I've been a member on this site for a long time, and I really appreciate it when people put up pictures of their macs.
Again, just so I'm clear, this isn't a "For Sale" thread. This is a "I'm doing this cool thing" thread that I think a few members appreciate.
I understand what you are saying, but my point is if you fix them all up no one else will get a chance, less and less of us can spend money on the older machines. It's a hobby. We do it for pleasure. You make them all worth more then they won't sell and you'll be right back in the same boat a room full of macs going nowhere. I am just asking you take some of them just as they are and get them to peoe who will appreciate them. You have plenty there just saying spread the wealth.
Keep in mind that part of this being a career is that sufficient profit must be made for an employer so that it is valuable to the business. Try not to get upset about the prices: it can't be a career if the profit can't support a career.
Free geek is a volunteer non profit organization. So eBay prices do not make sense.
Hey, you never PMed me back. I read you weren't looking through the Amigas for a good few weeks, so is that why?
Hi,
BlastoiseBlue: I'm not sure what's going on, but it sounds like that's why to me.
It's kind of disappointing, really.
Sigh...
c
BlastoiseBlue: I'm not sure what's going on, but it sounds like that's why to me.
It's kind of disappointing, really.
Sigh...
c
Haven't PMed you yet because I haven't had a chance to organize your request. Stay tuned, I've got a lot of priorities at the moment.Hey, you never PMed me back. I read you weren't looking through the Amigas for a good few weeks, so is that why?
Museum quality? Is that "NOS" 128K analog board an actual 128K board with the top fence and all or a "compatible" Plus board? If you're shooting for museum quality and looking for a cool $G, you can't be mixing parts. That's like putting a different, compatible distributor from a 1968 Mustang on a '66. It may work but its not original and shouldn't be priced as such.
You are preaching to the choir. Yes, it is a new 128k board in a box. One of many new parts the had squirreled away back there. I imagine an Apple service center cleared out their inventory with them a few years ago.
Ohh, alright, thanks! And I'll be sure to stay up to date here, even if the trade doesn't end up working I'm happy to see someone willing to take care of so many classic computers! XDHaven't PMed you yet because I haven't had a chance to organize your request. Stay tuned, I've got a lot of priorities at the moment.Hey, you never PMed me back. I read you weren't looking through the Amigas for a good few weeks, so is that why?
I would so go for the 5xxx Power Mac and the G3 AIO. I do love older AIO Macintoshes
I have an extra G3 AIO. Where are you at I wouldn't mind parting with it. It's dirty and has a que cdrw in it but its fine otherwise.