How am I going to get this open?

[megoscott]

Just when you thought the Swan station was done I find these Barbie computers on eBay. Perfect. But I really need to get it open to mess with the screen. Seems like the bottom part is glued on pretty well. Any ideas?

[MicromanZone]

Hard to say without actually checking one up close, but if it’s glue my first instinct would be to soak the glued area in 90% rubbing alcohol for a few hours and then see if that degrades the glue a bit.

[BATMOBILE1989]

it could be sonic welding?

[piecemaker]

I would cut the bottom off with a dremel,starting 1/8 th of and inch to the inside of glue seam,you can always replace with another piece of plastic.If you try to pry it open,you will probably crack the side(s)of it.

[mikeoz]

I agree with the dremel idea. I don't think you'll be able to loosen the glue.

[megoscott]

Might try soaking it in alcohol, couldn't hurt, but yeah, I'm not confident. In that case I'll try dremeling a square hole out of the bottom to get at the guts. Preserve the edge of the bottom piece. Thanks.

[johnmiic]

You might try scoring the edges of the bottom panel repeatedly with an exacto knife. It might cut thru the hardened glue and the panel may pop or drop off. A dremel is faster but I think you would want to go slow to avoid damaging it.

A Plasticutter might be a better knife to use Scott. Note the difference in blade from standard X-Acto knives:

Plasticutter

[megoscott]

I have one of those, actually. hmmm.

[Tothiro]

Cut Gloves are your friend.

[Meule]

[jwyblejr]

Is there some way to get the purple part off? Maybe go in through that way?

[megoscott]

Nope, it's even firmer. For a cheap knock off it's very well made. Ah, the 80s. That's when you could get something made in Macau and it really stood for something, you know?

[Nostalgiabuff]

the computer would be sitting on a table though right? so just dremel cut a square hole in the bottom so you have access

[Werewolf]

Nope, it's even firmer. For a cheap knock off it's very well made. Ah, the 80s. That's when you could get something made in Macau and it really stood for something, you know?

That's not a knock off. It's an official Barbie product. Which explains the quality. You'd probablly have to saw the bottom pannel off to get it open.

1989 BARBIE PERSONAL COMPUTER WIND UP 7936 SEALED L@@K! | eBay

Had them as a kid. Whole bunch of them in the set. The little record player was especially cool.

[megoscott]

That's not a knock off. It's an official Barbie product. Which explains the quality. You'd probablly have to saw the bottom pannel off to get it open.

1989 BARBIE PERSONAL COMPUTER WIND UP 7936 SEALED L@@K! | eBay

Had them as a kid. Whole bunch of them in the set. The little record player was especially cool.

Right you are!

Ok, I'm cutting a hole in the bottom, thanks, Team Open This Thing!