Retro-modding a Vintage Thinkpad

Hi,

As a side project, I've decided to take one of the 1990's IBM thinkpads, throw out all insides and fit a brand new subnotebook/netbook in. A similar concept as with a classic car, except done to a Thinkpad.
In terms of parts - basically, I'm looking for the most awesome-looking retro laptop - I've narrowed it down to either an IBM 755, IBM 365 or an IBM 760. The plan is to gut it (including the original LCD) and stick in the motherboard & LCD from the new lappy (with a generous helping of Dremel and hot glue). About the keyboard + trackpoint - I'll get a USB Thinkpad keyboard and use its insides & matrix (the only thing remaining from the old keyboard would be the keys & key switches).

First of all - which one of the laptops looks the best, in your opinion? Or have I skipped another awesome-looking Thinkpad that I can actually find? (i.e. 701 is rare)
Next - where can I get the exact dimensions? Both the physical case (h x w x t) and the screen size would be best.
I also need a way of working around the screen swap - the old Thinkpads are 4:3, and new notebooks are all 16:9 (which would leave a gap at the top and bottom of the bezel).

Any other input is really welcome, too.

PS: if anyone's willing to sell one in a good condition (hinges, keys, case) - I'm interested.

 

as far as the screen if your ben heck good it wont matter lol. you should be able to find a modern 4:3 display that can be used with the guts you choose. sorry posting from my phone felt like saying that.

 

I wouldn't bother unless it's a 701C. It shows up all the time on fleabay.

 

I'd say you'd be better off posting this on ThinkPads.com. They're a bit more techy than we are here, especially where older notebooks are concerned.

 

DarthShader, your project sounds awesome!
Please, report here (and don't forget to take and post pics) when you do some progress in it!

Today I've got similar insane idea - how about sticking some atom based mobo from small netbook into x40/x41? What do you think about this one?

 

I did end up getting a 701C, as per blackthinkpad's advice. It's still shipping, though.
About thinkpads.com - I'll probably do that when I start running into technical problems.
The x40/x41 - sounds feasible. However: the screen spans the entire lid (no bezels), so you'll either have a tougher time clipping a new screen in, or pray that the connector is one of the 40-pin ones and do some work as per here: conversion - Convert iMac internal LCD panel to external monitor? - Super User
It's also thinner - meaning that you have less room to play with (basically limits the parts which you can stick in it). But - if you want to do it - go for it.

 

Thanks for reply.
Screen + Keyboard/touchpad seems to be the biggest problem, so I will have to look for sheets of diffrent motherboards... But still, it's doable.
I will consider building such FrankenPad soon though