ya gotta share that label polishing trick
It's actually not as involved as I make it sound. The labels have a thin plastic film layer on the surface to help protect the image. With that in mind, and very fine polish meant for plastics coupled with a soft microfiber towel and some gentle polishing is all that it takes. This is what I use.
I just use my index finger inside the towel and rub in circular motions while applying almost no pressure. That layer is thin, and you obviously don't want to cut through it. I'd say rub for about 20 seconds, wipe off the excess and give it a quick buff with a dry spot on the towel then repeat if necessary
wiggy,
Do you have any (do-it-yourself) tips for cleaning the actual console ports? I have replaced a NES 72-pin before, but I'm talking about just cleaning the port, such as for a super nintendo or N64? You always seem to know what you're talking about, so I'm curious if you have a method for this.
Thanks!
Cardboard/Fiberboard. Not the corrugated stuff, but heavy fiberboard of almost any composition. Cut it into strips that'll fit into the cart port and use 'em like any cleaning kit (push into port, then remove, repeat a couple of dozens times). I've used scraps of illustration board for a long time just because it's something that I use fairly often for its intended purpose and it works great, but it's pricey and I wouldn't buy a sheet just to clean consoles. I imagine you could use a cereal box, tissue box, etc. Just keep folding it over until it's thick enough to make contact with both rows of connectors but not so thick that it bends them excessively. If you use white board, you'll get a really good view of what you're removing from the pins
It's a LOT easier if you can take the console apart. It's not super important, but it just makes it easier to work on since you're not fighting the doors and whatnot.
