Nintendo NES Complete Restoration Part Two: Cleaning and Repairs Video

Part Two Cleaning & Repairs

In our previous video we looked at how to completely disassemble the Nintendo NES. In this next part  we are going to clean the system inside and out. Also, we will remove the  72 pin connector and replace it. In further installments we will put everything back together again and fix the controllers as well.

Dis-assembly Completed

After disassembly you should be left with eight basic components.

• We should now have eight basic components
• The Top and Bottom Casing
• The Metal Shielding and Cartridge Tray
• The circuit board with the old 72 Pin Connector
• The Power & Reset Control and the Controller Ports

Cleaning The Top

A typical Nintendo NES top case in need of thorough cleaning.

• Here we have a dirty slightly yellowing Nintendo NES top
• What we want is one that looks clean and near to original off white color

Cleaning The Top

Remove the screws holding the black plastic pieces on soak everything in hot soapy water.

• Flip The Lid Over
• Using a small Flat head screw driver remove the screws as shown.
• Remove the two black plastic pieces from the case (this allows a for a better cleaning)
• Make sure that keep these screws some place safe you'll need them later.

Cleaning The Top

Your Nintendo NES Top should look something like this when cleaned.

• Now fill a kitchen sink (or large tub) with dish soap and hot water
• Leave all three pieces to soak until the water cools
• Scrub the case inside and out with a brush or sponge
• Dry off the case
• You should end up with something like the picture on the top

More things to try...

• For stickers residue try Goo Gone and a razor
• For markers try alcohol or a bleach pen
• For discoloration try hydrogen peroxide

Cleaning The Circuit Board and Switching The 72 Pin Connector

Gently remove the 72 pin connector by pushing gently on both side with your thumbs.

• Using your thumbs gently press up on the 72 pin connector until it releases from the board
• Using audio/video cleaner spray any dust from the board
• Wipe the metal contacts and dust with q-tips
• Let the board dry for a few moments
• Slide the new 72 pin connector on

Cleaning the bottom

• Spray the bottom out with orange cleaner and wipe with a rag.
• Don't soak the bottom because the original stickers may come off.
• Spray some cleaner on a rag to wipe down the power and reset buttons
• For a more thorough cleaning the power and reset button can be removed and soaked

Next we will discuss how to clean reassemble the NES, repair NES Control Pads and how to give a custom paint job.