iPod Refurbishing 3rd 4th Gen iPod Classics

[9699624]

Hey guys,

I recently purchased 2 iPod classics off eBay for a very good price. A 3rd & 4th Gen. From the description they are fully operational and do come with original packaging + accessories. Only issue I have with them is that they have been "used" and there is scuff marks on the back plate of both from normal use. I was thinking of self refurbishing these iPods and leaving them in their original packaging. Depending on battery life I would replace the battery and the housing of these iPods. I was wondering if you guys could shed some light if it would be worth even refurbishing and if it would devalue them in the future. Replacing the housing would mean the serial code on the backplate would not match with the packaging and software. Also opinions are welcome.

Thanks!

 

[jantoman]

You would have the same problem if you change the motherboard: the serial number won't match anymore.
If you replace defective parts only, without "modding" (damaging) the external look, I don't think it would lose any value.
My advice is to keep the original housing and try to clean and polish it as good as you can, if it's not broken or severely damaged of course.
Maybe you should keep one of them in its original shape and upgrade the other one in a more creative way. I had to replace the 20 Gb HD on my 4th gen sometime ago, and I bought a new one of the same size because I didn't want to have compatibility issues. Since English isn't my mothertongue I'm not sure, but I guess the right word is "pussyfoot"... Correct?

 

[ApolloBoy]

The thread's from 2014 and the OP hasn't been around in almost a year BTW.

 

[jantoman]

You're right... but if you search the forum for informations about this topic you'll see that there's not much. Adding something that could help others, even just a little, seemed to me the right thing to do.

 

[togruber]

Hey guys,

I recently purchased 2 iPod classics off eBay for a very good price. A 3rd & 4th Gen. From the description they are fully operational and do come with original packaging + accessories. Only issue I have with them is that they have been "used" and there is scuff marks on the back plate of both from normal use. I was thinking of self refurbishing these iPods and leaving them in their original packaging. Depending on battery life I would replace the battery and the housing of these iPods. I was wondering if you guys could shed some light if it would be worth even refurbishing and if it would devalue them in the future. Replacing the housing would mean the serial code on the backplate would not match with the packaging and software. Also opinions are welcome.

Thanks!

Hi,
as a collector I would recommend to polish both sides of the iPods. Changing the battery is a good idea, but don't damage the iPod! Be careful and use plastic tools.

Regards
Torsten