repairing console boxes

[JunkTheMagicDragon]

not sure if this needs to be here or in the tech forum, but here goes.

i recently acquired a boxed colecovision and a boxed expansion module #2. problem is, the boxes are a little worse for wear and i'd like to get them in better shape.

in case you're not familiar, the coleco boxes were just thin pasteboard (think thick construction paper) over styrofoam shells. the pasteboard covering on mine has tears and i'm wondering what would be the best way to put it back together.

also, one box has old duct tape on the end flap. it's old and barely holding on, but i don't want to risk tugging on it. would steaming it with an iron loosen it up?

[Nitrosport]

I don't know about fixing the colecovision box but you can try heating the duct tape with a blow dryer and then peeling it off. I have had some luck removing various tapes and stickers using this method.

Good Luck!

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

not sure if this needs to be here or in the tech forum, but here goes.

i recently acquired a boxed colecovision and a boxed expansion module #2. problem is, the boxes are a little worse for wear and i'd like to get them in better shape.

in case you're not familiar, the coleco boxes were just thin pasteboard (think thick construction paper) over styrofoam shells. the pasteboard covering on mine has tears and i'm wondering what would be the best way to put it back together.

also, one box has old duct tape on the end flap. it's old and barely holding on, but i don't want to risk tugging on it. would steaming it with an iron loosen it up?

If you steam it with an iron (or any steam producing method) the cardboard is going to absorb the moisture like a sponge and bubble up like a small cardboard sponge.

Packing tape as old as that found on a Coleco box MAY have dried out (the glue on that type of tape isn't archival) to the point where it can be removed without causing too much damage ... or it may have maintained it's grip. Either way if you want to attempt to get it up, use DRY heat like a blow-dryer.

No steam.

But honestly ... package "repairs" aren't really plausible if you're looking to somehow revert the wear/tear ... once it's muffed up, it'll pretty much stay that way. The only thing you can hope for is to make it presentable.

[JunkTheMagicDragon]

yeah, that's all i'm really looking for. i just want to make it look decent enough and keep the tear from getting any larger.