sland said:
Nice guide! This will help me when I switch my broken DS into it's new pikachu case!
EDIT: Also, how do you replace the top and bottom frames for the screens? The bottom screen looks easy, but I don't get how for the top screen.
the top screen protector (clear plastic frame covering the entire display) is actually the easier of the two to swap out.
top screen protector/frame
when you disassemble the top half of the shell, (step xx), you notice that the adhesive frame that holds the lcd display to the front (inside) of the shell is also what holds the plastic frame in place. simply (and carefully) pull the frame away from the display. when re-assembling, I've found it easiest to place the double-sided adhesive frame on the inside of the top shell into position and then drop the lcd display in place (pressing it down firmly).
afterwards, flip the inner shell half over and apply the replacement frame (protective shield)
ps
you may want to make sure that you use some window cleaner and a soft, lint free cloth on the lcd display prior to reassembly so that no dust and/or fingerprints are present prior to applying the top frame. you want to do this prior to dropping it back in place, because a portion of the double-sided adhesive frame is still exposed from the front side (which is what the top frame sticks to when it is pressed into position).
lower frame
warning:
improper removal can damage your touch screen, rendering it unusable. I take no responsibility to any damage that you cause trying to follow the steps listed below.
swapping out the lower frame sucks due to the strength of the glue on double-sided adhesive panel which bonds the lower frame to the touch screen layer. for all of the frames that I've performed swap outs on, I've slowly and carefully used my thumbnail to separate the lower frame (and it's adhesive backside) from the touch screen panel.
be careful not forcibly lift the lower frame, otherwise you may inadvertantly separate the two halves of the touch screen panel (which are held together by a small amount of a rubber cement type adhesive).
after completely removing the lower frame, I usually use a soft cloth dampened with glass cleaner and vigerously clean the exposed surface of the touch screen to eliminate any residual adhesive from the old frame.
the replacement frame is applied after the system is completely re-assembled so that you can use the interior of the shell to correctly position it.
I'll try and add these steps to the guide when time permits.