In the latest episode of 8Bit Retro Refix, viewers witness a truly dramatic Commodore 64C restoration. The system arrives coated in grime, corrosion, dust—and a surprise spider named Pete. It’s one of those machines that looks ready for the bin. But the host sees potential.
From the start, it’s clear this isn’t a quick cleanup. The case is filthy, the keyboard stained, and the motherboard hidden under a rusted RF shield. Cobwebs and corrosion are everywhere. But that’s part of the appeal. This Commodore 64C restoration goes all in—with tools, vinegar, isopropyl alcohol, and even a bathtub.
That’s right—the motherboard gets a full soak. After removing socketed chips and scrubbing away the dirt, the board is dried carefully near a radiator, then treated with alcohol to remove lingering moisture. The RF shield, beyond saving, is thrown out. Screws are de-rusted in vinegar. No shortcuts are taken.
The keyboard doesn’t escape scrutiny either. It’s disassembled, cleaned, and replaced with working parts from another board. Some keys are swapped around to create one good unit from two flawed ones. It’s practical and effective.
Once reassembled, the system gets hooked up to a diagnostic harness. Everything checks out—including the SID chip, which delivers sound without issue. A bonus detail: the red power LED indicates this might be an earlier model, possibly housing a rare 466 board variant.
By the end, the C64C is transformed. It boots, it runs, and it’s clean inside and out.
If you’ve ever doubted whether a rusted C64 could run again, this video proves otherwise.
