Replacing Top Cover & Side Rails Without Full Take Apart?

[eg146]

OMG, I have a Tour 9630 I used for a week before I got a new phone.

It works great so was gonna sell it on Ebay. Well then I notice the Top Cover where the ear piece is, has some scratches so I order the piece and figure I'll replace it so it looks better and brings in some more money.

I messed it up so bad trying to put it in. Not only did the 2 clear top plastic tabs break but now the silver side rails are all scratched and the silver color is now down to the metal. Not horrible but not what I would sell.

I do know that if you try to take this phone apart, to replace they keyboard or something, if you do not know what your doing, the phone will not turn on. I think it has to do with how delicate the pieces are saudered together.

OK having said that, I don't want to get in more debt with this device, just want it pretty so I can sell it.

Does anyone know how or if the side rails (which appear to be one part-front bezel including top cover I broke) can be replaced without disturbing the inner electronics of the device?

I've seen one You Tube video (it's all I could find) and I after watching it with a friend, he was replacing his keyboard and his Tour would not turn on after following the video instructions to the letter.
I was there, I saw the whole nightmare.

I don't want to ruin my device but now I either need to buy another top cover and forego the side rail issue or replace front housing only with the expertise of someone on this website I can trust.

The YouTube kid was good, but he didn't stress how easy it is to totally mess up a Tour. Other BB's may be different but the Tour is a tricky phone.

I appreciate your help. I always find the answers or the wisdom to let it go from Crackberry users.
Thank You!

[thecondor33]

I've taken my tour apart to replace the keyboard and have not had any issues. The faceplate can be replaced without taking it apart. You just need to pry it off and put the new one in. The sides (bezel) cannot be replace without taking it apart. If you google for step by step instructions with pics that seems to be easier to follow than a video. It also is a good idea to order the correct screwdrivers and equipment to take it apart of amazon. I got my kit for less that a dollar shipped on amazon.

[eg146]

OK thanks, good to know I'm not the only one who thinks the videos are "misleading"-lol.
I'll take your advice and read the written instuctions for replacing the front bezel with side rails.

One question, how do you put that top face plate in without breaking those little tabs on the top?

I've screwed up 2 of them already and have another one in route from China (great) but the price was right. I do have all the screwdrivers and pry tools I got when I bought a keyboard but the pry tools are what left the silver side rails with nice big scratches.

I know there is a way, I just need someone who's done it to explain the "secret" of doing it without messing it up.

Thanks so much!

[thecondor33]

I usually just pry it at the little gap between that part and the screen, then in the gap at the top of the phone. It's usually best to take your time and go slow, and those tabs shouldn't break. I've had to take mine off twice and haven't had any issues yet.

[eg146]

Thanks thecondot33, I guess I'm probably going a bit fast since you've done this more than once with no trouble while I've done it twice and broken 2-lol.

I know exactly where you are telling me to pry, I did start there but moved to the side since my crummy pry tool started making marks on the plastic.

When the new part comes in I think I'll put some cling wrap over the top and sides to act as a buffer so there aren't pry marks.

I'll also find a better way to pry it apart than those tools you get when you buy the screwdriver kit. They're big and awkward to use.

I'm already clumsy, don't need any extra help-lol.

Thanks again, hopefully I can still fetch some money for it on Ebay since the side rail scratches are minor considering the phone works perfectly.

I appreciate your help.