Replacing back of iPhone 3G/GS

[MotionMan]

Has anyone had the back of their iPhone 3G/GS replaced for less than the place I found that would do it for $60?

I have two iPhones that have cracked backs and like-new screens, but $60/each is a little steep, IMO.

And, no, I am not looking to do it myself, thank you.

MotionMan

 

[MotionMan]

I have found some places near my office that will do it for $75-$100. I cannot believe that $60 is actually a good deal!

MotionMan

 

[Durvelle27]

i did mines my self its very easy and there are plenty of youtubes to show you and it would cost way less

 

[MotionMan]

i did mines my self its very easy and there are plenty of youtubes to show you and it would cost way less

I have built computers and done other technical work. However, I always seem to have more problems with items as they get smaller. A man has to know his limitations, and I recognize that I would probably screw up opening up an iPhone.

MotionMan

 

[Ichinisan]

An Incipio Feather case (available from Walmart) can work wonders to make an old 3GS look/feel new. Not very much protection though.

 

[Eug]

I bought a $10 back off eBay and installed it myself. It was a royal pain because of the bazillion screws and pieces though.

I'd say it's comparable to replacing a hard drive on an iBook, which ain't easy.

 

[MotionMan]

I bought a $10 back off eBay and installed it myself. It was a royal pain because of the bazillion screws and pieces though.

I'd say it's comparable to replacing a hard drive on an iBook, which ain't easy.

I have heard from more than one source that it is a complete pain in the butt because all the innards are mounted to the back in the 3G/GS.

That is one of the reasons I do not want to do it myself.

MotionMan

 

[slashbinslashbash]

How cracked are they? Like, falling-apart, or just a little bit? A little super glue and some sanding/wet-sanding/polishing might get it looking "good enough" for just a few bucks and some elbow grease.

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=871308

 

[MotionMan]

How cracked are they? Like, falling-apart, or just a little bit? A little super glue and some sanding/wet-sanding/polishing might get it looking "good enough" for just a few bucks and some elbow grease.

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=871308

Faling apart, needing replacing.

MotionMan

 

[TheStu]

I bought a $10 back off eBay and installed it myself. It was a royal pain because of the bazillion screws and pieces though.

I'd say it's comparable to replacing a hard drive on an iBook, which ain't easy.

Ugh, replacing the hard drive on an iBook was a royal pain in the A.

MotionMan, I don't blame you for not wanting to get in there. Most of the repair places I have seen are more focused on screens, so can't help you out.

 

[Eug]

BTW, I bought a metallic red back for the 3G. It looked great after I installed it. However, after a couple weeks in my wife's purse the metallic paint started wearing off. It looked absolutely horrible after that.

If I were to do this again, it'd be with a housing with a solid colour (or just white) that can't wear off.

 

[mmntech]

Here's the guide for doing it. Doesn't look too hard but it will take a bit of time and patience.
http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Installing+iPhone+3G+Rear+Panel/583/1

Apple seems to flux a lot when it comes to repairability. Some products are better than others. It's bad design if a product that expensive can't be fixed IMO.

 

[MotionMan]

Here's the guide for doing it. Doesn't look too hard but it will take a bit of time and patience.
http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Installing+iPhone+3G+Rear+Panel/583/1

I have watched the videos and it is something I will not try.

MotionMan

 

[Durvelle27]

just buy a housing with all the guts already in it and all you have to do is put in the logic board and camera .

 

[rsutoratosu]

I replaced enough of these to know the after market stuff will fail faster than original part. The aftermarket stuff are usually cheap plastic and wears out faster. Some of the internal screw crumbles as you screw in the board.

I used to work on these a lot but now I just go to the apple store and pay the 149 for out of warranty exchanges. 149 is a lot for 3g/3gs. If apple didn't charge as much, it would have been worth repairing through apple

I think i may have some backs if you want, ill go home and look, i think its silver or black.. you can have it for free if I find good condition ones