Pismo and Lombard Rubber Feet

Anyone who has used a G3 Pismo or Lombard PowerBook for any time has had the misfortune of losing one or more of the black rubber feet that are stuck to the bottom of the case with an almost sufficient self adhesive. Perhaps the same is true of the Wallstreet G3 PowerBook, but I've not seen one recently, and can't verify this for that model too.

Apple Service Parts offers replacement feet. The last time I checked on this it was prohibitive, and unless you're really, truly, masochistically into pristine original equipment, you will probably agree. Twenty-nine U.S. bucks for five 5/16" diameter black hunks of rubber is more a crime than a legitimate cost.

Do-it-youself alternatives...

I originally came across a suitable replacement for a far more reasonable cost. These are 5/16" diameter, clear, self adhesive., vinyl bumpers that fit perfectly in the foot wells of the Pismo and Lombard G3 PowerBooks.

The first ones I happened upon at an independent hardware store, 12 rubber feet for a couple of bucks. The manufacturer was Brainerd in North Carolina.

After one of my replacement feet popped off after a couple years and I couldn't find where I had put the extras. I discovered that the independent hardware store was now part of the True Value chain, and like Ace, they only stock their brand. The smallest size is 3/8" diameter – too big for the foot well. I tried finding an online source for the Brainerd feet, and while I did, I also found Orgill's MintCraft feet through DoItYourself.com.

I ordered a bunch, which are identical to the earlier Brainerd bumpers, and my Pismo is happy again.

Better feet from another source?

Recently I found a source for black feet that are almost identical to the original G3 feet from Apple. I have a test lot and hope to be making these available in the near future. It seems that Bumper Specialties has a 5/16 low profile black bumper but their minimum order is 5,000+ pieces. While our testing has proven these to be perfect replacements, the minimum order precludes us from providing these at this time. We are currently looking for PowerBook repair shops that might be interested in splitting a 5,000 unit minimum order.

Get your cheap feet here

Because the MintCraft feet were a bear to track down, order in moderate quantities and generally have them in stock. If you don't wish to go through the pain, or pay excessive shipping, I am selling sets of 6 (four feet and two spares) for:

* Wisconsin residents must include 5% state sales tax. PayPal and Money order purchases ship next business day. Personal check purchases ship in 7-10 days to allow the check to clear.

** International orders are shipped in standard business envelopes as regular postal mail and are subject to whatever delays you are accustom to for like mail from the US. Please allow sufficient time for delivery if the conventional shipping to you is via slow boat or pack mule.

View the included exclusive installation instructions: powerbookfeet.pdf (38K download)

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