8100 Disassembly photos and instructions - Updated
 

Okay, since the sticky no longer has images, I figured I'd take pics while I took apart my 8100 and post them for you all! :) Cheers and be careful.

NOTE: You will void your warranty doing this.
NOTE: WEAR LATEX GLOVES IF YOU DONT WANT TO MUCK UP YOUR BEAUTIFUL SCREEN!

[Step 1]
Gaze adoringly at your Pearl.
http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/6122/1004489zr7.jpg

[Step 2]
Remove the back cover
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/6430/1004490of0.jpg

[Step 3]
Remove the battery
http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/4360/1004491bu6.jpg

[Step 4]
Next you will be removing the lowest portion of the body. It is below the keyboard, between the silver side panels, and wraps from front to back. It's extremely tricky. There are four tabs (see pictures below): 2 on the front, 2 on the back. The 2 on the back are easily accessible, the 2 on the front are not at all. What I found to be the easiest way to do this was to pop the back 2 up with your fingernails, then push up and around until it just pops off. If you find it easier, try using a smallllll flat screwdriver to pop the front part up first (and leave it there to hold it up), then the back ones, and slide it off.

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/3873/1004492gs6.jpg
http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/5525/1004495hm8.jpg
http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/7705/1004496yo1.jpg
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/1779/1004500kb2.jpg
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/1231/1004501ag2.jpg
WARNING: DIRECTLY BENEATH THIS PORTION THAT YOU ARE REMOVING IS THE ANTENNA. CHANCES ARE, THE PLASTIC WILL CATCH THE ANTENNA AND DO WHAT IS PICTURED BELOW. Mine still works though, so i wouldn't be TOOOOO worried. just be aware of it. That green thing is the antenna.
http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/6829/1004502hp8.jpg

[Step 5]
Remove all the screws. YOU MUST DO THIS BEFORE THE SIDES. They require a T7 bit. (t=torx but when you're buying it, just ask for a T7. ). Be careful, these screws absolutely suck and you will strip them before you know it. Just take your time and push while turning.

http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/5787/1004505ou8.jpg
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/3963/1004507al5.jpg

[Step ]
Remove the silver sides. You really only need your fingernail to do this after you've removed the screws.

[Step 7]
LOL at the skin and dust in your beautiful phone.

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/9448/1004508kz4.jpg
http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/7386/1004513wf2.jpg


[Step 8]

To separate the two pieces, pop the 4 clips with your nail or something. They're very easy to get off.
http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/2883/1004512dj6.jpg
http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/4718/1004511gp4.jpg

Now you are free to do whatever you want with the insides and all that jazz. I hope you all enjoy this, I stripped one of the screws and won't be able to completely reassemble mine until I can find one that fits or buy a replacement.

Tips: If you are planning on doing this again sometime, use regular screws to put it back together (obviously same width and length so you don't ruin anything).

Wow good work and no replies?

Could somebody sticky this cause the other disassembly thread is longer updated.

Nice, I have been waiting for good images, thanks.

very good job,thank you!

Just giving back to this great forum. And I mean, I was already taking it apart might as well help people out in the process. None of the videos show how to get the bottom off

Thanks for share!

Very nice. Thanks

welcome :)

These photos helped me tremendously when I had to replace my earpiece speaker. Thanks for doing this!

Nice job but too late for me. I've moved on from 8100.

Gr8, better than the previous version.

My Antenna was damaged, now I can't make many calls. Anyone know if there is a replacement that can be installed?

thanks. great instructions. two questions:

1. anyone have specs on the screws in case you want to replace them (sans the T7 head)?

2. i have read in previous posts that it is a T6 driver, not T7. which is it?

I used a T6 with no problem.

Thanks! I do the same step with the antenna and continues to operate well

BE CAREFUL WITH THE SCREW THEY STRIP SUPER EASY!!!

I am grateful for everyone that said thanks. That's why I put it up here :)

great how-to. made replaceing my worn out case a heck-uv-a lot easier!

Thanks a ton

I echo the thanks!

Excellent post!(y)