ready restorations

11/09/2026

How to Factory Reset a TCL TV When Locked by a PIN

How to factory reset a TCL television when you've been locked out by a PIN and can't access the normal reset option.

I came across this on an Airbnb TV where previous guests had changed the language to Portuguese and locked the TV with a PIN before leaving. The usual factory-reset methods and menu options didn't work because the reset option was hidden behind the PIN.

After finding a small reference to the solution, I discovered that holding Back + Right on the remote control brings up the reset prompt. If the PIN prompt appears, press Back to dismiss it and repeat the process. After doing this FIVE times, the TV eventually allows the factory reset to be selected, restoring full access.

How to factory reset a TCL television when you...

10/09/2026

Airbnb Maintenance: Coax Socket Replacement & Locked TV Reset

An Airbnb maintenance call with two unexpected problems. First, a damaged coaxial socket and cable needed replacing, so I removed the existing setup and fitted a new one. Then I discovered the TV had been locked in Portuguese, with the usual factory reset options protected by a PIN. After plenty of searching, I found a more complex reset method that finally worked — getting the TV back up and running and potentially saving the owner the cost of a replacement.

​ An Airbnb maintenance call with two unexpecte...

10/09/2026

Airbnb Maintenance: Coax Socket Replacement & Locked TV Reset

An Airbnb maintenance call with two unexpected problems. First, a damaged coaxial socket and cable needed replacing, so I removed the existing setup and fitted a new one. Then I discovered the TV had been locked in Portuguese, with the usual factory reset options protected by a PIN. After plenty of searching, I found a more complex reset method that finally worked — getting the TV back up and running and potentially saving the owner the cost of a replacement.

09/09/2026

Fitting Bespoke Blinds Without Battens

The customer had been told their bespoke fabric blinds might require battens inside the window alcove. After inspecting the installation, I found I could mount the blinds directly to the upper face of the window opening using the correct fixings. A suitable drill is often essential because steel or concrete lintels can be encountered, but in this case I was able to install everything there and then—without the extra work, cost and hassle of fitting battens.

​ The customer had been told their bespoke fab...

09/09/2026

Fitting Bespoke Blinds Without Battens

The customer had been told their bespoke fabric blinds might require battens inside the window alcove. After inspecting the installation, I found I could mount the blinds directly to the upper face of the window opening using the correct fixings. A suitable drill is often essential because steel or concrete lintels can be encountered, but in this case I was able to install everything there and then—without the extra work, cost and hassle of fitting battens.

07/09/2026

Garden Obelisk Build. I'll be making some more obelisk's this week. Feel free to get in touch if you are interested in having one made for your own garden 🙂

07/09/2026

The Guttering Was Held Together With So Much Silicone!

A customer asked me to sort out the guttering on their static caravan before the rain returned. Every joint had previously been plastered with huge amounts of silicone — almost like someone had iced the guttering!

Rather than replacing perfectly serviceable guttering, I stripped the runs down, removed all the old silicone, cleared out the debris, cleaned everything up and refitted it properly. Now it's looking like new and ready for the next downpour.

​ A customer asked me to sort out the gutterin...

07/09/2026

The Guttering Was Held Together With So Much Silicone!

A customer asked me to sort out the guttering on their static caravan before the rain returned. Every joint had previously been plastered with huge amounts of silicone — almost like someone had iced the guttering!

Rather than replacing perfectly serviceable guttering, I stripped the runs down, removed all the old silicone, cleared out the debris, cleaned everything up and refitted it properly. Now it's looking like new and ready for the next downpour.

05/09/2026

As I reminder I have over 4 years experience of fixing retro and vintage items as Retro Restorations. Think of me as your local one man version of "The Repair Shop" :)

05/09/2026

As I reminder I have over 4 years experience of fixing retro and vintage items as "Retro Restorations". Here's my latest fix:

Can I Fix This 1990 Beauty and the Beast Tiger Electronics Game?

I picked up this 1990 Tiger Electronics Beauty ...