Any chance of tearing down the display assembly? Specifically, is it (at least theoretically) possible to replace its power/data cable? Lots of people are reporting display problems after a few years that seems to be related to that cable going bad, so if there is some way to replace it, it would save people a lot of money, since Apple will charge hundreds of dollars to replace the entire assembly.

Assuming my eyes aren't fooling me, there's a small battery on the board in the lower-left corner.

Is it soldered-down or is it easily replaceable? I suspect that is the battery that is meant to keep the clock running when the main battery is removed. And when it dies, then the clock will lose its time as soon as the battery is disconnected (a problem I've encountered in my somewhat similar-looking Easyshare Z712IS camera).

If you would just use the battery-tray screws and not replace the adhesive, would it work? Would it be safe?

If the battery rattles a bit under vibration but doesn't introduce a fire hazard, I'd be OK with it.

Is is really necessary to remove the motherboard?

Looking at all the photos, it seems to me like the battery should be clear for removal after disconnecting it and the trackpad cable, leaving the motherboard (and all of its other connectors) in-place. So what am I missing here?

If your SSD has a big "warranty void if removed" sticker over the chips, do you have to remove it? Or can you stick the thermal pad over that sticker?

I realize it’s far too late an answer for you, but for others reading this later, OWC now sells compatible SSDs. But they say they are “designed for APFS” and as such require macOS High Sierra or later. I have no idea why this should matter, but they say it does.

Yes, but you need to add a cable to connect it. If you buy the SSD from OWC, they sell a kit which includes the cable and tools (for an extra $20-40, depending on what size/model SSD you get).

Good review, but I’ve found that these small solder suckers don’t do a very good job. The much larger “Soldapult” (https://www.edsyn.com/product/DS017.html) provides much more suction and can often completely clear a joint in one use.

I would strongly suggest that after cleaning the screen in the tank (the first bullet of this step), you assemble everything and give it a test. Everything from that point forward is more difficult and may result in damage if you’re not very careful, so it’s better to not proceed further if you don’t have to.

According to Keurig (and my own experience), you can press up on the K-cup holder from the underside to pop it out of the brewer. I find this much easier than trying to lift from the top.