Are 2010/11 LCDs and Top Cases Suitable for 2012 Replacement?

First and foremost: Critical Advice I wish I'd heard:

You will occasionally encounter screws inside the machine that are screwed in VERY tightly and can be stripped/destroyed VERY EASILY making them virtually impossible to remove and continue to use, thereby botching your entire attempt to repair your machine. Make absolutely sure you are using the correct size screwdriver and remove screws with extreme care!

Despite some minor differences in a few details, the 2011 top case is essentially the same, can't speak to the 2010 version. It was a while ago, so I'm afraid I don't remember the exact details, but nothing was a showstopper. It worked, and if memory serves, any differences are subtle enough to work around in the process of the repair, just make sure you carefully examine every part and and take some time to compare the two empty cases once you've disassembled the 2012 MBP before starting replacing the case.

Replacing the LCD, on the other hand, was less successful. It was very challenging to get the bevel back to the original thickness, the repaired version was a little bloated in a few spots around the frame. Also, the OED LCD I used had several stuck pixels, so I had to do it all over again, which pretty much sucked -- the secret was to just get over it and get it done. 2nd time around, still the same results. Granted, the nasty dent in the case and chip in the LCD are gone, and the very minor cosmetic imperfections from the repair are much easier to ignore ;).

Plus I learned enough about Mac repair to do just about anything -- the top case and LCD replacement are the two most difficult repair jobs you can attempt. Patience is key!