Chieftech mod

[RedXray]

Dremeled the ugly buck toothed grill out of the front bezel.
Opened the case for a see in front window.
Cut a 80mm fan in the window.

I want to cut a window in the door. (need to think of a good pattern)
and a window in the top of the case.

I'm going to fill the hinged optical drive door vents and case badge
and lock cylinder with plastic filler (bondo) so the door looks flat & smooth.

I have some Dodge Viper Blue BASF Limco Urethane Base/Clear
and some Deltron PPG Gloss Black Urethane Base/Clear...
I think I'm going to spray it black inside and out. (maybe a two tone job)

More Later...

HTTP://casemod.mystarband.net/NewProj2.jpg

HTTP://casemod.mystarband.net/NewProj3.jpg

HTTP://casemod.mystarband.net/NewProj1.jpg

[SLAY3R]

Hell yeah! B)

I can't wait for more.

[scifikg]

lookin good

[[GF]Burke]

Bad A~$ as usual

[Weapon of Mass-Destruction]

dude...you did it again

[pvr02]

looks great Red.

[DRock4WC]

That's pretty sick. Almost makes me want to get that case again. I won't.

[RedXray]

Yea this case has been done and done and over-done
thats why I have no compunction in hacking and grinding
it up. It's been sitting bare in the corner over a year
When I get it done I'll give it to my son. (SGTShady)

[DRock4WC]

What did you use to keep the window in place?

[RedXray]

Originally posted by DRock4WC@Jun 1 2004, 02:04 AM
What did you use to keep the window in place?
Zero clearance

It snaps in and bottoms out on a ledge I left.
Very tight fit and I'll have to remember to
paint with the window (masked) in to keep
from ganking the finish pressing it in.

When the layers of Color/Clear are built up
it will never be able to remove... in one piece.

[Thecookiemonster]

Originally posted by RedXray@Jun 1 2004, 06:17 AM
Zero clearance

It snaps in and bottoms out on a ledge I left.
Very tight fit and I'll have to remember to
paint with the window (masked) in to keep
from ganking the finish pressing it in.

When the layers of Color/Clear are built up
it will never be able to remove... in one piece.
hehe, He is painting it to guys. We know thats going to be a kick as jorb. !!! :D
Well,once agian. Nice jorb!, I r like it, It should be turned out pretty good.

[Southerntracker]

Another nice job Redx. Keep 'em coming.

[ety]

HOw did you bend the acyrilic?

[zeLupin]

Amazing how the old timers are as good as us young ones :lol: :rolleyes:

Anyway Nice job yet again...What you planning on painting it?

Flaky Gold? That'd be sweet

[[GF]Zenix]

sweet

[RedXray]

Filled and Smoothed the case badge and vents and primed.

http://casemod.mystarband.net/NewFront1.jpg

http://casemod.mystarband.net/NewFront2.jpg
Scuffed up the cover with Airfile for filler adhesion.

http://casemod.mystarband.net/NewFront3.jpg

http://casemod.mystarband.net/NewFront4.jpg

http://casemod.mystarband.net/NewFront5.jpg

http://casemod.mystarband.net/NewFront6.jpg

http://casemod.mystarband.net/NewFront7.jpg

[Weapon of Mass-Destruction]

nice

[zeLupin]

That looks amazing....But i still want to know what color you're leaning towards :rolleyes:

[Thecookiemonster]

how did ya bend the plex-i or whatver.


But very nice man, I r likes it lots ! :D

[RedXray]

Originally posted by Thecookiemonster@Jun 1 2004, 11:09 PM
how did ya bend the plex-i or whatver.

I didn't...

It's an optical illusion cookie LoL http://casemod.mystarband.net/Smiles/infinity.gif

[SLAY3R]

Originally posted by RedXray+Jun 1 2004, 11:23 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (RedXray @ Jun 1 2004, 11:23 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Thecookiemonster@Jun 1 2004, 11:09 PM
how did ya bend the plex-i or whatver.

I didn't...

It's an optical illusion cookie LoL http://casemod.mystarband.net/Smiles/infinity.gif [/b][/quote]
Nice smiley! :D

But on a serious not. \m/ B) \m/
case is looking good!

[WVJammer]

Nice job Red, as always.
It looks like that
Airfile may have been
used once or twice before.
:D

[JonR]

Red gets yet another award for the best use of a emtoicon in a Work Log thread. N1

Also, how would you feel about a pink racing stripe? I think it would work.

[RedXray]

Originally posted by WVJammer+Jun 2 2004, 05:07 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (WVJammer @ Jun 2 2004, 05:07 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>
It looks like that Airfile may have been used once or twice before.
[/b]
Yea shes had some miles and a few rebuilds.

You should pick one up and try it someday.
You'll be surprised just how heavy they are
and it wants to walk all over a fender or
a quarter panel. You have to hold her steady
and it will make your arms...Gun-Believable
It's like being at the Gym eight hours a day.

(but with heavy vibration & bondo dust in your face :lol: )

<!--QuoteBegin-JonR Posted on Jun 2 2004@ 09:53 AM
Also, how would you feel about a pink racing stripe? I think it would work. [/quote]

*checks paint shelf for hot pink*

Sorry JonR the remaining pink is all dried up
from the 1964½ Pink-Pony Mustang I sprayed
way back in 1975... Oh Dang

*throws can in trash*

[Southerntracker]

Love the bondo on the front to smooth it out. Can't wait to see the finished product!

[Rotkiv]

that is awesome red! please keep us up to date.

[SLAY3R]

Showing the kids how its done :lol:

[linlin]

Lovin' it as usual, Red

[zeLupin]

So Red, when you gonna show us more of this beast?http://websmileys.com/sm/evil/1022.gif

[Lightning]

Thats a really nice mod

[RedXray]

Originally posted by Lupin_Modder@Jun 9 2004, 07:19 PM
So Red, when you gonna show us more of this beast?
I have some parts on order.

I have been looking for some of that clear molding
like on the MOBY2 mod... thanks to ART by TROY for that link.
I would like to get the molding in hand before I cut the top and door windows.

Also looking for a plain chieftech door like the one that goes
on the mobo side with no latching mechanism. If any one could
point me in that direction...I'd appreciate it much.

[drawde]

ok red ... since we are on the subject i'm working on a mod at this time also linkage (http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/7194/port_ground_002.jpg) only prob i got is i can't get frikin bondo to feather out or stick good (was after the pic was taken) first attempt i preped the whole area with 100grit. on the second attempt 36grit. the surface is explicitly clean. the first and second attempt i used FRESH Bondo brand ... should i try Evercoat Poloyester Filler (in the little blue cans) ... (btw i know fiberglass, i did spa and street rod tooling for 15+ years) but this bezel plastic is buggin me then the port is PVC ... and i have used PVC in parts of plugs for molds and you would practally have to 16grit the PVC to stick to popoyester products

[RedXray]

Which surface are you having problems with adhesion to the PVC or the plastic or both?

I don't see why the filler wouldn't stick to the plastic bezel as it sounds
like you are doing everything right and with the correct grit (#36)

If you can't get it to bond... maybe a coat of fiberglass resin right around the
PVC and Bezels crack may help. As you well know...after glass cooks up
you can't bust it off with a hammer.

PS if you go that way... add a bit more MEK to cook it hot...nice and brown.

[drawde]

yeah i lost the pics where i put those brass inserts that are supposed to be in wood on the back of the bezel.. i made forms of 1" pvc tube and hot glued them in and poured a bit 'o resin (bout a shot glass) in each one .... poloyester resin sure sticks to the plastic ... but then again i get my (tooling) resin from 55gal drums from the last place i worked at (http://www.bebops-glassworks.com) full time doing tooling (btw in that link i made quite a few of the molds for the parts you see). when they started to kick i thought i was gonna melt the bezel :) . i was thinking the Bondo brand is just a bit to soft and that Evercoat Poloyester is a higher durometer (harder) and is VERY chemically hot (takes bout 1/2 the BOP to kick it as Bondo brand)


btw it was mostly the mostll the PVC but it really didn't want to feather on the bezel

[RedXray]

I have never liked the Bondo brand of fillers.
It seems like the consistency always varied (viscosity)

You may want to ask Burke if he had any problems
on adhesion on his latest project.. it's similar but I
believe his has a black PVC ring... not that that would matter.

Anyway good luck on the mod.

[drawde]

Anyway good luck on the mod.
thx red .... BTW what primer are you using ... looks like a good high build primer, and does it have to be catalized?

[RedXray]

I'm just using Lacquer type Surface primer (NAPA $35 Gal)

Those High Build Primers are great for fast high builds
for blocking out panels. It's also on the expensive side
and you have to use all the material thats been catalyzed.
It holds down rust with the zinc additives and also holds
down sand scratches and pin holes well, but with a fairly smooth
surface like on a computer... I don't think the benefits out weigh the costs.

Plus it tends to be thick (non reduction) and you need a spray gun
with a larger fluid-head orifice to lay down a smooth coat.

[RedXray]

Update Top Window Cut.

http://casemod.mystarband.net/Top1.jpg
Just used a 6" saucer to mark each end then used a straight edge.



http://casemod.mystarband.net/Top2.jpg
Used a jig saw and it came out pretty clean and it was quite easy.



http://casemod.mystarband.net/Top3.jpg
Next is the window cut for the doors then it's time to prime and prep inside and out.



More Later...

[Wesker Reborn]

Great job Red, your an inspiration to my old Chieftec

[R1ckJam3s]

AMAZING RED, I LOVE YOUR WORK!

[WVJammer]

Looks good Red.
Who are you going
to get to paint it for you?
http://img68.photobucket.com/albums/v208/WVJammer/laughing-smiley-018.gif

[RedXray]

Originally posted by WVJammer@Jun 17 2004, 05:07 AM
Looks good Red. Who are you going to get to paint it for you?

Only one company comes to mind...
Of course! Earl Scheib's $199.95 Slick Um Up Job :lol: http://www.toolpeddler.com/images/m578dbsml.jpg

http://www.earlscheib.com/images/siteHeader.jpg

[spoeden]

Originally posted by RedXray+Jun 17 2004, 10:47 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (RedXray @ Jun 17 2004, 10:47 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteBegin-WVJammer@Jun 17 2004, 05:07 AM
Looks good Red. Who are you going to get to paint it for you?

Only one company comes to mind...
Of course! Earl Scheib's $199.95 Slick Um Up Job :lol: http://www.toolpeddler.com/images/m578dbsml.jpg
[/b][/quote]
You mean that they are still around. :rolleyes: :lol:

[Bigfat]

Hot sh*t.

[zeLupin]

Puts my Chenming case to shame....

[JasondaGreat5]

wow, looking real good there

keep up the good work!

[RedXray]

Update:

There is a lot of useless space on the mobo tray so I have decided to cut a
vertical window in the mobo side door and maybe mount a fan there in the plexi.
Also want to cut a horizontal window on the same mobo side for the PSU.

http://casemod.mystarband.net/Mobo%20Window1.jpg

http://casemod.mystarband.net/Mobo%20Window2.jpg



I dislike the way the manufacture stamps the slots and holes in the floor
of the case. Why didn't they just throw the CD locks in the darn box?
Well for the floors paint to look smooth I decided to fill in the slots.

http://casemod.mystarband.net/Floor1.jpg

http://casemod.mystarband.net/Floor2.jpg

http://casemod.mystarband.net/Floor3.jpg

http://casemod.mystarband.net/Floor4.jpg

http://casemod.mystarband.net/Floor5.jpg

http://casemod.mystarband.net/Floor6.jpg

[SLAY3R]

looking good :D

[TomBevis]

Originally posted by RedXray+Jun 17 2004, 10:47 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (RedXray @ Jun 17 2004, 10:47 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-WVJammer@Jun 17 2004, 05:07 AM
Looks good Red. Who are you going to get to paint it for you?

Only one company comes to mind...
Of course! Earl Scheib's $199.95 Slick Um Up Job :lol: http://www.toolpeddler.com/images/m578dbsml.jpg

http://www.earlscheib.com/images/siteHeader.jpg [/b][/quote]
Is that a Badger model 400 that I see?

[WVJammer]

Originally posted by RedXray+Jun 17 2004, 10:47 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (RedXray @ Jun 17 2004, 10:47 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-WVJammer@Jun 17 2004, 05:07 AM
Looks good Red. Who are you going to get to paint it for you?

Only one company comes to mind...
Of course! Earl Scheib's $199.95 Slick Um Up Job :lol: http://www.toolpeddler.com/images/m578dbsml.jpg

http://www.earlscheib.com/images/siteHeader.jpg [/b][/quote]
Yea, their the best. They do a
great job at sanding & taping
everything off. :D
Nice job on the "floorpan"
Red.

[RedXray]

I have a question?

Checkout photo below.

I'm thinking of mounting a piece of plexi to the hole I cut on the mobo tray.
What do you guys think of removing the HHD cage you see in the photo and
rotating it 90° and popping it to the mobos plexi window with a 80mm fan
hole cut and also mounted in the window. This would lessen the drives foot print
by mounting it sideways and besides being different it would be in direct air flow
and the power & IDE cables would be more accessible.

What do ya think?

http://casemod.mystarband.net/Floor5.jpg

[drawde]

i think it would be a great idea red, was hopeing to do sorta the same on mine (cept turning the drives and the window it's self) .... but i will be putting a fan in my right side pannel, front lower quadrant for the drives

[DRock4WC]

I guess maybe I just don't have a concept of how big the case is, but wouldn't you just end up seeing the back of the motherboard and all the wires you routed behind it?

[RedXray]

It's going to be a couple of strategical placed windows in the right door so there will still some
room to hide the wiring behind the mobo... and the little wiring that's exposed will be sleeved.

http://casemod.mystarband.net/Right%20Sketch.jpg

[ety]

SO is the front window flat? I want to try and do some of that stuff.

[RedXray]

Yes it just looks like it's curved.

It's an optical delusion LoL http://casemod.mystarband.net/Smiles/infinity.gif

[WVJammer]

Great idea on the HD Red,
Some Aspire cases have the
HD mounted sideways like
that, except of course without
the plexi.

[scifikg]

If your only using 1 HD and want to reduce the footprint even further, you can mount the HD directly on the plexiglass and put this (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=35-888-105&depa=0) on the other side of the plexi.

[RedXray]

Thats a good idea scifikg
I would like to be able to see through the window somewhat.
I'm trying to think of a way to mount the HHD horizontal to the window.

Few Hours Later...

Here is what I came up with.

I just screwed the drive cage mount to the window.
The HDD was a bit loose so I took a piece of plexi and did my first try at heating and bending.
The HDD now fits nicely in the plexi cradle.
My next bending try will be with the sides longer so there will be an air gap between the drive and cover
and I may just mount a 60mm fan on the top.

http://casemod.mystarband.net/HDD1.jpg

http://casemod.mystarband.net/HDD2.jpg

http://casemod.mystarband.net/HHD3.jpg

[DryBlaze]

wow lookin really good

[WVJammer]

Looks good Red.
You can always make a
"leg" for it, if your worried
about the weight.

[RedXray]

Actually It's pretty sturdy and ridged.

It might be a good idea for shipping or transport though
to eliminate any chance of cracking the plexi.

[zeLupin]

just cut a piece of the thickest plexi about an inch in width and screw it in from underneath the hdd bay, to the plexi window.

BTW, Theres ALOT of windows in there...add a CCFL and your gonna bring light to the darkness.

[gAmEr4lif2004]

looks great!

[JeyNyce]

That really look good Red. Makes me want to mod my Antec case. It looks just like yours but it has the window on the side.

[WVJammer]

Red, check these (http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?submit=Clearance&catalog=255&Type=Clearance)out.
Just something interesting.

[zeLupin]

Originally posted by WVJammer@Jun 25 2004, 04:35 AM
Red, check these (http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?submit=Clearance&catalog=255&Type=Clearance)out.
Just something interesting.
he already put in the window. why would he want those?

[RedXray]

Update:

Well I sleeved the Power Supply and made a custom HDD cable so I could
route it where I wanted with the right length and no adapters or Molex connectors
sticking out. I'm waiting on Red UV ATX and Molex connectors + some other stuff.

Theres not going to be many more wires showing except for the IDE cables.
I found a short 8" UV IDE for the HDD. Thats one reason I lined the drive as
close to the IDE 1 slot to help minimize some wiring. The twin fans on the back
will be filled and two blowholes in the top window will take there place therefore
eliminating even more exposed wires. Still need to sleeve the tiny Power Button and
HDD activity LED (no power LED needed with all the windows and accent LEDs)

After I finish the complete mock-up I will tear it back down for the painting.

More later... when parts arrive.

http://starsnbars.mystarband.net/Wire1.jpg

http://starsnbars.mystarband.net/Wire2.jpg

[LAMA]

nice work x, wondering about the psu wires. how are you hiding them?
tony the tiger says: 'gre8t mod!'

[dworld]

wow that is awesome when you get done i want to know how much this is costing

[RedXray]

Originally posted by LAMA@Jun 26 2004, 02:18 AM
wondering about the psu wires. how are you hiding them?

Got rid of the P4 and Aux wires from the harness (cut & heat shrinked in the PSU housing)
After sleeving I routed all the power molex connectors behind the mobo tray.
Now when I have an Accessory or Drive that needs power... I simply make
the cable from the drive and route it the way I want to the back of the board
to my molex connectors. It takes more time but your not stretching and adapting
wires all over the case. This method lets you decide where to put your wires
and not where they want to go because of predetermined lengths.

[gAmEr4lif2004]

Where did you get the sleaving and what sizes are they?

[ety]

I want to try and do some of that on my case. Can you just bring it to Macco or something? It would be a little weird to do that.

[RedXray]

Originally posted by gAmEr4lif2004@Jun 26 2004, 07:09 PM
Where did you get the sleaving and what sizes are they?
Sleeve kit (http://shop.store.yahoo.com/directron/sleevingkit.html) Buy some extra heat shrink tubing...

Molex UV Kit (http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=60_188&osCsid=cbb354ccfccb6ac42fa7361d99f93a6e) Performance PCs is a great little mod shop with a perfect 10 at Reseller ratings.


ety in all honesty there paint & paint jobs are of low quality.

If you follow linears rattle job toutorial... you will probably get a better job and you'll be honing your painting skills.

The more you do the better you get.

If you prep it as in the tutorial and carry it ready to spray to any decent body shop...
they will have tons of great colors left over from all the repairs they do and you may find a deal.
(you may have to carry it to several shops to get a deal.

[WVJammer]

Originally posted by Lupin_Modder+Jun 25 2004, 07:07 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Lupin_Modder @ Jun 25 2004, 07:07 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteBegin-WVJammer@Jun 25 2004, 04:35 AM
Red, check these (http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?submit=Clearance&catalog=255&Type=Clearance)out.
Just something interesting.
he already put in the window. why would he want those?[/b][/quote]
Because Red is always doing
something different; & I thought
that he might find this interesting.
Great job on the wiring Red, but of
course that's something to expect
from you. http://yoshi.us/forums/html/emoticons/wink.gif

[RedXray]

Update:

Finished routing the PSU wiring (hidden anyway but it will be easy to get the door on/off with everything tied down)

Finished Top window and blowholes but may redo the window as it isn't as snug
as I had hoped. I believe I needed a smaller trace washer to give tighter clearances.

That translucent molding is a real pain in the butt to work with. It's hard to see
whats going on with the clear plexi and clear molding you have to feel your way
around to get it to fit in the groove. I may just leave it... I don't believe it's going anywhere.

Next is the windows in both doors.

http://installers.mystarband.net/Blowhole1.jpg

http://installers.mystarband.net/Blowhole2.jpg

http://installers.mystarband.net/Blowhole3.jpg

[dworld]

aweosome is it ok if i use some of these ideas in my case idea and where did u get the clear molding

[drawde]

/me likes the molding too .... where's it from?

[LAMA]

/me likes the whole thing.

[RedXray]

Thanks guys

Molding Link (http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=60_132&products_id=1463&osCsid=cbb354ccfccb6ac42fa7361d99f93a6e)

Thanks to Art by Troy for the link.
It's the same molding used on his kick ass mod "MOBY2"

[dworld]

still wondering if it is ok if i do some of the stuff that you did to that case to mine its not the same case but i like what you did with the hard drive

[Mr. Miyagi]

How did you create the custom HDD cable?

[RedXray]

Originally posted by dworld+Jun 27 2004, 09:26 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (dworld @ Jun 27 2004, 09:26 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>still wondering if it is ok if i do some of the stuff that you did to that case to mine its not the same case but i like what you did with the hard drive[/b]
Sure of course...

I'm always looking at other modders work for inspiration.

<!--QuoteBegin-Mr. Miyagi Posted on Jun 27 2004@ 09:26 PM

&nbsp; How did you create the custom HDD cable?&nbsp; [/quote]
I added wire by splicing, soldered, heat shrinked & sleeved.
I have that HDD cable isolated on a PSU leg of it's own.

I'm going to buy some raw Molex stuff & crimpers so I don't have to do all that work.

BTW Welcome to Yoshi's Forums.

[ety]

What do you do with the cable sleeving in the back oif Motherboard tray? do you have a second cable you connect in the back?

[RedXray]

Yea those Molex connectors are ready for CDRW/DVD and some Lazer LEDs.

About the only other wiring is a card reader/USB that will go in a 5 1/4 bay
since the 3 1/2 bays are now gone. No place for a floppy... YEA :P

[ety]

What are you doing for the Motherboard power connectior? I used the clean molding to and it was advertived that youi can put El wire in it but I have a hard enogh time keeping the molding in place.

[WVJammer]

Originally posted by RedXray@Jun 27 2004, 10:29 PM
Yea those Molex connectors are ready for CDRW/DVD and some Lazer LEDs.

About the only other wiring is a card reader/USB that will go in a 5 1/4 bay
since the 3 1/2 bays are now gone. No place for a floppy... YEA :P
Great job Red.
I always love to
see one of your
wiring jobs.
What no floppy? You don't
like floppies or something?
:P

[osiris]

RedXray,

i've been monitoring this mod for a couple of days now.. and can't wait for it's final result! by that way, you used extension cord for the PSU wires right? :)

[RedXray]

Originally posted by osiris@Jun 28 2004, 12:18 PM
by that way, you used extension cord for the PSU wires right? :)
Yes I guess you could call the HDD wire an extension wire.

The mounted wire on the left side of the mobo tray coming from
the PSU is just a regular power wire with the end two Molex connectors removed.

Then you see where it connects to the HDD cable extention... so the one cable is dedicated to the HDD.

You know when you stretch the power cables around the case you have extra
Molex & floppy connections hanging out of the harness. This method lets you
control wire placement to avoid the predetermined lengths.

Like Yoshi's PSU mod but not quite as high tech but an easier solution.

[ety]

Whats Yoshi's PSU mod, I dont think I have seen that?

[RedXray]

All the power Molex connectors are mounted with special Molex
that snaps and locks into square holes cut into the PSU housing.

No Power Wires coming from the unit.
Just custom made lengths from the drives to the PSU.

[osiris]

Originally posted by RedXray@Jun 28 2004, 01:42 PM
Yes I guess you could call the HDD wire an extension wire.

The mounted wire on the left side of the mobo tray coming from
the PSU is just a regular power wire with the end two Molex connectors removed.

Then you see where it connects to the HDD cable extention... so the one cable is dedicated to the HDD.

You know when you stretch the power cables around the case you have extra
Molex & floppy connections hanging out of the harness. This method lets you
control wire placement to avoid the predetermined lengths.

Like Yoshi's PSU mod but not quite as high tech but an easier solution.
thanks red for the information.. i'll try to implement it on my case. :D

[dworld]

sorry but where did u get the wire to make the cable

[AManOfLOP33]

Holy wow Red, looks great so far. So the final product is going to be a combo of UV Blue and UV Orange (just a guess of the fans and sleeving). Im workin on a new case right now for a racing mod and that hdd mod is a great idea. I think you should put a mirror on the bottom, they always look great on the bottom. Cant wait for the final product!

[SLAY3R]

wow amazing :D

[Lightning]

That mod is terrific, far beyond anything I can do. You may have covered this earlier, but what case did you use, and where did you get the connecters you used to tie the cables to the back of the motherboard tray?

[ety]

I ordered a bunch of sleeving stuff I am going to use my old moxlexs on the back and new UV ones on the other side and see if I can doing anything like that.

[dworld]

Originally posted by ety@Jul 1 2004, 01:46 PM
I ordered a bunch of sleeving stuff I am going to use my old moxlexs on the back and new UV ones on the other side and see if I can doing anything like that.
that is like what i am going to do in my case

good luck

[DryBlaze]

case looking really good keep up the good work

[RedXray]

bump to next page :)

[Wesker Reborn]

Most impressive

[RedXray]

Bumped from previous page.


Update:

Right door cut and window mounted. Had a clearance problem with the fan
I had mounted on the doors window hitting the mobo window so I moved the fan
to the inside of the mobo window and just mounted a grill on the doors window.

The large left door window is next then I will completely disassemble and prep for color.

More Later...

http://installers.mystarband.net/Rwindow1.jpg

http://installers.mystarband.net/Rwindow2.jpg

http://installers.mystarband.net/Rwindow3.jpg

[3.5SE]

Really nice Red. Great work. I bow to the paint prep god.
You're giving me the itch to get to work on my current project. That's the beauty of the modding community we feed off each other. Thanks Red. Keep it coming. You can check out my last case mod project called the Black Pearl also in the work log section here. I've done three other more mild mods two systems I put together for friends and one for the wife.

[dworld]

looking good

[3.5SE]

Red,

What kind of jigsaw blade did you use to cut your top window. I'm about to do the same thing (use a jigsaw to cut two windows). I have a few metal cutting jigsaw blades, I think a 14 tooth, 18, and 24. The package says the 14 is for thick metal while the 24 is for the thinest. I've heard before that you get the cleanest cuts with the most amount of teeth on the blade. Any idea what type of blade and how many teeth you used on your case? Thanks.

[RedXray]

I believe they were 18 teeth per Inch blades. If the metal is flimsy I would go
with the finest blades. Also don't forget to buy a roll of 2" masking tape to keep
the saws foot from marring up the case.

I have been using plexi with that very thin plastic protection...
I cover the plexi with the Two Inch masking tape also for extra protection from
scratching plus it's easier to mark and see the cutting marks. If your plexi has
the nice thick paper covering... disregard the last paragraph.

[3.5SE]

Thanks, maybe I'll give the 18 tooth first shot. It's pretty thick steel (about your average quality steel case). I will use masking tape that's for sure. It saved me many times when using a hole saw to cut my blowhole on my last case. This time around I'm not painting until after I get everything cut and mounted. It's going to take me a long time to finish this mod and I hope my wife can put up with the mess I'm going to make.

[RedXray]

Originally posted by 3.5SE@Jul 7 2004, 10:53 AM
It saved me many times when using a hole saw to cut my blowhole on my last case.*
Don't forget if your going to cut a blowhole in the plexi using the holesaw...
Cut with the drill in reverse (after drilling pilot hole with different bit)
to avoid the holesaw jumping and grabbing and scratching your work.

like I did OOPS <_< :lol:

O well It's just $7 for 24"X24" no big deal

[3.5SE]

Thanks, I got my top window blowhole pre-cut when I had it laser etched. Didn't want to mess with the plexi, that's a whole other ball game to cut that stuff.

[Wesker Reborn]

Red what type of hole saw do you use? Im planning on putting a blowhole on the new Cheming 602 I'm ordering, and also on the side window.

[zeLupin]

i personally would like a hole in the window of the 602. But a blowhole would look nice. The 602 i got looks sweet anyway with the blue led fans and blue cathode. i like the efect it brings under the grill though.. :)

But any chenming case is put to shame by Red's mod. Keep up the great work.

[RedXray]

Update:

I used the plexi piece I formed and cut some fan holes then added studs.
and then next mounted a Hard Drive Cooler to the drives plexi cover.
Theres about 3/16" clearance under the cover for air flow across the drive.

(Extra screws length will see the Dremel.)

http://installers.mystarband.net/HDD1.jpg

http://installers.mystarband.net/HDD2.jpg

[ety]

After seeing this and the rats nest in my PC I started sleeving all my cable and running them around the back, and it god pretty good so far, I post pics in a week.

[RedXray]

Wasn't happy with a couple things:

Re- heatshrinked HDD cooler wire.

Squared the Drive in the plexi cover.

Dremeled the extra screw lengths.

Nice blast of cool air between the plexi & drive :)

http://installers.mystarband.net/HDD3.jpg

http://installers.mystarband.net/HDD4.jpg

[Wesker Reborn]

Lookin good

[elitecloud]

your cpu cooler = :blink:

[RedXray]

Originally posted by elitecloud@Jul 11 2004, 03:36 PM
your cpu cooler = :blink:
That one pictured is a Thermalright AX-7

I'm not sure whats going back on.

I'm open for suggestions...

[Wesker Reborn]

Thermalright ALX-800

[WVJammer]

Nice Red.
But you've got to do
something about that
awful mess of wires.
;)
It looks great man.
As far as CPU, you could
always go with an SLK.
Seems to work really well
for alot of people.
I know Burke loves them.

[zeLupin]

Originally posted by WVJammer@Jul 11 2004, 05:09 PM
Nice Red.
But you've got to do
something about that
awful mess of wires.
;)

:blink:

[RedXray]

Originally posted by WVJammer@Jul 11 2004, 05:09 PM
Nice Red.
But you've got to do something about that awful mess of wires.

Yea Jamm I know and that neon makes a more visible mess.

Sleeved the CPU & North Bridge fans.
Found an old SiS PCI Video card and
a hard drive from an older machine...
Been sitting around about a year and
Booted right to XP :) (the old A7V I got the HHD from has a VIA chipset also)

I'm going to order a short 8" IDE HDD cable
and some more sleeving for the optical drives.
After I cut the main door window in and test fit...
Everything gets pulled back apart for color.

I'm thinking about a Ice Blue or a dark Eggplant Purple Pearl. (like the ZZ Top Rod)
I may cruise through some new car dealers and check out some 2005 colors
but I hate having to deal with the Vultures swarming... trying to sell me a new car! LoL

I'm open to any color suggestions!
I do have some "Chrysler Viper" Pearl Blue on the shelf.
That is a nice color but it's close to the original Blue Dragon color.
(It would save some money... but I just don't know
What ever I choose I'll have to live with cause I ain't doing it again :P )


http://installers.mystarband.net/Test1.jpg

http://installers.mystarband.net/Viper1.jpg

http://installers.mystarband.net/Viper2.jpg

http://installers.mystarband.net/Test2.jpg

[3.5SE]

Wow Red, looks great. No clue on the color. It's got to be something that goes with blue. Go with a chameleon paint, that should work. Burnt orange for a nice contrast? No clue really.
I've been busy myself with my current project. I might post some pics later this week. Right now I'm burning a DVD and don't want to move my case otherwise I'd be taking off my top panel and masking it and marking my top window cut lines.

[zeLupin]

Green? :) RGB as my good friend drawde told me :)

[ety]

Where can you get the paint to match cars, and how much is it?

[4b5eN+EE]

on the acrylic around the HDD...
cut some holes in the edges to moutn some 3mm LEDs...
ljust to light it up a bit more :)

[Chester]

Go to your local auto part store for auto paint, its not as expensive as you would think.

[zeLupin]

Originally posted by 4b5eN+EE@Jul 11 2004, 11:15 PM
on the acrylic around the HDD...
cut some holes in the edges to moutn some 3mm LEDs...
ljust to light it up a bit more :)
I don't think the powersupply he has can hold so many fans.

-edit-
sry. misread it. If he wanted to have more lights, he could buy some ccfl's

[4b5eN+EE]

yea he probably will...wont u red :)

but i still think having that acrylic illuminated around the HDD would look sweet
especially thru the right side window he has set up

[gAmEr4lif2004]

you could paint it a really really bright orange like this
http://www.betablog.com/img/orange_car-tm.jpg
i know, i stole it :P
and an interior like this:
http://www.nopi.com/NDRA/2k3_gallery/bristol/CarShowHondaAcura/images/Honda%20Bright%20Blue.jpg
yeah i stole that too :rolleyes: :o

[Wesker Reborn]

Orange and blue like that would look pretty sweet, give it a sporty edge I think.

[dworld]

i like the orange and blue idea red shoud do that

[linear]

Eggplant pearl would be awesome.

[Mr. Miyagi]

I also think that you should have the orange/blue color scheme.

[JonR]

Be different. Pearl Gray with pink accents.

[DRock4WC]

Originally posted by JonR@Jul 13 2004, 09:16 AM
Be different. Pearl Gray with pink accents.
nice

[RedXray]

Originally posted by JonR@Jul 13 2004, 09:16 AM
Be different. Pearl Gray with pink accents.
Thanks for the suggestion JonR...

but I'm gonna let you be the first
to mod the pink PC as it was your
original idea... It's your baby! :lol:


I'm close to picking a Purple (still looking though)

1996 GM Hawaiian Orchid Pearl (purple)

[dworld]

well i am not a big fan of purple but i think that it might look cool

[zeLupin]

Mind showing us the color your talking about Red?

Sounds like a complicated purple to me...although I do seem to get confused rather easily... :unsure:

[RedXray]

Originally posted by Lupin_Modder@Jul 13 2004, 11:17 PM
Mind showing us the color your talking about Red?
Sounds like a complicated purple to me..
It's actually an easy two step finish (base/clear)
but I'll probably add some pearl concentrate
to the first clear coats to enhance the pearlescent effects. (three step)

I think it will look good with a lot of UV Lazer LEDs glowing from the windows (purple)

http://installers.mystarband.net/purple2.jpg

[zeLupin]

OMG! I've been there before!... <_<

Wow...if you paint it that color, that would look amazing.

[WVJammer]

Red, are you gonna put
the ZZ stripe on it anywhere?

[zeLupin]

*goes into a state of shock, but before he does that, he grabs t3h st1c|< from amanda and pokes Red to see if he is alive*


...Nuff said....or done....or whatever...

[RedXray]

Originally posted by Lupin_Modder@Jul 28 2004, 01:36 AM
pokes Red to see if he is alive*


Sorry for the lack of updates

After a week in the hospital and getting my skull dremeled and the scalp stapled back...
I haven't had the motivation or energy to get back to work on the case.

But I will soon... I'm no spring chicken ya know LoL

How about a photo of the Dr's work on my modded skull... :o :blink: :huh: :P

[archer1212]

Originally posted by RedXray@Jul 27 2004, 11:19 PM

How about a photo of the Dr's work on my modded skull...&nbsp; :o&nbsp; :blink:&nbsp; :huh:&nbsp; :P
thats close enough

[spoeden]

Originally posted by RedXray+Jul 28 2004, 02:19 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (RedXray @ Jul 28 2004, 02:19 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteBegin-Lupin_Modder@Jul 28 2004, 01:36 AM
pokes Red to see if he is alive*


Sorry for the lack of updates

After a week in the hospital and getting my skull dremeled and the scalp stapled back...
I haven't had the motivation or energy to get back to work on the case.

But I will soon... I'm no spring chicken ya know LoL

How about a photo of the Dr's work on my modded skull... :o :blink: :huh: :P[/b][/quote]


Just take your time and heal up. All of us will still be around and ready to see when your able to get back to it.

[zeLupin]

whoa...didn't know about the whole hospital bit....

I'd rather you heal up first then take your time on the case ;)

[WVJammer]

Originally posted by RedXray+Jul 28 2004, 02:19 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (RedXray @ Jul 28 2004, 02:19 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Lupin_Modder@Jul 28 2004, 01:36 AM
pokes Red to see if he is alive*


Sorry for the lack of updates

After a week in the hospital and getting my skull dremeled and the scalp stapled back...
I haven't had the motivation or energy to get back to work on the case.

But I will soon... I'm no spring chicken ya know LoL

How about a photo of the Dr's work on my modded skull... :o :blink: :huh: :P [/b][/quote]
:o
What happened?
You ok Red?

[DRock4WC]

Originally posted by RedXray@Jul 28 2004, 02:19 AM
After a week in the hospital and getting my skull dremeled and the scalp stapled back...
Yes, I've also found that having your head stapled shut is a less than rewarding experience.

[JeyNyce]

I know you like modding Red, but having your skull modded is taking it a bit too far don't you think? :D

Get Well Soon!

[linear]

Originally posted by JeyNyce@Jul 28 2004, 12:21 PM
I know you like modding Red, but having your skull modded is taking it a bit too far don't you think? :D

How else is he supposed to get the neons in there? B)

I'll keep a good thought for ya RedX.

[TomBevis]

Originally posted by linear+Jul 28 2004, 05:07 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (linear @ Jul 28 2004, 05:07 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-JeyNyce@Jul 28 2004, 12:21 PM
I know you like modding Red, but having your skull modded is taking it a bit too far don't you think?&nbsp; :D

How else is he supposed to get the neons in there? B)

I'll keep a good thought for ya RedX. [/b][/quote]
So thats how you get your eyes to shoot those neat rays! Hope your back to 100% soon, Red.

[zeLupin]

*pokes red with t3h st1c|<*

I hope you're still there.... :ph34r:

[waxon]

Black with pink accent.

[supagal]

Your case looks really nice red.
Do you have any more pictures. I would love to see it finished.

[dworld]

if u read back a little bit you would see he just had surgery so when he recovers he will work on it again

[supagal]

Nope I did not see that.
I read the first few pages then Just looked for pictures of the mod. I did not want to read 7 pages.

[dworld]

ive seen he posting again so maybe soon he will work on it again

[RedXray]

Yep I'm almost back to my old redneck self... probably 90%

Ive had a lot of things to get caught up on like cutting grass,
Front Brakes & Oil Change on my ride (felt good to get in the shop and get greasy)

And my Bi**h work in da house.... mopping, vacuuming, dusting, pruning my house
plants etc. (my gal/maid took a hike last month... I'm so happy :) )

The timing delay may have worked in my favor.

A good old friend has come up from Florida to stay
a few months. He dose great mural art work and
specializes in album covers. Once I get it based with
color I'm going to let him do his thing to it once
I come up with a idea... Then a halve gallon of clear B)

(well mabe just a quart will do LoL)

[MEDIA ROCKER543]

Red Thats tight...

==++ROCKING OUT++==

[dworld]

oh ok good to hear your doing good

now get on with the mod no i am just kiddiing but i know me and a bunch of people realy cant wait take your time thought

[supagal]

Originally posted by dworld@Aug 18 2004, 12:32 AM
oh ok good to hear your doing good

now get on with the mod no i am just kiddiing but i know me and a bunch of people realy cant wait take your time thought
Ditto.
hehehe

[JeyNyce]

Red is in the Hiz-ouse!

Glad to hear that everything's okay

[Rotkiv]

Originally posted by JeyNyce@Aug 18 2004, 10:41 AM
Red is in the Hiz-ouse!

Glad to hear that everything's okay
ramzi still rocks even tho thebroken is dead.

[Killdogg5000]

Red we need updates. PLzz

[TomBevis]

Originally posted by RedXray@Aug 18 2004, 12:30 AM
Then a halve gallon of clear&nbsp; B)

(well mabe just a quart will do LoL)
Would that be EverClear, or just regular clear. http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/ernaehrung/food-smiley-014.gif
Looking forward to the update. B)

[RedXray]

Well I got around to cutting the last window in.

These moldings are such a pain to install the plexi...
I decided not to waist time permanently mounting the plexi as
I did with the others because it all has to come back
apart for the painting. I need to cover the two fan grills
in the rear and the 3½ bays in the front... probably take
the easy route and just pop in a couple pieces of metal...
Oh and I need to notch the drivecage for clearence from the
top window molding. Then I have to tear it compleatly apart to
start the priming and sanding/spraying... Lucky Me LoL

http://installers.mystarband.net/Door.jpg

http://installers.mystarband.net/Door4.jpg

http://installers.mystarband.net/Door5.jpg

http://installers.mystarband.net/Door6.jpg

[CmptrGk]

red that looks really good.

[ety]

Looks good. :) But I think the windows to boring. I dont like square windows for some reason thats why mine is all curvy.

[RedXray]

Thanks

I have ran into a big problem though.
I flipped on the PSUs power switch to boot up and the PSU popped like
a firecracker. It is 3 years old and has many many hours in service but
I hate to loose all the time I have in the sleeving... wish it would have
popped before all the work... oh well I have had real good luck with most
all the hardware I have bought so far... so a failure was due.

I have an Identical PSU but It dosen't have that nice aluminum cover.
If the guts are indeed identical when I open them up... a skin transplant
and a new sleeving job will get me back up and running.

[ety]

Thats sucks that its after for sleeved it. Good Luck with it. I realy need to clean up my cables and maybe fix my broken fan.

BTW Red can you enable PM I want to ask you something.

[WVJammer]

Yea that's to bad Red. But I know
it won't be long before you get it
up.
How are you feeling btw?
Back to 100%?




Thanks

I have ran into a big problem though.
I flipped on the PSUs power switch to boot up and the PSU popped like
a firecracker. It is 3 years old and has many many hours in service but
I hate to loose all the time I have in the sleeving... wish it would have
popped before all the work... oh well I have had real good luck with most
all the hardware I have bought so far... so a failure was due.

I have an Identical PSU but It dosen't have that nice aluminum cover.
If the guts are indeed identical when I open them up... a skin transplant
and a new sleeving job will get me back up and running.

[zeLupin]

yay red is back! w00t :)

[RedXray]

How are you feeling btw?
Back to 100%?
Yea 100% and the same ol scoundrel.

I seem to be having a problem posting replies to most threads
It dose not show and places the thread in my "subscribed to"
folder in my User CP.

Anyone else having the same issues or am I just the lucky one?

I posted this here because it's the only place I can get a message up.

[RedXray]

Yea I tried about everything.

Cleared cookies, unsubscribed, etc...

and when I submit a post I get the message
"Thanks for your Post"... yada yada yada... you will be directed to your post...
Then nothing LoL

[RedXray]

hahaha, sounds like the new forums are out to get you. ;)
LoL
Yea I can only post & edit in the Modding section.

It's going to be tough to do any moderating if need be LoL

but after the last feasco... I'm sure everyone is on there best behavior. http://www.yoshi.us/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif

[WVJammer]

Yea 100% and the same ol scoundrel.Glad to hear it man.
Now get this mod done.
;)

[kisa]

wow Red, I am definitely humbled by your bondo/finishing skills, but then again you should be good at that ! :) The hard drive placement is totally sick. I love it just floating there. What do you think about mounting it all the way at the base of the case though, right under the blue fan? If you wanted to get even more disgustingly sik you could window it and mount it with the window facing out against the mobo tray window. Too many possibilities with that. Very clean very sweet. I am loving the look of this mod!

[[GF]Burke]

Holly crap, very tight man! I as well love the floating HDD. Very nice over all. Covering the small rivets and $hit at the bottom of the case is all detail and it shows. I would however like to see some up-closer -with the lights on- pics. I want to see how your paint job came out. I assume much better than mine. Bono is freaking evil.

Bondo: 'Look at me, i'm perfect looking now!! Till you PAINT HAHAHAHAh!!! "

Dude, I don't know where i'v been but what happend to your head? And what is this "cutting grass" stuff? You should come over and we can "cut grass" sometime..

Nice case man.

[RedXray]

wow Red, I am definitely humbled by your bondo/finishing skills, but then again you should be good at that ! The hard drive placement is totally sick. I love it just floating there. What do you think about mounting it all the way at the base of the case though, right under the blue fan? If you wanted to get even more disgustingly sik you could window it and mount it with the window facing out against the mobo tray window. Too many possibilities with that. Very clean very sweet. I am loving the look of this mod!Thanks kisa
It means a lot when your fellow modders take notice of your work.
I thought about different placements for the HDD and choose the closest mounting to
the IDE connector to minimize the cables wiring length and clutter. Your right about using
that 80mm to aid in the drives cooling but my obsession on the wiring overruled the best
physical placement. (still need to buy the 10" HDD IDE)

I trashed a 2 month old 80 gigger last year on a window mod.
It was quite a bit of work plus a hundred $$ out the window (pun intended). I was successful
in windowing a smaller 10 gig that had it's actuator arm self supported and not utilizing
the drives top cover. I'll leave the HDD mods to the more adventurous and wealthy LoL.

[RedXray]

Burke']Holly crap, very tight man! I as well love the floating HDD. Very nice over all. Covering the small rivets and $hit at the bottom of the case is all detail and it shows. I would however like to see some up-closer -with the lights on- pics. I want to see how your paint job came out. I assume much better than mine. Bono is freaking evil.

Bondo: 'Look at me, i'm perfect looking now!! Till you PAINT HAHAHAHAh!!! "

Dude, I don't know where i'v been but what happend to your head? And what is this "cutting grass" stuff? You should come over and we can "cut grass" sometime..

Nice case man.LoL yea when the color hits the primer every ridge and scratch thats not blocked
down will come back to byte ya. Thats why a good bodyman has to learn
to see with the palms of his hand instead of relying on just his eyes.

The spraying is going to be set back untill I replace and resleeve the PSU.

BTW learned a valuable lesson... never sleeve an old PSU!
It's to much darn work to have it lay down like that.

Oh my hard head is all healed and harder than ever
and on the grass deal... I should have done it over
the weekend and now that hurricane Francis has dumped
8'' of rain the last three days... I don't know when I'll get to it.
That was the grass I hope you were refering to LoL http://www.yoshi.us/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif

[[GF]Burke]

The spraying is going to be set back untill I replace and resleeve the PSU.

BTW learned a valuable lesson... never sleeve an old PSU!
It's to much darn work to have it lay down like that.


O totally. Once all my wires where cut, soldered and sleeved.. I had my Bible out. That is a lot of work.


Oh my hard head is all healed and harder than ever
and on the grass deal... I should have done it over
the weekend and now that hurricane Francis has dumped
8'' of rain the last three days... I don't know when I'll get to it.
That was the grass I hope you were refering to LoL
O man, your down in that area huh? Hope all is well.. and your head. Of course thats what I ment.... you know.. grass.... have to do somethig with it..cant just let it sit there. :o

[Yoshi]

Looks freakin awesome.
I'd love to see some more pics also. Specifically lights on of the HDD mount area.
I am really curious how you mounted it.
Yes the details do make the differnece on a good mod.
It's the little scratches that will keep you up at night when painting. I love black paint too... its the worst too. Shows every little imperfection no matter how small.

If you have not resleeved the new psu yet. An option would be to simply open up the new one. unsolder the leads and solder on the leads you have already sleeved. It would prolly take less then an hour. Much quicker than resleving everything.
Its only 10 or 12 wires to resolder.

[SillyName]

Nice! I use to have that exact case, but I sold it when I sold my last machine to a freind. Good job. I want more final pics :P. Looks at process pics in awe...

[rbratcher]

(to sweet) looks good!!!!!

[zeLupin]

RED! OMG! REVIVE THIS DAMN MOD! ITS PROBABLY SITTING SOMEWHERE RUSTING AWAY!

...

umm...please?

[WVJammer]

When are you going to get around
to finishing this thing Red?
:)

[zeLupin]

Bumpity bump bump BUMP!

[hungrych]

/me cries

[Lightning]

When are you going to get around
to finishing this thing Red?
:)He hasn't logged in since May third. I hope he comes back soon, though.