Time for me to mod!
Today I went to an old computer recycleing center located near me.... and they were selling some really nice older cases. I dicided to pick one up and see what I can do with it. Personally I havn't ever seen a case designed quite like this one... all of the side panels including the top are connected... so it looks something like this

Quote: Originally Posted by richmond Time for me to mod! Today I went to an old computer recycleing center located near me.... and they were selling some really nice older cases. I dicided to pick one up and see what I can do with it. Personally I havn't ever seen a case designed quite like this one... all of the side panels including the top are connected... so it looks something like this To be honest, I wasn't sure if it would be better for me to cut this into threes, and rivit the top on, or leave it as is... Lets see... I plan on using bondo on this case. I'm going to cut a custom window on the left side, and paint the case. (Both inside and out) I havn't dicided yet on a color scheme, but I was thinking blue, since I already have so many blue LEDs laying around. I also plan on cutting a 120mm fan hole in the front (as seen above) as well with one in the back. I plan on posting pics as soon as I can get my camera back, but I just needed to know what you all thought about me cutting the panles apart before I moved forward with it.

In terms of the immediate question, cutting the panels into individual sections, you have to ask yourself, "If i do this, how will they re-attach to the inner framework?." The only time I've seen a case like this, it slid down from overhead (just like your diagram) and locked in at the bottom edge of the two sides only. Cutting them apart would end up with an exersize into developing a way for the top panel and upper edge of the two side panels to lock in again.
I think there are good reasons to do this... better access to the inside, and a side off case like this makes it tough to install a side mount fan.
BUT!
Rather than take something odd and return it to the norm, (modding this thing right back into the average case),
I'm going to suggest utilizing the unual aspect of this item..... For instance, why not mod the case (as long as you are not planning on a side mount fan) so that it pivots on the rear lower corner, and swings back, kind of like a 18 wheeler's cab when you have to access the engine compartment. Then put a MACK logo on it... Or have the case slide up on a motorized track.... Just examples.... but see if there is a way to work with the offbeat design.
You got lemons? Make lemonaid... don't try to turn the lemon into an orange.
Just brainstorming with ya.... not trying to be a wise guy.
Good Luck.

Quote: Originally Posted by prime-evil I'm going to suggest utilizing the unual aspect of this item..... For instance, why not mod the case (as long as you are not planning on a side mount fan) so that it pivots on the rear lower corner, and swings back, kind of like a 18 wheeler's cab when you have to access the engine compartment. Then put a MACK logo on it... Good Luck.

Wow Prime-Evil, that is a great idea. That changes the whole way I am going to go about working on this project. It would be nice to have a creative side like most of the people in these forums ..

Anyway, here are the pics I said I would get up, but some (or one) of them is blurry... Sorry about that.


Here is the frame with everything compleatly taken apart. Its in very good condition, with little to no scratches or dents.



This is the case with its cover on... Ive got all the drive covers as well, just saved time by not putting them on. You can also see the HDD rack to the right


This picture is blurry (sorry) but it has the frame, its cover, and the removable mobo tray that I wasn't expecting it to have.



Here is the back... Not sure if there is gonna be enough room for a 120mm exaust there, but if there isn't, I can squeeze 2 80mm in.


Well thats all I have for now... I really need some more great ideas, like the one Prime-Evil gave me.

Thank you for helping me out.
Richmond.

might be able to squeeze a 120mm in there... measure it

a cool thing to do would be to make a window wrap around the 3 panels. something strong like lexan and then some cement or something to hold it in place. dont think ive seen anyone with a window wrapped around. itd be cool and original
-- but of course you would have to make some windows on your drives too. some etching perhaps? and maybe have it wrap around the case as well lol. just creative original ideas comming

hope all goes well and you should start a worklog. see ya

spades

Quote: Originally Posted by spades_n_aces a cool thing to do would be to make a window wrap around the 3 panels. something strong like lexan and then some cement or something to hold it in place. dont think ive seen anyone with a window wrapped around. itd be cool and original spades

Another great idea. I don't think I am going to wrap the window around the the third side, because the only thing that would be visable through it would be the mobo tray. Howerver, I do plan on making the window sort of in an L pattern from the side onto the top. I'm going to try to get started today by getting all of my supplies, and hopefully laying out where I want the window to be.

[Edit] I am no longer planning on cutting the window onto the top, for the simple reason that it would make the panels too weak. I started cutting today, and just decided against it. Great idea though.
I will also be putting my new pics up as soon as i get done cutting and sanding... I think I will move this thread over to the weblogs tonight...

Again thats for the input... I love everything ive heard so far.

Anyone have any ideas on a color scheme?