All time favorite case for modding, AMS g-tower CF-1009.

Simplistic case designs like this are a good blank canvas for your imagination.

I always start with the chassis and mod-up from there

I'm going to replace the front factory 80mm holes for 2, 120mm fans. Since I don't need the 3.5 bays, I'm going to make a new fan mounting plate for the chassis. Having 2, 120mm fans will create positive airflow to minimize dust and fan noise. It will also look nicer than simply dilling holes into the front panel.
Since I also plan to have the chassis powdercoated, it should look factory made when its finished.

If you wanna improve exhaust airflow in the g-tower, just take a Dremel and cut -out the factory grills

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Everybody always asks me about my big tool

4.5" Greenlee Knock out Punch

I found this 4" for $355 through ivansmith

Now, you want at least 19" wrench to use these punches, my generic 20" socket wrench was $70 through MSC Supply and 2" socket was $35

Total = $460 + shipping

You must drill a 1.5" pilot hole for shaft of the Knock out.

For fan mouting holes, Roper Whitney No. 5 Jr Hand Punch kit

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As I cranked on the front panel, the 22 gauge sheet metal started to twist... So I added more 1/8" pop rivets

Since I removed the 3.5 bay, I'm left with a thin lip over the bay for attaching the sheet metal. That explains why the pop rivets on top are not aligned.

You can see how clean of a hole the Knock out punch makes.

This should look real nice powdercoated.

FYI: I looked into having the chassis anodized. It must be dismantled which is fine because I'd like to try DragonModz anodized pop rivets, but the cheapest quote I got was $225. When compared to powdercoating @ around $130 - $150, and not knowing how well an anodized chassis will hold up to scratchs, I'm gonna stick with powdercoating.

With powdercoating, any screw holes you plan on utilizing must be plugged up by the Powdercoater. Before I send off the chassis, I mark off which screw holes In want plugged with a Black Sharpie

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It starts...

I had never really looked seriously at an AMS before, but I see the potential. The acrylic on front has to go, but it seems like a roomy no-frills case. One feature I particularily like are the dual 80's above the PSU. My Foxconn had that and it is cleaner than a blowhole.

Excellent work so far MNPC
very professional
thats the way to do it!
The right use of the proper tools offers top quality mods...

About the painting
i'd vote for electrostatic painting too
as anodizing is very touchy when it comes to "close encounters" with tools and hardware parts
(at least from my experience with my CR 125 anodized parts)

Another solution u might want to consider is making your own transparent varnish-based color....
by mixing durable automotive clear acrylic varnish and a little bit of the color you want...
(provided of course that they use the same base and thinner - solvent)
i've tried this and it works but only in small scale paintings (models etc.)
it's just an idea...

love to see the rest of the progress...

Awesome, another masterpiece in the making... This time I caught it in the "infant stage"... Definitely gotta keep an eye on this one... But first, a safety announcement:

Hide the women and children, Bill's loose with power tools again!!!

Looks like a good start, I do have one question though... what exactly is the penefit of using your 4.5" hole punch over using a 4.5" hole saw? Is it just that the hole punch is designed specifically for metal? Or perhaps is it because you can use it without a drill or because it's easy to use in tight spaces? I don't get it... I mean, I'm sure there's a reason, I just don't get it... you should tell me what it is.

Hole Punchs are for sheet metal.
Takes less time than using Power drill with holesaw.
It doesn't require a power tool to operate.
It gives you a precise and clean cut.
No need to debur jagged edges like you do with holesaws

Thanks for good word and suggestions guys.

Roomy, no frills... Yea, that sums it up BA

Quote: Originally Posted by GrandpaNoob72 But first, a safety announcement: Hide the women and children, Bill's loose with power tools again!!!

NO NO NO - I wanna PLAY with the tools!
I have my own safety glasses you know.

Quote: Originally Posted by mnpctech_guy Having 2, 120mm fans will create positive airflow to minimize dust and fan noise. It will also look nicer than simply dilling holes into the front panel.

Looks great! That case is fairly inexpensive, and like you said, a blank canvas.

But, doesn't negative airflow minimize dust? I'm not sure, I've heard both.

definatly gonna turn out nise, just like BA said, no frils and roomy, but i am wondering, you said you were going to powder coat it, what color?

Quote: Originally Posted by Spectrum doesn't negative airflow minimize dust? I'm not sure, I've heard both.

Positive pressure (pushing more air inside) helps push dust out cracks and crevices of the case.

Quote: you said you were going to powder coat it, what color?

Whatever is close to the Red used on early Chevy Big Blocks... I'm meeting with Powdercoater today.

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I had to pull myself away from all the Project Logs this morning.. Holy shiznit!, Great to see some many people moddin here!

Not a huge update, but a good foundation for a kick a$$ case starts with the chassis.

I decided to forego the Chevy Big block Powdercoat Red and go with my initial choice, Candy Apple Red with clearcoat. Powdercoating ran $100 at local shop. It was worth every penny

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Sweet........Are you going to use an accent color for the outside panels??....Carbon fiber would look kewl.....

Looks great, as usual. Glad to see I'm not the only one using knock-out punches.

Damn, $100 of sexyness!

Quote: Originally Posted by mnpctech_guy With powdercoating, any screw holes you plan on utilizing must be plugged up by the Powdercoater. Before I send off the chassis, I mark off which screw holes In want plugged with a Black Sharpie

What does the powdercoater do to 'prepare' these marked screw holes that you have marked off? I assume the reason is to not coat the threaded surfaces inside with paint. But what do they do for this?

Coel, if I remember correctly from a TV show, they put cork in the holes.

Quote: Are you going to use an accent color for the outside panels??....Carbon fiber would look kewl.....

Gloss Black....

and youre right, carbon fiber is on the menu. the "real" stuff, not vinyl.

Quote: What does the powdercoater do to 'prepare' these marked screw holes that you have marked off?

Spectrums right... They plug the holes. Silicon plugs to be exact.

Oh man, that hole punch is awesome, gives great results, but alas, its not cost effective for someone like me. Looks like it'll be the ol hole saw and lots of sanding. But Thanks for the glimps into your process Ive been combing through your site for awhile now, oh how I want to copy several of the cases on there lol. Very cool.