O'kay, After the warm welcome I got from everyone, Thanks again guys and gals, I'm gonna start on the work log.
Step one is finished. I have taken delivery of my brand spankin' new Lian-Li, PC7B Plus.
I love this case! Plenty of room and is plain enough to just go crazy with mods! And, well, you can't beat Lian-Li quality!
This is what one looks like BEFORE the cutting wheels, tourches and many saber saw bits attack....

Attached Thumbnails

 

Now, I build and mod a bit different than some. I plan, then plan a bit, then plan a bit more.
I make multiple 3D sketches of the ideas i want, then incorporate them all into one final sketch, THEN and only then, do i begin to cut or mod the actual case. Why so over kill on the design part? Well, I'm on a very tight budget and it is much easier to redraw something that doesn't work, fit or that I'm just not happy with, than it is to buy a new case each time i change my mind.
So, with that said.. here is a sketch i have so far.
Doesn't look like much. One large window cut in the top and the front grill cut out of the way. But just wait, there are some nice surprises waiting to fill those spots!
I'll attach both a JPG image and the Sketchup file for those who may want to download sketchup and follow along in a 3d view.
More will be posted as i'm working late tonight drafting away on this thing.
Happy modding!!
K. Evans

EDIT: Well, this forum wont let me attach the Sketchup file, but if anyone is interested, just drop me a line and i can shoot one over to ya!

Attached Thumbnails

 

Okay,
Need a bit of input from you nice people.
I'll attach a pic and I need either a yay or nay on this idea for the build...
For the drive cage in the case, I'll be forming a single piece of 1/8th inch purple plexi to cover the side of the cage. This will be removable of course for drive access. It is mostly just to cover up and hide the drive screws and give a bit more cable hiding area. The purple plexi will be edge lit with 3mm LCDs to give it a nice glow!
Now, the part I'm wondering about... on the part of the cage that forms the tray for the PSU.. Should I form some 3D letters to spell out "PLUM CrAzY!" as seen in the pic.? Or just leave it clean and smooth?
Please keep in mind that I SUCK at 3D modeling, so the image isn't 100% to scale but is close enough.
Thanks for the input guys and gals!
Happy modding!
K. Evans

Attached Thumbnails

 

Quote: Originally Posted by turbographx Okay, Need a bit of input from you nice people. I'll attach a pic and I need either a yay or nay on this idea for the build... For the drive cage in the case, I'll be forming a single piece of 1/8th inch purple plexi to cover the side of the cage. This will be removable of course for drive access. It is mostly just to cover up and hide the drive screws and give a bit more cable hiding area. The purple plexi will be edge lit with 3mm LCDs to give it a nice glow! Now, the part I'm wondering about... on the part of the cage that forms the tray for the PSU.. Should I form some 3D letters to spell out "PLUM CrAzY!" as seen in the pic.? Or just leave it clean and smooth? Please keep in mind that I SUCK at 3D modeling, so the image isn't 100% to scale but is close enough. Thanks for the input guys and gals! Happy modding! K. Evans

Wait ... I have a brother Karl and a sister Kathy ... and my last name is Evans ...

I'm going to have to track this worklog for "family" sake.

-godling (Jon Evans)

Quote: Originally Posted by turbographx Okay, Need a bit of input from you nice people. I'll attach a pic and I need either a yay or nay on this idea for the build... For the drive cage in the case, I'll be forming a single piece of 1/8th inch purple plexi to cover the side of the cage. This will be removable of course for drive access. It is mostly just to cover up and hide the drive screws and give a bit more cable hiding area. The purple plexi will be edge lit with 3mm LCDs to give it a nice glow! Now, the part I'm wondering about... on the part of the cage that forms the tray for the PSU.. Should I form some 3D letters to spell out "PLUM CrAzY!" as seen in the pic.? Or just leave it clean and smooth? Please keep in mind that I SUCK at 3D modeling, so the image isn't 100% to scale but is close enough. Thanks for the input guys and gals! Happy modding! K. Evans

I like the lettering idea if it can be done cleanly. You could always get lettering cut by a sign company if it proves troublesome.

You don't happen to be a Mopar guy do ya?? I like the letter idea....

I think the lettering looks nice what do you use to do your 3d modeling?

AntiM: I cluold cut the lettering from think plexi easy enough. Or could use any other medium really. I'm just not sure if i like i there.

HemiCuda: Yes, Actually i AM a mopar fan. Actually drive a 2003 Durango at the moment. (far from stock performance wise or cosmetically.

xgeko2: Thanks! I use google's SketchUp. there is a free version you can download. it is pretty easy to use if you dont know much about 3d drafting or 3d programs.

I love the Li Li cases, much for the same reasons as you...

As for the lettering, two ideas:

One, cut some plexi jut to see how it would look against the side of the PSU tray. Doesn't have to be a big piece, you can probably get a "sample" from wherever you are planning to get the bulk of it from...

Two: cut the side tray (on the back side, as a test) and place the plexi over it, and backlight it with white LEDs... Call me crazy (everybody else does), but I have an image in my mind that would look very, vey slick...