Time for me to try a full on mod. I've built a few machines before, but this will be the first mod.

The victim? A 5-6 year old Dell Dimension XPS T450. It's running that huge Intel P3 450MHz (slot 1, back when the serial number thing was a big deal). If it turns out well, I'll probably upgrade the innards, if not, it'll be a backup for getting into work when I've screwed up my main rig. That, and there's a few dead machines of this exact model hanging out where I work. If I screw something up - replacement parts!
(BTW, my camera sucks. This is the most detail it'll capture)

Here's the start - note the old, old skool sticker mod







Now lets cut that sucker apart!!

Silly a$$ metal sheet inside of the plastic side panel. Gave me a good excuse to get to know the dremel a bit better though.


What remains

What self respecting stone age doesn't have a volcano?

My artistically lacking sketch (vaguely inspired by a picture of a real volcano)


The new hole


I had to get rid of all those silly plastic ribs around the window - they'de make back mounting the window a tad bit difficult (besides - more dremel fun! I hope those fumes aren't toxic.)


Time for the sander attachment - smoothed the edges out quite a bit.

Great I do love modding old school computers.I got 1 or 2 of that model laying around myself.Take your time and make us proud,Jo

Got a new toy - a hobby level sandblaster!

Kit - $30.00
Air - $13.00
Sandblasting 'till it bleeds - Priceless



It'll probably get a workout this weekend.

Stripped the chassis down - if anyone can recomend a way to get the top and sides off, please let me know.

Stripped as far as I can


The edges of the window have been beveled and sanded - they look pretty smoth now.

I need input here.
The 3.5" bays are getting blended, as is the floppy slot.
I'm thinking about filling in the 5.25" bays, and making the entire front a hinged door, with CD/DVD drives behind it.
The problem is, the power button is not ATX standard. If I smooth the entire front, or use a non Dell MB, I've gotta come up with a power option.

Idea 1: Find a new power switch, and mount it behind the front door.
Idea 2: Find a way to rig the current switch to ATX standards.

If I put the power switch on the front panel, any suggestions to where/how?
Any links to good PSU switches?

Attached Thumbnails

   

where did you find the sand blaster? If you found it online could you post a link?

Think I got the wrong impression when I read the title of this thread...

I was expecting to see rich greens and maybe some purple haze

Quote: Originally Posted by fhsfiremanco1 where did you find the sand blaster? If you found it online could you post a link?

I bought it at the local hardware store, but it looks like http://www.in2art.com/art-supplies/badger-airbrushes has it. I'm going to try it out this afternoon - I'll let you know if it works well or not.