Page 1: Intro, Planning and getting parts
<center><h2><a href="/forums/">Anything and everything in the forums</a>!</h2></center>
<B>Introduction</B>:
With all the hype about modding cases and all the expense of those great premodded ones, how can a person with a few bills and a case get their fair share of looks? This guide will show you how to do an easy and inexpensive mod on your existing crappy case! You'll be able to brag to your friends that your case cost like $30+ mod expenses and it will look very nice. Get your stuff together, we are painting and adding a window to that case of yours!
<B>Step 1</B>: Planning
<center><img src="http://www.aselabs.com/images/articles/nov02/easycasemod/begin1.jpg">
<img src="http://www.aselabs.com/images/articles/nov02/easycasemod/begin2.jpg">
This is what I'm starting with</center>
Your first step is to think of a color scheme and window location for your particular case. I really can't help you with the color, but perhaps if you ask in our <a href="/forums/">forums</a> you'll get a few ideas. The window location on the other hand is a no brainer. You'll need to pick a spot that will make it visible to most of the parts of the case. Do not make it too high or too much to the right, the drive racks and power supply may block the view. Once you get a good location for your window, pick a shape. If your just starting out, please pick something simple. I picked a circle. Make sure you can trace your design on the case, or you'll have nothing to follow for cutting (use a pencil). When you have all your thoughts together, time to get the parts.
<B>Step 2</B>: Get the parts
<center><img src="http://www.aselabs.com/images/articles/nov02/easycasemod/parts.jpg">
Some parts not shown</center>
Probably one of the easiest steps, given you already have the tools. You'll want some type of GOOD spray paint (Rust-O-leum) for the color of your choice. The next few things are for the window: A jigsaw/dremel (your choice), a saw bit or dremel bit for metal cutting (I used a jig blade for metal with 32 TPI, teeth per inch, the more TPI the better), goggles (VERY IMPORTANT), screw driver for taking the case apart, Molding in any color (Automotive stores have it in chrome, gold, black, etc) it will be for a door most likely, a piece of plexiglass that will be larger that your window cut, GOOP or some other type of adhesive. You'll also need the case.
<B>Introduction</B>:
With all the hype about modding cases and all the expense of those great premodded ones, how can a person with a few bills and a case get their fair share of looks? This guide will show you how to do an easy and inexpensive mod on your existing crappy case! You'll be able to brag to your friends that your case cost like $30+ mod expenses and it will look very nice. Get your stuff together, we are painting and adding a window to that case of yours!
<B>Step 1</B>: Planning
<center><img src="http://www.aselabs.com/images/articles/nov02/easycasemod/begin1.jpg">
<img src="http://www.aselabs.com/images/articles/nov02/easycasemod/begin2.jpg">
This is what I'm starting with</center>
Your first step is to think of a color scheme and window location for your particular case. I really can't help you with the color, but perhaps if you ask in our <a href="/forums/">forums</a> you'll get a few ideas. The window location on the other hand is a no brainer. You'll need to pick a spot that will make it visible to most of the parts of the case. Do not make it too high or too much to the right, the drive racks and power supply may block the view. Once you get a good location for your window, pick a shape. If your just starting out, please pick something simple. I picked a circle. Make sure you can trace your design on the case, or you'll have nothing to follow for cutting (use a pencil). When you have all your thoughts together, time to get the parts.
<B>Step 2</B>: Get the parts
<center><img src="http://www.aselabs.com/images/articles/nov02/easycasemod/parts.jpg">
Some parts not shown</center>
Probably one of the easiest steps, given you already have the tools. You'll want some type of GOOD spray paint (Rust-O-leum) for the color of your choice. The next few things are for the window: A jigsaw/dremel (your choice), a saw bit or dremel bit for metal cutting (I used a jig blade for metal with 32 TPI, teeth per inch, the more TPI the better), goggles (VERY IMPORTANT), screw driver for taking the case apart, Molding in any color (Automotive stores have it in chrome, gold, black, etc) it will be for a door most likely, a piece of plexiglass that will be larger that your window cut, GOOP or some other type of adhesive. You'll also need the case.