PDA

View Full Version : Beige Box MOD!!!!!!


Belissma
15th February 2005, 03:16
Thread moved to Chop Shop (http://www.wizdforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1203)


This is one of two posts I am currently starting on WizD Forums and this is to show the progress of my new Beige PC Modding Process.

The aim is to perform (similar) feats to that of (bow down in salute) to Bill @ MNPCTech.

I have started like many have with a simple Beige Box which I got free from a local computer company.

http://www.freeimagelibrary.com/images/Belissma786/beigebox.jpg

I decided to completly "mod" the case as this was my first attempt at "real" modding and as the case was free, it didnt really matter if I messed up!

I first thought about the side panel and decided to incorperate the standard rectangular window in it which I purchased for around £2 from Ebuyer. I then browsed around there site and saw a top window but this was £12 and too much for a poor student like me!

So instead I decided to follow the tutorials setout @ www.mnpctech.com (http://www.mnpctech.com/) and cut my own window in the top.

I origionally wanted a round window but though it was too boring and "stole" a tribal image from mnpctech's website and changed it around a bit and stenciled the image on the top of my case.

http://www.freeimagelibrary.com/images/Belissma786/tribal.jpg

Although many of the modders use a dremel to cut holes in there cases, the price tag of around £70 was a bit too steep for me and I went down the my local B&Q and picked up there own brand rotary tool for only £15! This tool is vari-speed and takes all the bits that a dremel uses!

http://www.freeimagelibrary.com/images/Belissma786/dremel.jpg

I started by printing out the picture of the tribal design and tracing it onto some baking paper.

http://www.freeimagelibrary.com/images/Belissma786/stencildesign.jpg

I then rubbed this onto the masking tape on the top of my computer. The problem I origonally faced was that the design was far too complex to cut out with a dremel so I modified it slightly to take out some edges.

Once I had the image on top of the case it was time to use the dremel. Suprisingly it was quite easy, you just have to remember to take your time and do everything slowly. I began by tracing the lines using the lowest setting before moving up and "wacking" it on full blast.

Currently I have one part of the design complete and will hopefully finish the rest in a few days.

http://www.freeimagelibrary.com/images/Belissma786/hole.jpg

Once it is done I will start modding the rest of the case.

I have plans to use filler and fill out the front of the case before installing two aluminium fans, some fighter pilot switches (available from mnpctech), and incorperating some stealth drives into the mix.

For paint work, I am going to sand it all down, primer it and then spray the front metallic silver, with the sides and top in the lime green. The inside of the case will be green neon and green fans throughout.

OK, you've seen the case, all I need now i some ideas as to what to do to it. Remeber I am a student with a small budget, but loads of time on his hands!

More updates to follow soon!

P.S. Ignore the "awful" design at the bottom of the tribal design. This will be changed, but to what I am not sure of. I think it will be something like the designs people get tatto'd on the back on their necks.

biggiy6
15th February 2005, 04:00
Very nice start but you really should resize your pics and this should be in the Chop Shop section so don't freak when you see "moved:" on your thread. Looking good so far and can't wait for updates.

Belissma
16th February 2005, 16:49
After a night of cutting (and another trip to B&Q to buy more discs), I have finished the Tribal Design Window at the top of the case.

http://www.freeimagelibrary.com/images/Belissma786/window.jpg

I'm adding the link coz the image isnt scaled down.

Will hopefully scale down the images and link them properly soon!

It still needs to be filed down, using a mixture of my manual file and my dremel bits.

My rectangular panel has arrived from Ebuyer and this will be the next to be fitted. Then, have to go home and "steal" my dads sander and start getting the case ready to be sprayed.

I am using the following for my sanding:

First an 80 - Course Sand
Then a 100 - Medium
A 150 - Medium
Followed by a 180 - Fine

After this using P400 - Medium Wet & Dry
Followed by a P600 - Fine Wet & Dry

After the sanding, going to use standard car Primer and then 2-3 layers of either metallic or perlecant (2-tone) paint on the sides. I'm thinking of a Blue/Green if it is perlecant!

Does anyone have any tips regarding this? Am I using the right methods, or am I completly off track???

fillip
16th February 2005, 17:19
Well, if you find some cheap pearlescent paint in cans let me know, i've spent ages looking around for it in the UK but couldn't find any that wasn't intended for professional application through a spray gun.

Nice cuts btw. http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/wink.gif

duhwht
18th February 2005, 05:28
Well, if you find some cheap pearlescent paint in cans let me know, i've spent ages looking around for it in the UK but couldn't find any that wasn't intended for professional application through a spray gun.

Nice cuts btw. http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/wink.gif

Try this stuff , It does work fairly well. (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0095P?FVSEARCH=pearl+paint&FVPROFIL=++&search3=Go)

ỒĊBłůē
18th February 2005, 07:54
Well, if you find some cheap pearlescent paint in cans let me know, i've spent ages looking around for it in the UK but couldn't find any that wasn't intended for professional application through a spray gun.

Nice cuts btw. http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/wink.gif
I don't know if this is any use to you;

http://www2.carpaint.co.uk/automotive_paint.htm :huh:

fillip
18th February 2005, 11:46
I don't know if this is any use to you;

http://www2.carpaint.co.uk/automotive_paint.htm :huh:
That looks most useful, thanks!

Unfortunately duhwht, I was looking for someone UK based for a couple of the reasons, the main one being that most companies wont airmail aerosol cans since they're highly pressurised.

Belissma
22nd February 2005, 17:45
Has anyone from the UK ordered from MNPCTECH??

I'm gonna get a couple of fans, some switches (for the stealth drive bays), some modders mesh and some cutting discs. Anyone know how much he normally charges for shipping?

Knipex
22nd February 2005, 20:21
hang around and I am sure he will tell you.

He does ship to the UK and shipping prices aint too bad.

mnpctech
22nd February 2005, 22:01
Thanks @ Knipex.

Like Belissma, some of you have noticed my side doesn't accept International orders

However, I do ship International orders frequently via US Airmail (7 - 10 business days) Sometimes packages will arrive sooner. It depends on your customs office. Costs will depend on weight and dimensions of box. Shipping/handling charges will range from $19 - $29 to cover my time and travel expense to Post Office.

Note, there is no tracking capability with Airmail.

I won't mark packages as "gift" to avoid import taxes, VAT, etc.. However, I may list items @ lower price than retail on custom form. No promises though.

Contact me direct (pcbuilder@mnpctech.com)

Belissma
25th February 2005, 16:27
Cheers mate,

Will let you know when I am ready to order the parts. Prices don't seem too bad. Touch Wood I wont get any customs charges!!!

mnpctech
25th February 2005, 16:54
Touch Wood I wont get any customs charges!!!

Volunteer your time with Hardware Review site doing product reviews. Then I can ship it as commercial sample.