pioneerisloud

Ok, as my title states, I'm a complete noob when it comes to modding a case. However I currently have in my possession a great case to start a mod on. I don't know if you guys are familiar with the Apevia X-Pider case or not (but a quick google search will show you what I have to work with)....well mine's not that case but looks IDENTICAL to it. I have no side window and its completely silver. I know its not the Apevia because I also have the Apevia X-Pider....the doors are different and the Apevia is Aluminum where as this one is steel.

Onto the help I need. You now should have an idea as to what I'm working with. Now my plans:

Cut a side Window in it, to be identical to the X-Pider. I love the way that case looks stock! But no fan on the side (I'm only using 2 80mm fans ATM and planning on keeping it that way). I was also thinking about cutting one more fan hole however on the top for exhaust. I'd also like to paint it as well since I know cutting is going to mess up the stock paint (even though its purdy). So what kind of tools am I going to need to cut the side Window and fan hole for an 80mm fan? How do I paint this thing so it turns out half way decent....with rattle can? I'm talking about painting it inside and out...probably metallic black and metallic silver, with multi-LED Apevia 80mm fans (till i get some Blue LED fans instead).

I think those are pretty much my plans for this simple case mod unless you guys can come up with another idea for it as well. I'm trying to keep this as cheap as possible. I really don't have the money to even be doing this much....but I've always wanted to mod a case, and since I have two of these, might as well mod the one that needs it! So anybody got any tips for me...how to's....simple to follow directions maybe? I really want this to turn out great the first time, that way I don't screw it up and have to spend more money to fix it.

And I'm of course open for budget minded inputs on what else I could do with this case. I'll also search to figure out the exact case I've got...that way you can see EXACTLY what I've got and I'll edit my post here with a link. Ok, onto the suggestions, tips, tricks, and how to's!!! Thanks for any input, I am looking forward to hearing from you seasoned modders out there!

EDIT: I'd also like to point out here one small detail. My dad is a very seasoned metal worker. He works at Yakima Steel Fabricators (means nothing to you I'm sure). He knows his way around metal working, but he doesn't have any clue what to use on a nice computer case to keep from messing it up too badly. What I'm saying is that I have essentially every metal working tool at my fingertips, I just can't touch it...my dad will do it for me after hours if need be. I don't think they have any CNC Lathe's....lol, don't know my tools. Yakima Steel fabricates all kinds of things, but mainly the steel structures for buildings. They have a Plasma cutter, and other nifty tools. And a machine shop....but I really have no clue the exact tools they have there. But what I'm trying to say here with my edit is that he'll be helping me along in this case mod so I don't screw it up too badly. But he needs to know what tools would be best to keep the case from getting too banged up.

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pioneerisloud

Here is the case in question....but I think mine is just an older model, please read below.

Ok well I wasn't able to find out what case it is that I have...maybe somebody else will be luckier at that than me. This is EXACTLY what it looks like Chieftec Dragon Case. However mine has no front USB. Other than that they are EXACTLY the same case. I'm almost thinking this is just an older model of the that case....but great first modder non the less.

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soundx98

Just something to think about

http://www.directron.com/midwindow3.html

Save a lot of work and you can still paint it

pioneerisloud

That's a great idea. Thank you for that. However I really don't like their color selections....and I need to paint the case anyways...its scratched somewhat badly in a few places. Not only that, I'd like to do it myself. That does appear to be the proper panel though....and I might just have a Chieftec case maybe. Hmmm.....google here I come! I was also thinking about using regular bolts instead of what they use to hold the plexi on. I think that would give it just a little bit of a more bold look to it. I mean my dad's got all these tools he can use on it for me to get it cut.....I'd like to take advantage of that +rep for you though just in case I screw up my current side panel, lol.

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pioneerisloud

Ok, post updated here...I have a Chieftec Dragon Case with no front USB. That is the exact case I've got minus the front USB. Although I think mine might be steel instead of aluminum...its awfully heavy and sharp. But anyways, any ideas as to what I can do to this thing other than side window, paint, and possibly top exhaust 80mm fan?

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wire

What about things for cable management?

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pioneerisloud

Oh I'll have the cable management under control the best I can. The PSU wires are incredibly short so they're already stretched as far as they can go. I would put some loom around them...but not worth it on the generic 250w PSU that's in it. I'm more interested in modding the case itself, not the components in it. Although I wouldn't mind attempting to paint the PSU, HD, and Optical drives.

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Syrillian

Windows are easily installed if one takes their time and double-checks all measurments.... actually that applies to any work that requires cutting. You can get an inexpensive window Here. I have purchased 2 basic windows from the them. The only complaint I have is that on one of them the locking seal was 1/2" too short . Other than that it was a snap!

When painting your case, once again patience comes into play. Nothing will ruin a beautiful paint job faster than using the parts prior to a full cure. If you are lazy like me, you could swipe the parts to be painted with some sandpaper and use a self-etching primer. After that has cured you can apply your layers of paint. Remember that with multiple coats that you will need to spray the subsequent layers within 5-10 minutes, or after 24-48 hours (read the specifics on the can - they vary). Since you are in the Pacific Northwest and it is Winter your curing times may take longer.

If you really want to shine 'em on take a look a SpookedJunglists Thread on Painting (here).

Good luck, and please post pics of your adventure in modding!

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Silentium ~ Arcane Arts

Semper Fidelis

"Illegitimi non carborundum"

pioneerisloud

Oh no worries, pics will of course be uploaded and proudly displayed. I'm just wanting to figure out exactly what to do to make it simple and inexpensive. I mean I'm currently working 10 hours a week at minimum wage....and BARELY making rent each month. I literally have no money to invest in this thing. So the cheaper the mod, the better for me. I'm also trying to keep this as simple as possible so I don't jump into anything over my head. Simple cutting of a window (my dad will do for me), and I'm assuming a hole saw to cut the 80mm exhaust on top is all I need other than painting. I'm mainly here to figure out what tools to use to cut the side window (and top exhaust if a hole saw is inproper)...and how to paint it so it really shines good. And I'm also looking for other ideas as to what I can do on an extreme budget to this thing to mod the case itself even better. I mean other than a side window, a vent, and paint....I'm clueless as to what else can be done to a case with this kind of potential. And thanks for the links guys...I will be reading quite a bit it looks like!

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wire

Here, this seems like a nice short easy guide on how to do a window. Doesn't seem that hard at all if you can get a hold of the correct materials.

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