HAF 912 Mod

[steelodon]

I am planning on taking a HAF 912 and applying a custom paint and window. Any suggestions on materials needed?

 

[BonzaiDuck]

I am planning on taking a HAF 912 and applying a custom paint and window. Any suggestions on materials needed?

Hmmm. I've got the 922's. I've done a lot of case-modding, and I'll say that those HAF cases have a lot of potential. So if you want to add paint and window, I've got some suggestions.

But let me ask you this. If you'd seen the CM Stacker and some other cases, you might know they ship them with tiny 1-inch caster wheels with locks. Lousy on a carpet! And I don't think they ship with your 912 anyway. You can get black or gray 2" or 2.5" double-caster wheels with locks at a place called Lawless Hardware -- somewhere in the midwest -- and order online. A set of four might cost you between $10 and $15, or they could be less [my fading memory]. Then get some 2" x 1/4" x 12" aluminum bars at the local sheet-metal store, use (preferably) a small drill press after marking holes to match the 6-32 screws holding the rubber feet on the case. You'd want the wheels to have the square four-hole mounts, and use a screw-tap after marking and drilling holes at each end of the metal bars after you cut them to fit the width of the case.

And you have wheels with locks, not having done anything to alter the case to mount them.

OK. the window. You can get window kits, but you can DIY the whole thing. You need a Dremel cutting tool to (patiently) cut your side-panel hole after carefully marking it. Head down to Home Depot or similar hardware store and buy the right-size sheet of Lexan from which you'll make the window, and the scoring tool that costs about $2. Lexan is best, because it doesn't crack easily or shatter.

Before you cut the Lexan, got to www.frozencpu.com and look for the rubber-grommet fitting that you can buy in custom lengths, priced by the foot. It will come with instructions about cutting the hole in the case-panel. When you cut the Lexan, it must leave about a 1/4" gap edge-to-edge with the sheet-metal hole so the grommet will fit.

As to the paint. For the sheet metal, you can either use a paint-stripper to completely remove the paint that's already there, or simply sand it for adhesion. Then apply an enamel primer -- any color but if you're going to use a red enamel paint, then use the red primer. If you strip the panel entirely, then you need a different primer for bare metal -- probably on the same hardware shelf where you'll get the other paint. It usually is an olive drab color as will be the cap on the paint can.

Of course, you will disassemble the entire case, including the plastic parts -- [and I know the HAF cases pretty well]. Look for a special paint or enamel for plastic. I think there's also a primer for it as well. You should be able to find matching colors between the regular enamel and the plastic enamel, although some slight variation might be interesting. You could certainly use regular enamel on the plastic if you use the correct primer for it, though.

As for the drill-tap -- probably the drill-bit for the 6-32 screws plus the tap and tool for it are around $5+ at Sears. Drill the holes perfectly straight, and mark the positions precisely with a spring-loaded punch if you can get one (another $2 tool at the hardware store -- ACE Hardware has them on their "$1 Sale" table.) Use oil or the special cutting oil to lubricate the tap, and don't force it. Twist it in until it meets some resistance, then back it out, then twist it in again until you've cut the threads. [Try not to break it. It can be easily avoided . . . ]

Hey. By the way. Here's your rubber molding at Frozen CPU:

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/30...ingWasher.html

 

[steelodon]

Great tips BonzaiDuck! I will definitely look into this. Thanks!