Question: making an upgradeable custom metal case

[BukkY]

I'm making an custom case for a friend's b-day.
I plan to make my pall a thick metal case because
he is a metalworker. The case needs to be completely
upgradeable, down to the motherboard.

1.) Could I buy a case from the store and just take the
plastic off of the metal frame and build around that?

2.) If so then what is a good case to use for this purpose?
I want a smallish case that will still fit a standard mobo.
I only need one or two exposed media bays, 3 tops.


Thanks,
-Buk

 

[Terumo]

Hmmm....I was thinking of the same thing. But using sheet metal instead to make a true 120mm fan case. Finally found some modder's mesh for the fans.

Are you planning to do some welding to extend the case?

Basically any case can be modded to be extended or customized, but the problem in doing that is the air flow. You'll have to design it where the hot air won't pool in a corner. Makes no real sense to build a new case without factoring that in, it can get rather hot otherwise.

You can also just make a outer case out of sheet metal and really be creative about it, too. Would eliminate the need to buy a case and cut out the prep and assembly time. Then get a junk case and take out the drive bays and attach it to the inside (saves time and they're milled to spec already).