Suggestions for my new case mod.

[blurredvision]

For my first mod, I am thinking of doing a Halo 2 theme. My imagination is the limit, unfortunately, I'm a little short in that dept.

Luckily, I work at a sign shop, and I have access to the following:

1. 5'x8' automated router bed. If I can take a case apart, I can cut any design I want without a dremel.
2. Well over 100 different colored vinyls, with the ability to print full color graphics as well. My imagination is the limit.
3. Any kind of material, the most important being about 10-15 different types of acrylic, which can be cut however I need for windows, etc.

Here's what I had in mind. First up, the case I will be modding. As you can see, I forgot to take a pic of the thing before I gutted it and ripped it apart.

First up, I plan on cutting the Halo 2 logo, like this one, into both sides. I was lucky to find a vector image of that logo on the net earlier today (google is my friend). With the computerized router bed I'll be using, this logo will be cut to precision. Once the logo is cut into both sides, I will cut a 92mm blow hole in the top. I plan on remaking a PS enclosure out of acrylic to set on top of the case(discussed in another thread) with a fan or two and some lighting, so I will have to cut a hole for the wiring in the top back.

Once all cuts are made, I will start the process of painting the entire case a light or dark blue (haven't decided yet), and try my best to get a shiny finish to it. Then, with my ties to working at a sign shop, I hope to cover the entire front of the case with some kind of graphic (Halo related of course), and have it tear down the sides and top of the case, only about a 1/4 of the way back. Not sure on what the graphic could be, however. I also envisioned putting a Master Chief head graphic on the lower front, and using some chrome vinyl we have for his visor for a nice, shiny effect.

With my weak skills with all things graphical, here's a sample of what I'll end up with: My beautiful result (hopefully).

After I get everything painted and the graphics laid, I will be putting a clear acrylic window behind the logos on each side. I have contemplated covering the acrylic with a vinyl that we have that is a "frosted glass", as I'm hoping that light from a cold cathode will look pretty sharp, and will light up the Halo 2 logo. I can, however, leave just clear acrylic and not worry about the frosted glass vinyl. On the right side, I hope to run a couple of leds behind the motherboard tray to light up the logo in a different color.

Any suggestions or comments on what I'm thinking of so far? Any suggestions on what I can ultimately do with the front, or what type of graphic to overlay? I plan to overlay the entire front, and work the vinyl around. After well over a year in the sign business, I've gotten pretty sharp with an X-acto (pun intended).

Thanks for any info and suggestions you can throw my way. I hope this will turn out to be a fun project for me and fun for you guys to watch over the next few weeks.

 

[Hans5849]

im just thinking your kind of going for the HL2 case that was released a few weeks ago.

Make sure you use blue LED fans, and cold cathodes are your friends

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: Hans5849
im just thinking your kind of going for the HL2 case that was released a few weeks ago.

Make sure you use blue LED fans, and cold cathodes are your friends

What HL2 case?

 

[Cheetah8799]

What HL2 case?

The one that was linked to by just about every case mod and computer geek website in existence.

here


As for your mod. Make sure you sand down the beige paint crap on the metal before you paint it. Also be sure to use a primer, so you don't screw up your new paint job. You might also want to look at some various types of paint. Maybe something metallic looking. I'm not sure how your vinyl painting stuff works.

When you paint the plastic front, there is a special dye you can use. I can't recall the name, but there are a few threads about it. Someone reading your thread might know. You can get it at most auto paint stores, and even walmart I think.

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: Cheetah8799

What HL2 case?

The one that was linked to by just about every case mod and computer geek website in existence.

here


As for your mod. Make sure you sand down the beige paint crap on the metal before you paint it. Also be sure to use a primer, so you don't screw up your new paint job. You might also want to look at some various types of paint. Maybe something metallic looking. I'm not sure how your vinyl painting stuff works.

When you paint the plastic front, there is a special dye you can use. I can't recall the name, but there are a few threads about it. Someone reading your thread might know. You can get it at most auto paint stores, and even walmart I think.

I remember seeing that case a couple of days ago. VERY nice. That guy is damn talented.

And thanks for the info. I picked up a can of Krylon white primer last night, and will begin sanding down the case after routing out the shapes. I currently plan on putting on 2 coats of primer. I have yet to pick out a color, but I like your suggestion on a metallic looking paint. I originally thought of a darker blue, but may go with a deep gray or something similar. I feel as if I want the logos to light up in blue, so a gray may be the way to go.

As for the vinyl, it's not a paint at all. The vinyl has an adhesive backing to which I can just stick to the case. The adhesive is very good stuff, and a little skill will be required to work it around the front of the case.

 

[wkwong]

well.. if your can get an exact cutout of the halo 2 without messing up the parts cut out. you can get a full sized window, and just mount/glue the pieces cut out back onto the acrylic. which will give you an emblem rather then a small logo cutout and u still have a full window.

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: wkwong
well.. if your can get an exact cutout of the halo 2 without messing up the parts cut out. you can get a full sized window, and just mount/glue the pieces cut out back onto the acrylic. which will give you an emblem rather then a small logo cutout and u still have a full window.

I feel kinda stupid saying this, but that's a damn good idea. I don't know why I didn't think of that before . Then, I can print out some graphics on vinyl to give that Halo 2 logo a textured look. Luckily I haven't cut out anything yet, so I'll give it some thought. Thanks!