First ever case build project

[big_ray_t]

Im in a strange but at the same time good situation. I haven't used my pc for over a year now as the arrival of our daughter meant I lost my gadget room, as the missus calls it. We are however in the process of moving into a new home with a few extra rooms so I will have a new gadget room.

I have therefore thought it would be a good time to upgrade some bits. I also like the idea of wc'ing so thought I'd have a crack at that too. My first job is to modify the case I have to allow for better component placement and cable management. I also do not like the look of pure shiney aluminium which seems to engulf the inside of the case.

The case I will be working on is a Lian Li G70 Full Tower Server Case. I have a vague vision of how I'd like it to turn out, but feel a lot of it will be done on the fly Hopefully this is where you guys will come in, with suggestions and ideas.

Thats enough waffling for now. I will upload some photos so you can see what has been done so far. Keep in mind I have never done any modding before so please be kind, lol

 

[big_ray_t]

Right, thought I'd start by posting some pictures of the case in its full unaltered state.

The case is finished, externally, in a brushed aluminium which at first I did not like. It is however growing on me a little now. I am still toying with the idea of having it powder coated externally, but unsure of a colour.

 

[David41]

I really like those cases, I think make a good base for a mod project. I saw one that was sort of burnt candy orange on the outside and black on the inside, looked sweet. I suppose one of the best things you can do is as much planning as possible, things are less likely to go pear shaped that way.
Good luck with it, I'm sure it will turn out great.

 

[big_ray_t]

As you can see, the inside is very shiney. I did not like this so my first thought was to change the interior colour so that there is some contrast. Flat/matt balck was decided upon.

 

[big_ray_t]

First job was to dismantle the case. Simply removing the side and front panel screws would not suffice so the removal of over 30 rivets was needed to strip it down far enough to be able to work with.

Front panel removed

Side panels and hdd cages removed

Roof panel removed

 

[big_ray_t]

5 1/4" cages removed, looking empty now

All cages removed

Roof section that will eventually house a 120.3 radiator and accompanying fans

 

[setter]

Look forward to seeing how this evolves, quite a nice looking case even as standard.

Subscribed.

 

[big_ray_t]

This is my old board, but will do for another while yet I think. At this point I decided to make a template of the board to use so that not to damage the real thing.

Template made and in place. I also marked out some areas for cutting. This will aid in cable management at a later stage.

 

[big_ray_t]

Look forward to seeing how this evolves, quite a nice looking case even as standard.

Subscribed.

It is nice and that was my worry. The last thing I wanted to do was take a gorgeous well built Lian Li and turn it into something that looks cheap and plastic that can be bought for £14.99 from a well known auction site.

That said, it may still end up looking like that, lol

 

[OCDStevo]

Very nice case to start with

I shall follow this build with interest, good luck

 

[big_ray_t]

Started cutting the holes for the cable management.

Just a light dusting of grey primer to get a layer down.

Two coats of primer with sanding before, between and after and the cages should now take a nice clean level top coat.

*** Cages and chassis were sprayed with a acid self etching primer first so that I would have a good solid base to lay paint onto ***

 

[big_ray_t]

Before anyone tells me I'm not leaving enough time between coats of paint etc, I started this build nearly 2 weeks ago and I am only just writing up the build.

I am leaving the primer to dry and harden for 24hrs before sanding with 1200, washing down, drying then putting the second layer on. Again 24hrs, then sand and wash down.

I am leaving 48hrs between top coats and will leave a week after the final coat before buffing then applying the clear coat.

 

[big_ray_t]

1st coat of primer on the chassis

 

[big_ray_t]

...and first coat of matt black on the internal cages

 

[big_ray_t]

How many top coats do you guys think I should do? As it's only the interior I can't see me needing more than a couple before the clear coat goes on

 

[G-Dubs]

I'd agree with at least 2 coats for the inside (it is the inside after al)l. A lot can depend on what paint your using and how nicely it flows on.

the Plasticote ones are good but I find auto paint better, and better still are the humbrol and tamya hbby sprays but to spray a whole case in them you'd need to sell a Kidney!

Looking very nice by the way, no half arse job here.

Can I ask what etch you used?

 

[big_ray_t]

I'd agree with at least 2 coats for the inside (it is the inside after al)l. A lot can depend on what paint your using and how nicely it flows on.

the Plasticote ones are good but I find auto paint better, and better still are the humbrol and tamya hbby sprays but to spray a whole case in them you'd need to sell a Kidney!

Looking very nice by the way, no half arse job here.

Can I ask what etch you used?

Thank you. As I said in the first post I'm in no rush so can afford to take my time.

As for the etching primer I use stuff by U-Pol #8 I think it was called. Will check when I get to work tonight. Be carefull with it though, can be nasty stuff

 

[big_ray_t]

Managed to do a little bit more last night.

Put the second coat onto the cages and managed to sand the chassis down then apply its first top coat.

I also made a start at colouring the fans to match the colour scheme I'm looking for.

Was initially planning on having 8 fans in the system, but it took me nearly an hour to mask one fan so now thinking maybe 2 fans will be enough, lol.

 

[big_ray_t]

I've noticed a lot of these case builds have Project names. Anyone have any suggestions on a name??? Colour scheme I am looking is matt black with little bits of contrasting silver.

 

[big_ray_t]

wow, cant believe it was the 14th May 2010 that I last updated this post. Working away, second baby, new house all have taken up more time than I have had, but have now managed to restart my build.

Changed my initial plan. Now looking for a black/white colour scheme with some carbon chucked in or good measure.

Will update the thread with a load of new photos tomorrow.