Project Log: Our Little Devil

[TAZTG]

Yes its true, I have started a new MOD.
Lets start by explaining the Name "Our Little Devil", this actually refers to TAZTG our Siberian Husky who passed away. He was actually a Little Devil cause he got into so much stuff when he was a pup.
The MOD itself will be simple and clean consisting of a Special/Custom Paint job with a Special Ordered Vinyl on the Side Panel. Plans include stealthing, clean wiring and what ever else may come up in the process.

Here's the case: LIAN LI PC-60USB B2 Silver
In my opinion a great case for modding.

http://c1.neweggimages.com/NeweggImage/productimage/11-112-022-24.jpg


Currently, the case is completely stripped apart awaiting painting.
Case Hardware will include the following:
ASUS P5N32-E SLI
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz
CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
EVGA 640-P2-N821-AR GeForce 8800GTS 640MB
Western Digital Caviar RE2 WD3201ABYS 320GB
Antec TPQ-850 ATX12V / EPS12V
LG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe
Audigy 2ZS Pro Platinum

Anyway this will be a small but clean MOD. PICS of current status to follow.
Don't expect no Crazy out of my Budget type of MOD.
;)

[proxops-pete]

Ooooh... looking forward to it!! :D

[Adisharr]

I'll be checking for progress ;)

[James]

CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)


What, no 8GB of memory? :p

Love that case still.

[TAZTG]

Heh Heh, wish it had 8GB. 2GB for each Core would be sweet.

Anyway here's a few PICs as promised. I am just taking my sweet time installing the Hardware. Need to order a Short Black Sleeved ATA Connector and like to get a Black SATA connector for a Single drive. Trying to keep the inside theme the same. Even though it won't have a Side Panel Window I still like a nice clean case.:)

http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil1.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil2.jpg

Thats a Huge Power Supply :eek:
http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil3.jpg

Anyway, off to do some shopping. Thanks for the comments.

[James]

Heh Heh, wish it had 8GB. 2GB for each Core would be sweet.

Anyway here's a few PICs as promised. I am just taking my sweet time installing the Hardware. Need to order a Short Black Sleeved ATA Connector and like to get a Black SATA connector for a Single drive. Trying to keep the inside theme the same. Even though it won't have a Side Panel Window I still like a nice clean case.:)

lol, right before I clicked back into this thread, I updated my sig. Very appropriate. :p


Performance PC's is where I get a lot of my stuff for custom SATA connections.

As for the cable, why not use vinyl dye on a regular one? Or are the custom color ones coming down in price?

[TAZTG]

lol, right before I clicked back into this thread, I updated my sig. Very appropriate. :p


Performance PC's is where I get a lot of my stuff for custom SATA connections.

As for the cable, why not use vinyl dye on a regular one? Or are the custom color ones coming down in price?

5.99 at Frozen CPU. I like the ANTEC Cobra Cables but it appears they have been discontinued. Anyway Black ones ordered.

[r'aggro]

I removed the two front intake fans in my pc-65, and zip-tied one 120mm Scythe in their place. Doesn't exactly look sano the way I did it, but it's effective. Just a little something to consider.

[Tech-Daddy]

Nice, Taz.. I look forward to seeing this progress.
:)

[TAZTG]

Speaking of Progress. I just tested out my Stealth Drive before painting. Looks pretty good and actually works. I had to shim the top a little to make it even once it was installed. Good old double-sided tape. Here's a couple of PICS.

http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil4.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil5.jpg

I have two more Cables on their way and then I will take a PIC of the nice clean looking inside. Can't get use to how quiet this case is. Should I install my Loud Arse fans?? No, I think we will keep it quiet for no. LOL

[TAZTG]

Another small update!
Got the new cables in and they fit really good. There is only one thing I don't really like about the ASUS Mobo and thats the 24V Power Connector location. Sure does make a tight squeeze for the ATA Cable. Anyway you can see the Cable cut for the Sound Card (Sacrificed a Power Strand by snipping and rewiring). Have been going back and forth with exterior paint schemes and ideas with my Buddy. I am just going to set him loose and see what his artistic side and create. The Vinyls arrived and look really good. Anyway more updates to follow.

http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil6.jpg

[TAZTG]

I know its been a long time since an update so here goes one.

Some parts I ordered just arrived and they look pretty good.
I ordered a new Lian-Li Side Panel cause the one that came with the case has grill holes on it thats even to big for a 120mm grill.
Lian Li Side Panel PC-60 PLUS II Cases - Silver (http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=280&products_id=20346)

Here's a PIC of the parts I ordered. I want to note that each one came wrapped like the one shown on the right. They look fantastic! Thanx to Bill for some free Cable Clamps. Nice;)
http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil7.jpg

Now here is a Sneak Peak of the Side Panel with the Machine Billet Fan Grills and the Custom Vinyl. Note: The Vinyl will also have a Alum. Frame installed around it and the Panel will be custom painted a dark blue.
I am not sure of how I will lay them out yet but I am kinda leaning toward the first PIC.
This
http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil10.jpg
or this
http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil9.jpg
or maybe this
http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil8.jpg

Will do some cutting this weekend and post some more updates.

[James]

Nice Vinyl. Did you get that at MNPCTech?

[TAZTG]

Nope, got that from GraphX Online (http://www.graphxonline.com/). They actually sent me two one is just a tad darker. The customer service was pretty good.

[TAZTG]

Here's a small update.

Did a little drilling. I am going to do a little polishing plus I also have 2 sheets of Aluminum 6061 3/8"x12"x12" on order. Thats for the Frame.

http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil11.jpg

[TAZTG]

Hey, why didn't someone tell me that 3/8" aluminum is can be hell to file. I measured out the frame, then used my Jig Saw to cut close to the line. Now I am filing down to the line. Will post some PICS later today if my old hands recover from filing. Jeez, this is just the outside of the frame. LOL

[Tech-Daddy]

ROFL!!!!

"Yo... Taztg! THat filing is going to be a BYOTCH!"
;)

[TAZTG]

Man, what I wouldn't give for a Milling Machine like Bill's.
Jigsaw, Craftsman Rotary, Files and some hard labor. LOL

Anyway here is a couple pics as promised. Will work on the inside cuts tomorrow.
Then is sanding and polishing time.

http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil12.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil13.jpg

[TAZTG]

Just finished up with the inside cutting and filing. I still have to drill some 3/8 Countersink holes like on the other Alum. Parts. Then on to Polishing.
Looks like sanding and then polishing since there are some scratches.
http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil14.jpg

[James]

Nice frame!

How long did the cutting/sanding/filing take you to get it into shape?

The only reason I ask is I tend to be impatient with modding, which is a big no no. ;)

[TAZTG]

I would say a total of 3-4 hours combined. The Jig Saw cutting was quick but the filing took some time. I would rest the old hands after each side was done for a couple minutes. Now hopefully I won't mess up drilling holes.:)

Going to stop and get the right drill bit on the way home, with no drill press its going to be difficult to make them even. Might ask around to see if any of my buddies have one before attempting the holes my self.

[TAZTG]

Very small update. I drilled my holes and did some light sanding.
Next up polishing. I personally am not very happy with the shape of frame. There are a few areas where it is slightly off. Guess doing all the cutting and filing by hand shows. Well every Mod has to have some character and I suppose this is mine. Its still going to look good.;)

http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil15.jpg

[Tech-Daddy]

You hit it straight on!
This is a Hand cut, 3/8" thick piece of alu!
You are going to have character on it! Minimize it if you want, but I think it looks great!
:)

[TAZTG]

Thanx, after its polished it should look alot better. I might do some beveling on the edges that is still debatable.

[TAZTG]

Anyway here is the finished frame. It came out pretty good and not to polished. I still like to see the light scratches and it does match up with the MNPCTECH parts.

http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil16.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil17.jpg

[James]

Pretty Swank!

Vwery nice countersink holes for the screws btw. (Sorry, do we not say countersink anymore? Is it flush mount?) ;)

[TAZTG]

One step closer. Got the parts primed and ready for painting.

http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil18.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil19.jpg

[TAZTG]

Don't Panic! don't ya just hate it when a thread starts out like that. :mad:
Here's a quick update. The case is still at the painters but my buddy ensures me one way or another he will get it completed. There was a complication in the process so he had to sand it down to start over. Worse case scenario is this special process won't work and I will have to use spray paint. Sorry for the Non-Update Update.

[Colossus]

Nice work!

My hand is hurting for you bud!

[TAZTG]

Alright Folks, I know its been quite a long time since any real updates have been posted. With any luck I am back on track and the updates will start coming. This is a small update but it will give you an idea of what the case will look like. I hate to use the term Painted because its not actually paint. I will get a more precise description and name for the process from my buddy.

To Be Honest---The case didn't actually turn out how we both imagined (Smooth/Glossy) but the affects are quite unique and kinda looks pretty damn sweet. Anyway here's some PICS.

Sun Shots
http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil25.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil24.jpg

Inside (Nice Dark Blue)
http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil22.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil21.jpg

With Alum. Covers on.
Note on the DVD cover, the screws are trimmed and Super glued in place.
Then it was Super glued onto the DVD Cover.
I was going to use 3M tape that was recommended by Bill but it left an actual space between the 2 covers.

http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil23.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil20.jpg

Anyway, I am impressed with the look and texture feel of the case. The rest of the case should be arriving tomorrow. Then I will follow with more updates.

[Tech-Daddy]

YUMMY!!!

Cant wait!

[TAZTG]

YUMMY!!!

Cant wait!

Looks like your going to have to wait. My Buddy seems to have run into some personal issues and of course thats going to take precedence over a silly case. :( Its so close to being done...

[TAZTG]

Major News: Due to unfortunate circumstances the rest of the Special Painting Process by my buddy is canceled. Looks like I will have to strip down what was already applied and repaint with good old spray paint. :(

I will stick with the Dark Blue Theme and will use an easy to apply type of paint. Stay tuned...

[proxops-pete]

Doh! Too bad... :(

[TAZTG]

I will do some light sanding to get the imperfections out and then add a couple light coats of paint. Hopefully this will be all done this weekend.

[TAZTG]

Sanding and Painting completed. I am happy with the results but would have preferred the my buddies color and look. If it wasn't for the imperfections that occurred during transport. Dang... I chalk that up to "Sh-t Happens" and we all know it happens alot for us modders. Anyway on with some PICS.

Here's the Left Side Panel with imperfections, they are hard to see so the next one shows how the foam from the box it was transported in left a square. There were foam spots on all the corners if you tilted it just right you could see. The third Pic shows a strange spot that showed up when it was drying I suppose..

http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil26.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil27.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil28.jpg

Here's the right side panel, this was caused by a plastic bag during transport.

http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil29.jpg

Here is the Top and Front, they were actually touching and when they was pulled apart (OUCH) paint didn't stay where it should have. You can also see another strange spot in the top panel.

http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil30.jpg

Alright, now that we got the PICS of what went wrong lets look at some after it was lightly sanded and painted. (BTW: had to paint indoors cause it was so windy, Wife was not happy with fumes!!) I think it looks good, its not as dark as the original but atleast the texture look remained. Thats what I like the must actually. Now if you didn't read back the texture look was a mistake in my buddies process, we was going for smooth high gloss. Well after several attempts he brought in one and asked if I liked it and I said its awesome. Hell with Smooth lets do this. Needless to say he was happy cause he couldn't get smooth and couldn't figure out why..
Note on Front Panel. I had to file holes to get the Power, Reset and LEDS back in and I can't find the small door for the USB Slots. Damn Damn... Anyone have an old Lian Li with a spare door???

http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil31.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil33.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil34.jpg


MORE to FOLLOW:) :)

[TAZTG]

Alrighty I have been hard at work putting this together. Well its now 98% complete. There are a few small things and of course anything else that pops up to improve are to add to the MOD. (Case Badges, LEDS, USB Door)...

The last two turned out Grainy cause the lights and flash were off.

Anyway here are the PICS.
http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil42.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil41.jpg http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil39.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil40.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil43.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil38.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil37.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil36.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil35.jpg

[Tech-Daddy]

That is a good looking machine bro!!!
Great tribute!

[proxops-pete]

That is SICK! I love the paint job!!

[TAZTG]

Thanks guys... Simple but Nice..

[xclite]

Thanks guys... Simple but Nice..
That's the way I like things.

[TAZTG]

Small Update, I switched the side fans around so they blow into the case now instead of out. I added some Air Filters to help keep down the dust bunnies. I also put my old USB door on but you can still see it has 4 USB spots instead of two. LOL... Oh well atleast there is a door there now.

http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil45.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~MsKrissy/Devil/devil44.jpg

[Tech-Daddy]

schwing!
Good lookin stuff there!

[SaturnBeat]

wow very nice job on the whole project! Congrats!