Socket's Case Mod
Last update: 01/06/04
If you have ever felt tired of plain "computer case white" then you feel much the same way that I did when I started this project. My problem was that I have had the same case for quite some time now that has been really good to me, and couldn't justify getting a new one just for looks alone. So I began looking into what I could do to the one that I already had to spice it up a little. I Knew that I wanted a window so that I could see all the neat stuff in my PC, but I had no Idea how far I would go. below you will see the finished product, and the insanity that come come with just a small obsession.
As you can see I went with a Homestar Runner theme for my case window. For those that don't know what I'm talking about... Go Here
I took this Picture to show the glossy paint job that I chose. And just for the record that is from a rattle can.
Again ... ah so mirrorish
I chose to put in a top window later on in the project. I'm glad I did. It adds a cool touch to be able to look down into the case.
Now for the best part. This is a little cold cathode black light action going on here. every cable is wrapped and painted in UV reflective paint.
This picture does the real effect no justice.
Here is a little looking down into the mess of cables action.
All in all I am very much impressed with the way that this turned out. The
process to get the mirror was a real patience builder. (ask my wife. I did this
on the living room floor... the sanding that is.) I did a lot of looking around
to choose how I wanted to paint my case, and found many helpful websites on the
topic. Check out the links below for more information on the making of the case.
I got the cut outs from some stencils on the Homestar Runner website, and then
traced them over to my case with a black felt marker. Then I used a Dremel to
cut out the windows. I painted the plexi-glass with blue UV paint and then clear
coated it before gluing it onto the case sides and top. This is what creates the
glowing that you see on the glass. The light that I used inside is a cold
cathode black light, meaning that it heats up very little and isn't a potential
danger to my computer. If you ever plan on modifying your case at all I
recommend reading about different ideas that people have had and then just have
fun making it something that you will enjoy.
This is the site that I got the Instructions for creating a mirror finish
with a spray can: Linear
For info on Homestar Runner : Homestar Runner dot com
I recommend you look at the characters first: Homestar Characters
Then check out the Strong Bad Emails: Strong Bad E-mail's
My favorite Emails are: Guitar, Dragon, Techno, Caffeine, and Japanese cartoon
(though they are all awesome ... on a scale of one to awesome that is)
by Socket