Better side panel window

[mclainlk]

Recently I have been thinking about replacing my side panel window on my cheepo case (raidmax super viper) it looks like I could get a sheet of Plexiglas, cut it, and drill holes in the right spot.

 

 

 

My question to you:

1: is this a stupid idea?

2: where the f*** do you buy sheet Plexiglas?

3: how the f*** do you cut Plexiglas? 

 

Thanks!

[ericlee30]

1) no its not a stpied idea

 

2) home depot is a good place to get clear plexiglass

 

3) dont have to cut it if you do not want to, most come in a 12 X 12 sheet and if you get 3M #4010 double sided tape it will stay on tell you want to take it off http://www.homedepot.com/p/3M-1-in-x-60-in-Clear-Mounting-Tape-4010/202258919?keyword=3M+4010

[W-L]

Recently I have been thinking about replacing my side panel window on my cheepo case (raidmax super viper) it looks like I could get a sheet of Plexiglas, cut it, and drill holes in the right spot.

065.jpg

060.jpg

 

My question to you:

1: is this a stupid idea?

2: where the f*** do you buy sheet Plexiglas?

3: how the f*** do you cut Plexiglas? 

 

Thanks!

Not a bad idea get more clarity into the case, pelxi or acrylic can be purchased at most arts and craft stores or your local hardware store, but if you have difficulty finding some Amazon has lots of options. In terms of cutting plexi you can either go with the score and break method for thin material or cut it with a very fine toothed blade (plastics blade) on a circular saw or table saw. 

 

Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/Acrylic-Sheet-0-118-Thick-Clear/dp/B00JB7FEEU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398225315&sr=8-1&keywords=plexi

Edited April 23, 2014 by W-L

[DamDirtyApe]

Be sure you're careful when you drill into the acrylic. Most people will use a step drill bit to ensure they don't end up breaking the entire thing in half.

 

[ericlee30]

 

Awe much better that first pic was like BAM in your face lol

[DamDirtyApe]

Awe much better that first pic was like BAM in your face lol

 

hahaha. Yeah that thing was like 1200 x 1800.

[mclainlk]

Thanks! Another question, because the rivets that come mounting the window to the case are crappy looking and working, any ideas for some kind of awesome chrome bolt and nut configuration?

[ericlee30]

Thanks! Another question, because the rivets that come mounting the window to the case are crappy looking and working, any ideas for some kind of awesome chrome bolt and nut configuration?

Might want to look at MNPCtech http://mnpctech.com/case-mods-gaming-pc-liquid-modding-custom-computer-mnpctech-overclock-cooling-fan-grills/pop-rivets-for-pc-chassis-cases-copper-black-silver-countersink/1-8-pop-rivets-for-pc-cases.-en.html they have some good looking rivets. MNpctech also sales a line of great looking nuts, screws and bolts as well http://mnpctech.com/screws-anodized-m3-m4-30mm-35mm-40mm-red-blue-green-gold-ek-alphacool-hardwarelabs-corsair-xspc/

[DamDirtyApe]

Well, for a nut bolt configuration you wouldn't need to do much at all.

 

But just a heads up, most people would likely go for a plastic cap cover for each of the pre-drilled holes for what previously was used to mount the acrylic. And then just use double sided 3M tape to mount the new acrylic. It's a fairly cheap and easy method that has wonderful results. As long as you thoroughly clean the surface which the 3M tape will be touching, it will last a LONG time. Cars use this method for side panel trims. So that should give you an idea of how durable it would be on a computer case.

 

But for thenut and bolt design... I would recommend using rubber washers, if you can. There will be a huge chance for vibration noise with the acrylic touching the metal side panel. So rubber washers, if you want, and black nuts and bolts. Any hardware store will sell them. Just make sure they're small enough. If the pre-drilled holes are too large for the nuts or screw caps you're choosing, then use black washers to help them set.

 

All in all, fairly straight forward. There's likely a few other methods to mount it, but those are the two I would use.

[ericlee30]

Well, for a nut bolt configuration you wouldn't need to do much at all.

 

But just a heads up, most people would likely go for a plastic cap cover for each of the pre-drilled holes for what previously was used to mount the acrylic. And then just use double sided 3M tape to mount the new acrylic. It's a fairly cheap and easy method that has wonderful results. As long as you thoroughly clean the surface which the 3M tape will be touching, it will last a LONG time. Cars use this method for side panel trims. So that should give you an idea of how durable it would be on a computer case.

 

But for thenut and bolt design... I would recommend using rubber washers, if you can. There will be a huge chance for vibration noise with the acrylic touching the metal side panel. So rubber washers, if you want, and black nuts and bolts. Any hardware store will sell them. Just make sure they're small enough. If the pre-drilled holes are too large for the nuts or screw caps you're choosing, then use black washers to help them set.

 

All in all, fairly straight forward. There's likely a few other methods to mount it, but those are the two I would use.

Oh yeah, I forgot about the plastic cap covers. +1 for recommending them