I was thinking of that, but on the other hand it would act as a radbox and help smooth out the airflow through the radiator something like this:

www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.ph...85&products_id=30188

if that airbox things does what it says, it would most like run a little cooler. I guess I will watch your build and see if it helps, if you go that route.

Update time

I got 2 of the 3 windows done. I started with the top mesh part on the side panel (where the headphones hang, above the hotswap bays)

I started by removing the steel mesh, then cutting out the plastic honeycomb mesh underneath with my scroll saw.


Then I cut out a piece from the AC Ryan panel I got. It took a lot of sanding and filing to get the window and the cutout nice and smooth.


MMMM nice fit


And a shot of where it goes on the case. I'm going to have a few components and some lighting behind this window, but I'm keeping the details a secret for now


Then I started on the top panel. I removed the steel mesh like on the side panel...


Then cut out the plastic honeycomb with the scroll saw. I had to do a lot more sanding and filing here than on the side panel. The reason for this is due to how Tt made the plastic parts. On the side I was able to install the window from underneath, so it didn't have to be 100%. Here I need to install the window on the top, and it will rest against a few small parts sticking out, so it needed to be perfect.


I used the steel mesh to trace out a rough line for the window panel.


And the window cut roughly.

And a nice fit This took a LOT of time as the window had to be a lot closer to perfect than the side one did. This window will also have components underneath, and both windows may have some etchings...we'll see on that later on.

Time for another update!

I finally got the case entirely stripped down, minus drilling out the rivets (that's later).


Here's all the hardware I had to remove to get all the plastic off this thing!


I did some measuring and marking on the side panel in preparation for cutting.


Then I tackled the plastic casing that covers that side intake hole. This will also have a window, making for 4 total windows in the case.


Here it is all trimmed out. This took several hours of cutting and sanding with the Dremel and final finish sanding. There were a lot of small tabs and whatnot that needed to be removed. What I'm left with is 2 small ledges on which to mount the window.


I went about making the window the same way as the others. I used the mesh I removed for an outline/guideline. Then I cut it out with the scroll saw and did the finish sanding with the Dremel and belt sander. Here it is in for a test-fit.


Here is the plastic and window sitting on the side panel.

The main thing left to do now is cut out the steel side door and work on component placement and electronics. The tough part is going to be finding the right mounting location for the linear actuator that will open and close the door.

everytime i see you post up I get excited to see whats next

garfi3ld wrote:
Thanks

dammit TEASED!

I did some work with SketchUp tonight. I want to dress up the radiator since it will now be hanging off the back of the case rather than be inside it. I used my Black Ice 140 radiator to make one in SketchUp. Then I used the following picture of an industrial rooftop A/C unit to design a shroud that will screw to the backside of the radiator and fit in with the overall theme of the project. I plan to make this shroud out of white styrene sheet just like I made the louver assembly for my Tempest SXR (www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?p=289709) mod a while back. Enjoy the pics

very cool idea... I like it.

Minor update.

I decided on a location for the Koolance flow meter. Theres this spot where the cables pass through and it fits nicely with a pair of 90º Bitspower fittings. The only problem is that pesky piece of the frame in the way. Only one thing to do...cut it out!

That's better This will be visible behind the window I put into the side panel, along with one of the protoboards from ProtoStack. I've got an idea of what to use the board for, now I just need to make it happen


I also decided to mount my Sentry 2 fan controller in this side panel rather than the front 5.25" bays. I already have experience mounting it without it's housing from my Tempest SXR mod, so this should be cake.


I measured and marked the hole, cut it out with my Dremel and filed it down nice and smooth.


Here's an idea of how it will look. All I need to do is make up some mounts for it on the inside, which should be rather easy.