Need Advice For Case Modding Options

[TriggerWolf]

Hi everyone,

Joined this forum to try to get some information on modding the xbox 360.

I've bought a used 360 a couple days ago, still waiting for it to arrive. I'm already planning some mods for it, but I'll need some help or advice on a mod or two.
The xbox 360 has a faulty DVD drive (fails to read), the idea is actually to do the RGH so that I can run backups and homebrew.

The mods I would like to do are:

-RGH
-Place a 50 or 60mm fan on the front side of the CPU HS
-Mod the top cover (it's actually halfway done from a previous RR'd 360)
-Add lights
-Cover with carbon fibre vinyl


This is the half way done top cover:


Suggestions are much welcome on what to improve it

That cover was to be part of a project I was doing to house a mini ITX mobo on an xbox 360 case...

My idea for that cover is to frost the acrylic, but I've tried searching throughout google for a solution, but nothing concrete on the subject.
Can someone tell me a cost effective and simple way to make the acrylic have the frosted effect? Preferably a gradient (from clear on one side to "frosted" on the other)
Regarding lighting, I intend to place a couple of 10cm bare cathodes on the top cover to light up the green acrylic, from the side.

Thanks

Cheers

[satanicshrew]

That window looks flawless nice cuts man! If I were doing that case mod I would personally drop the carbon fiber plan just due to the fact that carbon fiber is way to over done on every thing from cars to children toys. I like you back up and disk drive replacement plan. If that acrylic is florescent are you going to use a UV cold cathode or LEDs? If you did then it would make an awesome effect to the window. Either way this looks nice. I will be following this mod so keep the updates coming.

[TriggerWolf]

Thanks!

It was really my first time modding something. The only thing that I think I could've avoided was the logo to reach the mesh on the right side, if you look closer, it made the cut a little bumpy.

I was thinking in painting it at first, matte black, but I never painted, and it's a pretty lengthy job. Regarding the carbon... maybe you're right. Maybe I'll have to look into other alternatives.

Regarding the lights,yes, I have a couple 10cm UV CCFLs that I was thinking of sticking them to the top cover, sided with the acrylic, as it is UV reactive, and quite a bit too. And I wanted the acrylic to have that frosted look, for extra lighting on it.

I kinda wanted to give the 360 a more industrial look, hence having the M4 hex screws already holding the acrylic in place.


Cheers

[mikesnowdon]

How about using countersunk alloy bolts, you would need to countersink the holes in the case to get the bolt flush?



Or even use countersunk alloy washers like this?



They come in various anodized colours.

This post has been edited by mikesnowdon: Apr 17 2012, 08:29 PM

[TriggerWolf]

How about using countersunk alloy bolts, you would need to countersink the holes in the case to get the bolt flush?



Or even use countersunk alloy washers like this?



They come in various anodized colours.

Did you mean those screws to replace the M4 hex I have? I like the idea of having those holding the acrylic in place. But those screws do look nice, specially the lime green ones.

This post has been edited by TriggerWolf: Apr 18 2012, 01:06 AM

[mikesnowdon]

Yes mate.

You could countersink the holes they pass though in the plastic case so the bolt heads sit flush, plus it adds a bit of colour.

[TriggerWolf]

That sounds like a good idea. Thanks.

I was currently wondering about their colour, since there seems to be some variety to the screw and washer colour, having the screw with the same colour of the case (undefined) and the washer with a different colour.

I don't really want to overdo with the green. If possible mix other colours, like orange or so.


I still have a couple brand new primer and satin black cans lying around in the garage that I bought a couple years ago , for the computer mod I was to do back then. Looks like I'll really have to use them sooner or later.

[mikesnowdon]

Cool dude.

Looking forward to seeing how this progresses

[TriggerWolf]

Okay, sorry for taking so long to update. I was still waiting for the xbox to arrive. Since it was shipped by boat it took nearly a month to get here!

Well, I did some fitting tests with the top cover that I did on the xbox I got, the xbox metallic case is going to need a few adjustments to be able to fit the cover, as the acrylic makes it too thick hitting the back, where the fans are. That can be easily fixed...

I'm going to also get the RGH equipment I need but in the mean time I'll try to start on the case painting and/or doing some adjustments on the cover.

[while]

That window looks flawless nice cuts man!