IT IS ALIVE!!!! after toiling since i last posted, i have finally completed it and i am quite proud of myself. thanks to hozy for making a very useful guide, krylon for making damn good paint, and all the members of this board for being supportive of peoples modding.
Now, what you all have been waiting for...
pic of the whole thing

now i want you all to keep in mind THERE IS NO CLEARCOAT ON THIS AT ALL

a decent window shot

lights shining through the grill at the bottom

the shiny hard drive enclosure

I still plan to put blue LEDs in the ring and do a controller in the same style as the box, and if anyone knows if krylon makes a rust tough enamel clearcoat i could do with some of that if you can point me in that direction! thanks everyone!