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Azura_El
06-08-2006, 04:14 AM
Work Log: Project Camaro

When I decided to build my first computer, I wanted to make something that no one else had (as far as I know.) I wanted power, and lots of it (I'll give you the system specs when it's all done). I also wanted to have the case reflect that power. But what could have that effect? When walking into my stepfather’s garage, I saw my inspiration. A while back, he had purchased a 1968 Chevrolet Camaro soft top convertible. It was candy red with white racing stripes. And it was FAST! I had found my inspiration. What would I use as my basis though? What case could show the blazing hot speeds I was going to unleash with this computer? It was then that I saw the NIKAO Dragonfire ATX case. It has the steel flames, the front door, side panel, and plenty of fans. This would be the perfect starting point for my mod.

http://images10.newegg.com/NeweggImage/productimage/11-213-015-02.JPG

The case will arrive at my place tomorrow. I will then begin the mod :D

I'll keep you all posted at every step (if you wanna keep track)

The Great Destroyer
06-08-2006, 04:53 AM
hmm, how much was the case?

AceX
06-08-2006, 07:45 AM
Interesting start. Being a car buff that is in love with all things Chevy, I'll be watching this build rather closely.

See is you can work in the '69 Camaro side markers. They are small, square, and really easy to wire. Should be cool. I ahve them on my '86 Toyota MR2.

Check out my Chevy build if you're looking for ideas. Better yet, check out Tech-Daddy's bad-ass monster in the Featured Worklogs. His Boss-FX57 build is probably the most impressive I've seen as far as a car theme goes. Mine pales in comparisson on all levels.

I have a friend who owns several Camaro's, including a twin turbo one that was a pet project of GM's for a while. He's probably one of the top Camaro guys around. I'll email this to him. He should get a kick out of it.

Aero
06-08-2006, 11:03 PM
Sweet, being a Firebird owner its nice to see my cars twin getting some attention. I'll be wathcin this as well. Good luck.

^sXenoG
06-09-2006, 01:45 AM
WoW that case right there ripped off a modded case that got me into the whole scene. I wish I knew where the 1 was that i saw its soooo awsome.

But good luck on the case man.

Azura_El
06-09-2006, 07:06 AM
Updates are already here! Thanks to all who have posted so far. To answer the question posed by The Great Destroyer, the case was 65 bucks (not too expensive but certainly not cheap either) I bought this case before I had decided to go with a Camaro Mod so... everything isn't going to be perfect (plus this is my first mod)

So here go the updates to the project:

I got the case out of the box and started disassembling it so as to be able to paint it properly. Here it is disassembled:

http://photos-076.facebook.com/ip005/v24/2/13/72203111/n72203111_30130076_5430.jpg

http://photos-077.facebook.com/ip005/v24/2/13/72203111/n72203111_30130077_5944.jpg

http://photos-078.facebook.com/ip005/v24/2/13/72203111/n72203111_30130078_6558.jpg

To say the least, there are a lot of pieces to this thing. I had to bag 54 screw/nut combos, 8 fan screws, 2 hinge pins, and a slew of other things. Then I got things ready for the new paint job. Like I mentioned above (i think) the case will be a candy red with racing stripes, which will be white) accross the center (front to back) Since there is a door on the front of the case (which is comprised of 3 pieces) that will mean lining up these stripes perfectly when i get to that step.

First step was to use denatured alcohol to get off any oil/fingerprints/etc. off of the painting surfaces. I then taped off areas where I will not be wanting paint.
I/E the inside of the case (that will be black like the leather in my Camaro) :D .

http://photos-079.facebook.com/ip005/v24/2/13/72203111/n72203111_30130079_6964.jpg

http://photos-080.facebook.com/ip005/v24/2/13/72203111/n72203111_30130080_7387.jpg

http://photos-081.facebook.com/ip005/v24/2/13/72203111/n72203111_30130081_7821.jpg

http://photos-082.facebook.com/ip005/v24/2/13/72203111/n72203111_30130082_8247.jpg

Then I put down the first coat of paint (I'll have the photos when it dries) I used Rustoleum Gloss Enamel Spray paint (red). Trust me, it already looks sexy. In my free time while watching paint dry, i decided to make the air intake fan in the front a little more like the real thing... I painted it silver. (A tough one, let me assure you.) I will also be taking out the blue LED's from said front fan because they just dont go with the theme.

http://photos-083.facebook.com/ip005/v24/2/13/72203111/n72203111_30130083_8684.jpg

I think it looks better though as a result, I will need to keep the mesh off from in front of it so it may be viewed.

Alright that's all the updates I have, thanks for your posts and interest thus far. More tomorrow... tonight i mean (since it is now early morning for me).

Azura_El
06-09-2006, 07:18 AM
Oh and just so you all know, I will be one lucky S.O.B. if my case turns out to be HALF as kickass as the Boss FX-57 turned out If you all havent seen it, DO SO! It is awesome. Mad props to Tech-Daddy.8)

Azura_El
06-10-2006, 02:41 AM
First Layer of Paint is dry (finally). I was at work all day and so now, when i finally get home, I realize that I cannot do anything with the computer til later (i work early :mad: ) so I will put up the pics of the case painted:

http://photos-372.facebook.com/ip005/v24/2/13/72203111/n72203111_30130372_6036.jpg

http://photos-373.facebook.com/ip005/v24/2/13/72203111/n72203111_30130373_6556.jpg

I told you the paint looked sexy as hell.

maximan1
06-10-2006, 03:03 AM
I was looking for a sexy red color for my psx mod (in this section of the forum) where did you find that color and how much did it cost?
Its too late now I've already bought a normal red, but for future references please tell me.:)
-Max

Azura_El
06-10-2006, 09:13 PM
maximan, the paint cost 3.99 at home depot. it is a Gloss Protective Enamel in red. It doesn't even need a clear coat to shine though i will be putting one on in the interest of keeping the red from getting scratched.

maximan1
06-10-2006, 09:15 PM
Cool thanks a lot!!!

Azura_El
07-07-2006, 04:51 AM
Hey all, sorry for the lack of updates... work work work, been busy busy... just got the racing stripes taped off so i will have pics on the morrow (hopefully) when they are done...

Azura_El
07-12-2006, 05:02 AM
Ok, it was a long time coming but I finally have pics and an update. After my red paint was applied to the case, I taped off racing stripes down the center of the case.
http://photos-916.facebook.com/ip006/v36/2/13/72203111/n72203111_30147916_3371.jpg
(The Main Part of the Case)
http://photos-917.facebook.com/ip006/v36/2/13/72203111/n72203111_30147917_3745.jpg
(The Front Mesh, which I did the same for the two parts of the door)

After applying the White paint in between the strips of paint, I found that the paint had oversprayed onto a good deal of what was supposed to be red. So I taped the stripes in order to fix my mistakes.

http://photos-918.facebook.com/ip006/v36/2/13/72203111/n72203111_30147918_4340.jpg
(The Back of the Case)
http://photos-919.facebook.com/ip006/v36/2/13/72203111/n72203111_30147919_4739.jpg
The Two Parts of the Door)
http://photos-920.facebook.com/ip006/v36/2/13/72203111/n72203111_30147920_5132.jpg
(Again)

When I removed the tape, this is what I saw... and then I shed a tear of joy!

http://photos-923.facebook.com/ip006/v36/2/13/72203111/n72203111_30147923_6284.jpg
(Top of Case)

I then put the door on, which goes on the front of the case, back together.

http://photos-921.facebook.com/ip006/v36/2/13/72203111/n72203111_30147921_5514.jpg
(Closed)
http://photos-922.facebook.com/ip006/v36/2/13/72203111/n72203111_30147922_5900.jpg
(Open)

I chose not to paint the drive bay covers because eventually they will be removed for optical drives and my water cooler.

Next step: Complete the last coat on the side doors and put it back together.
In the future: I will be adding a ram air intake as seen on early drag cars (often seen on Camaros). This may or may not be functional (I haven't decided yet) but if it is, It will be used to suck air into the case. Thank you all for tuning in...

Updates to follow.

MDCS
07-13-2006, 01:55 PM
I'm watching you. :)

ardyandkari
07-15-2006, 08:14 AM
very nice so far...i never liked racing stripes on cars, but on computers i think theyre nice.

isunktheship
07-16-2006, 11:08 PM
I love that red. <3

Can you give us the system specs plzplzplzplzlzplz

_ferry_
07-17-2006, 02:50 PM
Cool, there's a camaro standing in our garage too. Not the owner of it, but it's an awesome car! I realy love the front with those sharp curves and shiny chrome headlights.

Azura_El
07-18-2006, 11:25 PM
No system specs yet... just speculations (haha). But this is what I'm thinking

Pentium D 930
ASUS P5N32_Deluxe SLI motherboard
Enermax Liberty 620 W
(2) EVGA nVIDIA 7900 GT Signature Series
2 gigs corsair XMS PC 5400 RAM
(2) Western Digital Caviar HDDs on RAID 0
Soundblaster X-Fi Platinum

And it will all be cooled by a Swiftech H2O Premium water cooler with 2 VGA coolers added.

simon275
07-19-2006, 04:05 AM
Dam those EVGA brand cards are nice.

They are only just becoming avaliable here down under.

:eek: The specks look fair pricy.

Azura_El
07-20-2006, 09:48 PM
all in all after the monitor, keyboard and gaming mouse (which i will also be painting in the red with white stripes) it will come to about $2300 US. Not bad for being future proof.:p