Project Interceptor Starts!

[TheGreatSatan]

I would like this project to be more interactive than ever before. Starting at the ground up. To start I have to pick a victim case, or should I say you have to pick. I have two OLD cases already and would rather mod one of them than buy a new one to mod. I will buy a new one if these are just too crappy to use. So let's get started....Case #1

Dell Demension M166a

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/2350/1st1ec1.jpg

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/3721/1st2bp8.jpg

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/7623/1st3wf5.jpg

Case #2 . . . .HP Netserver 4/66

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/2572/2nd1cp0.jpg

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/2128/2nd2ij9.jpg

So #1 or #2?

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/2043/2nd3nj3.jpg

[B1Gtime]

I like the Dell case #1, but thats just my opinion

[Spawn-Inc]

i say go with the bigger one, more space.

[.Maleficus.]

Out of those two, I'd have to say #1.

[Eclecticos]

You could always Combine Them. You could de-gut the big one and cut the other one in half for a Front and Back.

[FrooP]

#1 looks more moddable ;)

[Brunhold]

I would use #2, more space.

[TheGreatSatan]

I am posting this worklog in 8 different sites and the vote is:

#1 - 6 Votes

#2 - 26 Votes

Obviously there's a clear winner. The Netserver moves on.

Next the design. I like using black and white for the case, but which is dominant?

A. Mostly black with a little white or. . .

B. Mostly white with a little black?

You Choose.....

[GT40_GearHead]

A.

[doesi87]

Jep, A will do it.

[TheGreatSatan]

I took some more pics of the case so you can get a better look. It's old, dusty, and about 30lbs empty! Also, the side panel swings open and the front bays slide out! That's pretty cool. But oddly enough each bay is screwed in place.

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/3016/server1sk6.jpg

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/4719/server2ce0.jpg

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/1885/server3uk1.jpg

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/4719/server4aj0.jpg

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/5734/server5jb8.jpg

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/8826/server6xh1.jpg

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/7310/server7pk2.jpg

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/8938/server8en5.jpg

[jdbnsn]

This is what I really like to see. An old beige box with little no no visual appeal on the sacrificial alter about to become something cool. I am not so much a fan of pre-mods and fancy cases getting LED and cold cathode make-overs. They are cool too, but I prefer projects that start from scratch. Will definately be watching this one man!

[TheGreatSatan]

Don't just watch, play along! This is interactive modding greatness where everyone has a say in the end product.

[Omega]

B.

[Spawn-Inc]

B.

[Wasabisam]

a

:)

[simon275]

B

Interactivity makes moding fun.

[TheGreatSatan]

All votes are in.

A. Mostly black with a little white - 22 votes: WINNER!

B. Mostly white with a little black - 16 votes

50/50 - 3 votes

Now to determine what needs to be black and what needs to be white. Should I have the case be: blackwhiteblack like.....

http://www.modernracer.com/features/fordcrownvictoriacopfront1.jpg

Or should I maybe paint it black and add a white stripe or something? After this we'll discuss the cuts I'll have to make.

Like this:

http://imageigloo.com/images/2800police1.JPG

http://imageigloo.com/images/5049police2.JPG

[Kristofisis]

I think if you're going black- I like to have white accents. Subtle but make a difference:) And i didnt make it here in time but I would've chosen, B/B :)

[Eclecticos]

It will be preddy cool i'm sure. Do some flashing lights with sirens. :up:

[TheGreatSatan]

Next to vote on. Larrs27 from TwistedForums recommended this different stiping instead. What do you think?

A. Mine
http://imageigloo.com/images/2800police1.JPG

B. Larrs27
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a337/larrs33/2800police1.jpg

Vote!

[Bucko]

A: Yours. Looks more police like.

[Zephik]

B.

Heh, I would actually say that the second one looks more police like to me even though the first one is more accurate. Odd...

[Eclecticos]

Isn't there a Poll on here?. . See Thread Tools.

You should do the lights on top like this:
http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/3069/litebarkq0.gif

You would just need some colored film and alternating LED's

[LiTHiUM0XiD3]

i hate to say it but i disagree with both... i figure the stripe should go fro front to back...... or the basic chassis black... the drive holder white and the side panels white..... would be alot more authentic.... to the police car anyways...

[TheGreatSatan]

That sounds like a race car. Draw a picture or something

[TheGreatSatan]

The results are in!

My deisgn of a straight line down the middle received 11 Votes....

Larrs27 design of a diagonal line from back to front received 13 Votes!:up:

So the next question before I start painting is: Do I stick with Larrs original idea or go a bit wider?

Larrs27 original?

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a337/larrs33/2800police1.jpg

Wider?

http://imageigloo.com/images/7486interceptor3.jpg

[TheGreatSatan]

Oh, and do you guys like the idea of handcuffs on the front as above or not?

http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/1412/1000235ax8.jpg

[Bucko]

Handcuffs look cool, and I think the wider stripe is better.

[TheGreatSatan]

Wider Stripe with the Handcuffs wins by a longshot. I'm about to start painting, but first I need to know: What color do I paint the inside? I thought maybe white, but what do you think?

A. Black
B. White
C. Other (You say!)

[danthegeek]

Id go with white for the inside because most of the case is black. You could paint the drive bays black to give it some contrast.

Hmmm... If you do paint it black on the inside you could use white C.C.s .

[Bucko]

I think Dan is right on the money with a white inside with black HDD bays.
A black PSU will work with that style too.

[TheGreatSatan]

7 Votes - Gray
7 Votes - White
2 Votes - Black

Now what? I think I'm gonna go gray...

[TheGreatSatan]

I'll start painting tonight and you guys kick around the window idea. At first I thought of just using a plain square , but lately I've been thinking of having the window follow the side stripe like this:

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/4163/windoweo7.jpg

Maybe I can go with a certain shape? Let me know.

[TheGreatSatan]

I cut the two blowholes for the cuffs on the front.

http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/5173/grills1qk9.jpg

And here's kinda what it'll look like later.

http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/7744/grills2he2.jpg

How should I fill in the area around the holes?

[TheGreatSatan]

Just so you see what's next...

http://img475.imageshack.us/img475/3135/blow1rr7.jpg

What should I do to fill this up?

http://img475.imageshack.us/img475/120/blow2fr1.jpg

Here's some more pics of the inside......The I/O is part of the frame so I guess I'll have to cut it out.

http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/3355/prep1br0.jpg

I guess this was for the HD or something?

http://img484.imageshack.us/img484/6905/prep2jn4.jpg

That had to go.

http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/4422/prep3vb2.jpg

The old motherboard was set in with built in standoffs. Obviously they never in a million years thought that it would be getting modded so I'll have to drill the new standoff holes myself.

http://img484.imageshack.us/img484/1439/prep4ta5.jpg

I checked my supplies because I thought I had gray paint. Turns out I just had a lot of SILVER. I'm going shopping tomorrow!

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/5369/supplies1ad7.jpg

[TheGreatSatan]

I cut the blow holes all the way through.

http://imageigloo.com/images/2007bezel1.jpg

http://imageigloo.com/images/7690bezel2.jpg

http://imageigloo.com/images/758bezel3.jpg

Then I used expanding foam for the front and back. After I shave it evenly, I'll cover up the top of it with either bondo or some type of fiberglass. We'll see.

http://imageigloo.com/images/9434bezel4.jpg

http://imageigloo.com/images/2574bezel5.jpg

[Eclecticos]

At first I thought of just using a plain square , but lately I've been thinking of having the window follow the side stripe like this


Yes, It looks allot better with the Windowed side panel.
Exactly how you did it on that Sketchup. :up:

[TheGreatSatan]

I'm gonna try bondo over the foam because it turned out pretty crappy. Luckily I have tons of bondo.

[TheGreatSatan]

The Bondo Begins!!

http://imageigloo.com/images/9729bondoed1.jpg

http://imageigloo.com/images/3447Bondoed2.jpg

http://imageigloo.com/images/5076bondoed3.jpg

Just thinking of the future.....

http://imageigloo.com/images/329bondoed4.jpg

I needed to clean the case so I let the rain do it for me.

http://imageigloo.com/images/8374cleanUp.jpg

[jdbnsn]

Haha, love the cuffs man! Nice touch.

[TheGreatSatan]

Next I have some small touch up to do. I have gloves on to keep that bondo smell off me.

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/3807/bondoed5rr3.jpg

I also took the time to remove the old Netserver logos

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/7097/bondoed6ii9.jpg

Here is where I'm at now. I still have a little more spot bondo'ing to do.

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/4882/bondoed7ej9.jpg

[Bucko]

I like it so far. I can't believe I haven't thought of using gloves when I bondo.

+rep just for that.

[The Black Pumpkin]

Indeed, that's a brilliant deduction. Wish I'd thought of it myself, and sooner...

+rep for that, and for having an identical screwdriver to me!

[TheGreatSatan]

That's my first "identical screwdriver" Rep! Also......You obviously have good taste. :up:

[TheGreatSatan]

I added a light coat of primer to the face to bring out the all the areas I still need to touch up with Bondo.

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/1250/primer1yq4.jpg

[TheGreatSatan]

I was thinking of adding a badge like this (maybe):

http://imageigloo.com/images/628182-0025a.jpg

To here:

http://imageigloo.com/images/6533Interceptor3.jpg

[The Black Pumpkin]

The badge looks a little "old west", to me. Might distract from the patrol car look. Maybe find a modern one? Then again, you've done a lot more mods than me! :D

[$loth]

Very unique case and seems to be coming along nicely! Love the theme :D

[rendermandan]

I like it so far. I can't believe I haven't thought of using gloves when I bondo.

+rep just for that.

I thought everyone used gloves. If I'd of know you didnt' I would have suggested it a long time ago. LOL

[TheGreatSatan]

The badge looks a little "old west", to me. Might distract from the patrol car look. Maybe find a modern one?


I agree that it does look 'old west', but do you think a real badge (of current design) will look good there?

[The Black Pumpkin]

Meh, not really sure if it would, to be honest. The only way to know would be to get a newer one and check, but it'd probably look just fine with that one.

[TheGreatSatan]

After the holes were fixed I re-primed it.

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/2552/primer2db1.jpg

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/8920/primer3ou5.jpg

And the inside

http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/1886/primer4ei5.jpg

After 2 coats of primer I began the 1st coat of black.

http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/6519/1stcoat1vt3.jpg

http://img103.imageshack.us/img103/463/1stcoat2aj5.jpg

I usually do 4 coats of color and at least 3 coats of clear after that.

[TheGreatSatan]

Alright, I finished all color coats on the front

http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/3564/3rdbezelrc5.jpg

The 3rd and last color coat on the top.

http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/2726/3rdtop1re7.jpg
http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/4012/3rdtop2hl5.jpg

And the 2nd coat on the right side.

http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/3159/2ndsidepd1.jpg

Question: When I'm all done with the black.....

1. do I clear coat a few times, add the white stripe and clear coat again?

or

2. Finish black, add white then clear coat all?

[lorddarkwolf]

Might want to add at least 1 coat of clear to protect you black paint job from damage.

[TheGreatSatan]

Next question. How do I attach the handcuffs to the front?

1. Rivets

2. Screws

3. Bondo

4. Glue?

[TheGreatSatan]

So, I attached the panel to measure where I'm putting the window/stripe.

http://img472.imageshack.us/img472/5579/left1ip6.jpg

http://img472.imageshack.us/img472/7386/left2ay3.jpg

And here's where it gonna go.

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/3460/left3hd5.jpg

And now I've moved on to painting the stripe on the top and right side.

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/1659/stripe1kb3.jpg

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/160/stripe2yf5.jpg

[TheGreatSatan]

I've decided to go with Rivets and Epoxy. I will drill the bottom-side of the cuffs at the point where the two pieces come together (1). And I will drill a tiny hole in this area where there is already a pin (2).

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/6378/1000319xe1.jpg

All holes will be under the cuffs and will be attached from the inside so that it won't be seen from the front.

Here's kinda what it'll look like

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/111/cuffed1no4.jpg

And here you can see the stripe drying

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/2915/stripedoneqk1.jpg

[Computer-Geek]

nice progress!

[TheGreatSatan]

I moved on to the clear coats.

http://img362.imageshack.us/img362/8978/clear1ge1.jpg

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/5195/clear2kw4.jpg

[TheGreatSatan]

The stripe is pretty much done.

http://img53.imageshack.us/img53/165/stripedone2un3.jpg

Now time to prep the left panel to cutting, sanding, painting, etc. Should I put anything here?

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/27/leftshieldkv9.jpg

[TheGreatSatan]

I've been trying to find a way to fill the void between the front and the case frame, so like many suggestions received I went with "bars". Let me know your honest opinion.

I used the grill top that came with R2-D2's head. The fans are for effect. I'm not sure what colors I'm actually using. Any ideas?

http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/4633/bars1dy3.jpg

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/474/bars2ei7.jpg

I attached it with a zip tie.

http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/623/bars3ng5.jpg

Well?

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/9779/bars4lv5.jpg

[Bucko]

I think that fills the void nicely!

[jdbnsn]

The bars were an especially nice touch!

[Zephik]

Agreed, that looks nice!

[Computer-Geek]

It looks great :)

[TheGreatSatan]

More to do...

The left window is done and the panel is receiving the white coat first.

http://img129.imageshack.us/img129/3529/leftwindowbg2.jpg

I also decided to paint three bay covers, because I was planning on adding a white DVD drive to the top

http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/6568/whitebaywo7.jpg

BUT! then I had a problem. I forgot that the drives are attached via this slide-in cage.

http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/3425/cage01fg5.jpg

The top corner (This is the inside) has a piece of metal at the top where the floppy drive was.

http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/1895/cage02wx3.jpg

this is the outside...

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/262/cage03nx8.jpg
http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/7320/cage04gu5.jpg

I'm not using a floppy drive, especially on top of the CD/DVD drives so I cut it out. Then another problem popped up.

http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/8600/cage05ty7.jpg

The drive doesn't fit!! I guess it needs rails?

http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/100/cage06nv1.jpg

If I even get the drive in, what can fit in this slightly thinner 5.25 bay?

http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/1410/cage07mr6.jpg

[thingswithmovingparts]

More to do...

If I even get the drive in, what can fit in this slightly thinner 5.25 bay?



i don't know if it will quite fit right, the description says it's 6 3/4" x 3/4", but it's an idea...

interceptor badge on ebay (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180059361056&ssPageName=MERC_VI_RCRX_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT&refitem=180124421866&itemcount=4&refwidgetloc=active_view_item&usedrule1=CrossSell_LogicX&refwidgettype=cross_promot_widget)

also that guy has a bunch of other badges, decals, and stuff that might fit in with your theme.

[TheGreatSatan]

I do like that.....

[TheGreatSatan]

Alright, I've decided to use an Interceptor emblem for the small top bay above the DVD/CD.

http://img373.imageshack.us/img373/3622/firstcb8.jpg

Next on the voting block. What to put here?

http://img394.imageshack.us/img394/6703/secondsy8.jpg

I don't want a specific department or city, but I do like a general police emblem. Which do you like best?

1.
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/3060/badge1uq1.jpg

2.
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/5125/badge2rv6.jpg

3.
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/3932/badge3jo2.jpg

4.
http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/8416/badge4yr4.jpg

[OvRiDe]

I like #1.. with #3 as a close second.

[TheGreatSatan]

Meanwhile....

I'm done on the left side.

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/3090/leftdone1pw0.jpg

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/8123/leftdone2jh3.jpg

[thingswithmovingparts]

#3

[Spawn-Inc]

#4

[TheGreatSatan]

It's really coming together....

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/3778/nearly1jn2.jpg
http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/9854/nearly2cb1.jpg
http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/1842/nearly3gs6.jpg
http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/2562/nearly4ca9.jpg
http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/8936/nearly5mi4.jpg

[TheGreatSatan]

The winner is...

1. - 14 Votes
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/3060/badge1uq1.jpg

2. - 4 votes
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/5125/badge2rv6.jpg

3. - 4 votes
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/3932/badge3jo2.jpg

4. - 4 votes
http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/8416/badge4yr4.jpg

[TheGreatSatan]

Meanwhile....

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/8119/upsonholdle3.jpg

[7angofragger]

hey, how did you get your paint to shine that good??? a ton of clear coat???

[thingswithmovingparts]

is that a schoolbus?

the suspence is killing me! what's gonna happen next?!?!

[b4i7]

the UPS mod is coming back??!?

[TheGreatSatan]

**Whistles**;)

[TheGreatSatan]

Anywho....

I got the badge in

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/6350/badge1uf3.jpg

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/734/badge2ct1.jpg

[TheGreatSatan]

I had hoped to get it to blink one at a time :(

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1Vj0V9xSmg

[TheGreatSatan]

I got the lights!! I'll put a red lens over the amber and a blue lens over the white. The measurements are: 1.5" tall X 7" wide X 2.5" deep. The top of the case is 9 inches wide. They draw 70mA total, so I'm not sure how I'm gonna connect them to the PSU. Any ideas??

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/1578/wigwagpd6.gif

[jdbnsn]

V= I R ;)

[TheGreatSatan]

Ohms law? What about it?

[jdbnsn]

I was just being a smart ass.

[TheGreatSatan]

At least you're consistant!:D

[Omega]

If I'm not mastaken 70mA isn't that high of a draw, should be able to wire it up to a molex or something.

Oh, and for chrissake, wire it with an on/off switch. I can't imagine anybody wanting a seizuretastic LED array alternating like that in view for any longer than a few minutes.

[TheGreatSatan]

The 5V rail should handle it I think....

[Maz]

well it should, granted the leds are lower in voltage than 5v. (i don't see why they wouldn't be...)
Usually rating on the 5V rail is measures in amps, so a few mA shouldn't bee a prob.

[TheGreatSatan]

The emblem arived

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/6955/emblemvu5.jpg

and it's been mounted to the case

http://img501.imageshack.us/img501/1623/withemblemvs0.jpg

[TheGreatSatan]

Nothing huge to report, but....I added HD rails to the DVD drive and slid it in.

http://img486.imageshack.us/img486/133/policecd1tt1.jpg

http://img486.imageshack.us/img486/6100/policecd2sv8.jpg

http://img486.imageshack.us/img486/7015/policecd3yn3.jpg

Two mods at once, this is soooo damn fun.:banana:

And believe it or not, I'm buying the parts and planning the next.:D

Hints available on my site

[Omega]

You're a crazy modder, TGS.



That being said, I LOVE IT.

[TheGreatSatan]

Sorry, for the delay on the lightbar. It's coming from Canada and has to pass through customs.

[simon275]

Nice job so far mate. The drive covers look a little bit tacky in my opinion with the gaps. But I am sure you are on top of it and I am full of hot air.

[TheGreatSatan]

The lightbar has arrived!!

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/9636/lightbar1xv2.jpg

The LED's inside the clear lens are Amber and White. I am painting the Amber side of the lens Red and the White side blue.

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/8057/lightbar2hy8.jpg

The yellow wire on a 4-Pin Molex is enough for the lights. I'm blanking on how much voltage the yellow one has....

[Bucko]

yellow is 12v, red is 5v on a molex.

[TheGreatSatan]

I painted the lights and recorded a video of it. Turn up your sound and you can hear my daughter begging for a drink.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcHuEHs42E8

[jdbnsn]

Hey, that looks pretty damn good! Realistic!

[slytherock]

That's sick :up: annoying, but sick :p I don't know what I have today, I feel like bitching... Even on great mods like this one... +rep

[TheGreatSatan]

I thought about adding pushbars to the front of the [plain] white drive bays, but I'm still boucing the idea around a bit. It's time for another poll.

What do you all think?

1. Yes to pushbars on drive bays

2. Yes to pushbars somewhere else

3. No to pushbars

[jdbnsn]

Not sure what you mean by pushbars, got a pic?

[Bucko]

I say no. Push bars would be good if at the bottom of the case, but I don't think it would suit being so high up.

[TheGreatSatan]

Sorry, here's what I mean

http://imageigloo.com/images/3376pushbars.jpg

Bucko, do you like option 2 maybe?

[slytherock]

Mmm, interesting. Why not putting one at the bottom front of the case. You can also try to add a push button behind linked to the lights. So when you hit it, the lights goes on.

[Drum Thumper]

Are you going to wire a couple LED's in as well?

[TheGreatSatan]

In where? I'm still considering it. And as of right now, most people are against the idea.

[jdbnsn]

I don't know if they would look good, my vote would be for no bars.

[OvRiDe]

I would have to vote no push bars.. it might start making the front look cluttered. The lights look great!

BTW.. I would like a soda too.. :D
(couldn't resist)

[TheGreatSatan]

You thought I forgot about this mod didn't you?

I scoured some sheet metal

http://imageigloo.com/images/1843box1.jpg

Then bent it into a box.

http://imageigloo.com/images/7015box2.jpg

It forms to the lightbar

http://imageigloo.com/images/7136box3.jpg

I cut a hole in the top of the case for the wiring.

http://imageigloo.com/images/5737box4.jpg

Then fed in the wires.

http://imageigloo.com/images/8936box5.jpg

And placed the box on top for show.

http://imageigloo.com/images/9070box6.jpg

http://imageigloo.com/images/8018box7.jpg

The box is now in the paint booth.

http://imageigloo.com/images/7975box8.jpg

[TheGreatSatan]

I made an adapter for the lightbar, but I really need to wire it into a switch and have it mounted to the back.

http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/4964/lightbarwirejy5.jpg

The lightbar "red" is just plain old ugly so it's in repaint...

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/4637/rered1pm0.jpg

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/6217/rered2od6.jpg

[TheGreatSatan]

Here's the reason the lightbar is being repainted.
6-zUfvUsq_o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-zUfvUsq_o

But the bigger problem is that I've repainted it again and it still looks like crap. The actual color under the red is orange. I thought a light coat of red would make the orange side look good, but no matter what I do it doesn't improve. Suggestions?

[jdbnsn]

Dude, that still looks cool as hell! Maybe some red transparent film like you use in broken tail lights would work. You could put it on the inside and try to heat-form it to shape.

[Bucko]

There is a die available at auto parts shops designed for tail lights that have faded. maybe with that painted on the iside it would make it redder. Or change the LEDs for red ones...

[jdbnsn]

I think Bucko's idea is a better one, I didn't know about the dyes but that is probably the way to go.

[TheGreatSatan]

The lightbar is vaccuum sealed. I'd have to pry it open then change out the LED's. I'm afraid of breaking it.

[Omega]

drill a small hole to equalize the pressure, then take the lid off perhaps?

[TheGreatSatan]

Big decision! Thank you Larrs27 from TwistedForums! I'm getting rid of the box I made and then I'm cutting the top of the case here:

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/5725/newway1fl0.jpg

Then setting the lightbar into the case (like a real cop car (duh?!))

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/6774/newway2hs2.jpg

[Computer-Geek]

I was going to tell you to do that :) it will look better that way

[Bucko]

I thought the same thing on how the light should be mounted. I still think the light needs some finishing work though. Some black between the red and the blue and maybe some black around the bottom of the lens, a bit like this crappy MS Paint work:

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/66/1111111ql5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[TheGreatSatan]

I'm gonna have a thin piece of aluminum between the two colors.

[TheGreatSatan]

As I said, I'm gonna mount the lightbar within the top of the case. Here's the 1st cut

http://imageigloo.com/images/639deepen1.jpg

I had to cut through the drive cage too.

http://imageigloo.com/images/3189deepen2.jpg

That was some pretty thick steel.

http://imageigloo.com/images/632deepen3.jpg

And here it is. More coming.

http://imageigloo.com/images/2944deepen4.jpg

http://imageigloo.com/images/5656deepen5.jpg

[jdbnsn]

That looks alot better.

[TheGreatSatan]

I removed the cover from the lightbar

http://imageigloo.com/images/7778bulbs1.jpg

And here's the situation inside.

http://imageigloo.com/images/251bulbs2.jpg

All the black stuff around the bulbs is silicon. I think it would do a lot of damage to remove the amber bulbs and replace them with red ones. I will, however, try with one of the corner bulbs to see exactly what I could be getting into.

http://imageigloo.com/images/9452bulbs3.jpg

[TheGreatSatan]

I went with a plastic drying paint called Fire Engine Red and while it dries....

http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/8554/newpaintrg2.jpg

I added a switch to the lightbar that will attach in the back.

http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/9205/addswitch1tz3.jpg

Check it out here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3K9O3n8WTE

[Drum Thumper]

Very impressive. Hope you don't mind if I steal your idea a bit for when I finally get my Montana Highway Patrol mod underway.

+rep.

[TheGreatSatan]

It's been a week since I've updated you because I've been working 40 hour weeks and doing finals for school, but I will be back to it next week.

[TheGreatSatan]

Finally a little bit more done.

I attached the lightbar wires to a molex and added a switch to the back.

http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/320/switchplateah5.jpg

Then I put in a 400 Watt Antec. Any idea on what to do with the wiring mess?

http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/6548/messje0.jpg

[alphastryk]

looking good... as to the wiring mess... zip ties and cable sleeving?

[TheGreatSatan]

I mean something possibly Police-Like

[goofazoid]

Can you mount the PSU upside down so that the cables are towards the back of the case and then take some more of that steel grill and make a cage (like the divider between the front and rear of a police car) to hold them to the back/top of the case?
Maybe see if you can find some very small pipe insulation foam to cover it with (since those things are always padded), as well as insulating it to prevent grounding out..


BTW:
+ Rep :)

[Jim Beam]

clip the wires together with a bunch of these (http://www.zymetrical.com/product.asp?3=220)

[TheGreatSatan]

I'd probably need a lot of those to get a noticeable effect....

Cool site though.

[b4i7]

i just had a random thought... what about making a vertical drive and the lights are mounted to the front of your cd drive....with cabling run down the drive so it doesnt snag?

[TheGreatSatan]

I have no idea what you're trying to say...

[FrooP]

maybe this?
[img=http://img2.imagebanana.com/img/5e0mmygg/thumb/tgs.JPG] (http://img2.imagebanana.com/view/5e0mmygg/tgs.JPG)

[jdbnsn]

What if you wrapped the cables tightly in some type of sleeve and on the side of the sleeves facing out attach some Police tape?

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f395/jdbnsn/TBCS/ist2_945526_police_line_tape.jpg

[jdbnsn]

Something else that might look cool is one of those square-mesh gates that separate the front from back seats. It could go in the side window. just a thought.

[TheGreatSatan]

O.K. I really need to complete this real soon as I am starting another project. Here's the top with black electric tape (Just for show), I think I may use silver instead.

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/9574/black1os4.jpg

http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/8184/black2nu7.jpg

[TheGreatSatan]

This is done. Please move it.

[Xpirate]

This mod was very well done. Good work GreatSatan.

[Bucko]

This is done. Please move it.

Could you take a couple more pics of the completed mod?

Get a few different angles and then I'll copy this thread over to the completed worklogs section.

[TheGreatSatan]

Here's the finished product

http://img477.imageshack.us/img477/5525/end2dy7.jpg

http://img477.imageshack.us/img477/9701/end5df7.jpg

The nine was oversprayed and it's kind of dirty looking

[Bucko]

Trimmed down ad copied to the completed worklogs forum.

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?p=133617