Case Window...Best Way to mount?

[AlphaChicken]

I was thinking of making a case window with lexan material. Im not sure what it will look like yet or anything, but i was wondering what the best way to attach the window to the inside of the case was. Also what is the best tool to cut lexan AND my case with? Is a dremel with the little cutter blades sufficient without destroying my case? I was gonna make the window for the lian-li PC-201B full tower. Also any suggestions about what kind of window shape/design would look sweet on it?

[PCgeek]

Dremmel with regular cut-off wheels is what I use. I don't like the reinforced wheels, especially for cutting rounded corners. You can attach the lexan any way you wish, liquid nails, double sided tape, or even regular scotch tape like I did hehe. I cut my panel, put car door trim around the edge, then mounted the lexan on the inside and taped it down. I'd say it looks pretty good. You can take a look at the pics in the link in my sig, they're kinda low res but u get the picture.

[AlphaChicken]

Yea tape might work well, but i was thinking something ALOT more secure. I see no way of installing the little studs that come with commercially done windows on cases. What is liquid nails? a really strong glue? How about gorilla glue would that work well and be VERY stong and sturdy?

[PCgeek]

Gorilla glue would work too. I've also used bolts in the past. Pass the bolts in through the inside of the panel, cut the bolt so only 1-2mm are visible from the outside, and finish it off with chrome cap nuts.

[Dizzious]

Like PCgeek said; bolts are definitly a good idea. Instead of cutting them though; you might want to just get bolts that are the right length out of the box. On my old case I had two fan holes that I didn't put fans in (the ones in the side panel, look@ avatar), but I mounted grilles over them anyways cause I didn't want gaping holes in the side of my case.
I used 1/2" length, 3/16" diameter machine screws, with the heads on the inside of the case and the nuts on the outside. It looked really good. Just make sure you use washers in between the head of the bolt and the case, AND in between the nut and the case, also make sure not to tighten them to the point where the lexan cracks.
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v256/djduece/p01.jpg">

EDIT: Clear caulking might work as well, although I'm not sure how well it would bond to the metal of the case. If you go that route, don't go cheap - it's worth spending the 6.99 on a tube of clear Lexel (completely clear, with big red letters on the tube) - as I've never seen it turn yellow or anything over time like a lot of them do.

[AlphaChicken]

ok sweet i think i might try out the bolts would look effing sweet.

[Bluefish44]

When cutting large windows in your case I find that a jig-saw with a metal blade works the best. A rotary tool is best to smooth out you lines and polish your edges.

[homer gonerson]

I just recently put a window in my case, it turned out pretty nicely (in my mind). The reason I did it? It was $8.99! I found this computer wholesale site that sells individually, and is based out of Houston, I found out (where I live)
here's a link to what they've got (comes w/ window, cutting tool, CCFL light, rubber molding, fan w/ grill, and rounded IDE and floppy drive cables)

Linky (http://search.store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/nsearch?unique=6c470&catalog=directron&et=4516cb78&basket=b%3D5C3e42bfd100f3494516c43588c11d542bfd133 fac94491d156ba6c284bb69ec9%26l%3D%26s%3DZJZfZZZLen YLBPndSUZyml3mRIo-)


Have fun with the window!

[cfairchild]

how was the shipping cost and quality? Also, how was that window package? Pretty good quality. Just askin' seems like alot for just 9 bucks.

[homer gonerson]

Well, since they were based out of Houston, I did pickup, seeing as I live in Houston, about 10 mins away from the place. My window needs to be cleaned a little, because I didn't do it very brightly and took off the entire pieces of paper protecting the window, and got my handprints ALL over it while trying to install it (it was not easy to do, I wouldn't recomend it if you're looking for a quick job. At least 3 hours to cut the hole, another .5 to install the rubber molding and window itself)

[cfairchild]

well, im gonna give it a try but will save it for a free weekend. Will let you know how it eventually turns out, btw thanks for the great link.

[homer gonerson]

Np mate. Eager to hear how your window goes. Just be ready for hours of clipping and a sore hand when you're finished

[cfairchild]

ha, finally got the chance and ordered the window pkg:p , will install and post pics in the case thread

[homer gonerson]

Awesome man. Sounds good. Actually getting the window in can be a little tricky with the rubber, but it is possible, so don't give up :P.