EggXpert

Hey there. I've never modded anything before, except maybe a DS Lite, but what I have in mind sounds fairly simple. Basically, I want to take a Raidmax Smilodon Black case (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156078) and swap the color scheme from Green to UV/Purple. I like the green theme and all, but I think UV/Purple would look way cooler. Now the reason I think it's simple is because it's just changing the secondary color of the case to a different color. This would essentially mean re-dying/painting the green plastic parts on the inside, and then swapping out the front LEDs.

Since this is basically all I need to do to make the mod complete -- aside from adding in the UV cathode kit and fans -- I was hoping to just confirm my plans. I understand that a common way to re-color something is to just paint over it, usually if it's metal. However, since the only green things in the case are plastic tool-less design pieces, I figure it would be simpler to dye them, using this tutorial: http://www.gideontech.com/content/articles/202/1

I haven't personally looked at any other tutorials for dying since I figure this one is already pretty good. He also has a point: painting plastic parts isn't really effective. So reading through his tutorial, I'm thinking I would prefer to use vinyl dye on the plastic parts. (I'm fairly sure that all the plastic parts are removable, as well.) So now I've got the internal green stuff down, just onto the LEDs. (By the way, I would plan on dying the plastic either a similar purple shade or possibly a UV reactive color; maybe just white)

I'm not familiar with LEDs or pretty much any electrical engineering at all, so this is my main issue. I want to replace the LEDs in the front bezel, but the only problem is finding LEDs with the same specifications as the ones that came with the case. If I can figure out what these specifications are (frequency, etc), I can just disassemble the bezel, de-solder the old LEDs, and solder in the new ones.

Finally, once the plastic is re-dyed and the LEDs have been replaced, I would put aftermarket UV case fans in, and maybe a dual UV cathode kit in the case as well, completing the look I'm aiming for.

So you might be thinking, "Great, this guy is just talking to himself in this post", which is essentially true. But, judging by the other threads in this forum I know you guys know what you're doing, so I want your input on the idea. The main things I'm unfamiliar with is recoloring plastics and replacing LEDs. I don't think I can screw up the plastic part too badly, but I'm just plain unsure about what to do with the LEDs.

Thank you in advance for your help!

I have never heard of dying plastic parts but I am familiar with liquid plastics and transparent coloring additivies, but be aware of the fact that the plastic case components are all sealed with a wax that must be removed no matter what you do dye or paint and rubbing alcohol is the best thing to use for cleanning this off. Now as for the LEDs you can pick them up at any auto stereo shop, Walmarts carry some as do KMarts and Targets or the online computer shops such as FrozenCPU.com, PCModders.com and many others and if you can't find the color you want here is a trick I use just buy clear LEDs and coat them with translucent finger nail polish or google liquid plastics and you can order it on line but its not cheap. You may be able to find small tubes of clear plastic cement/glue and use some translucent coloring to mix with it and then just put a drop or two over the LEDs once you mount them.

Check out my painting tutorial first off.

I have been painting plastic for years, and when done right, it is 1000% fine. Even if your were to not prep anything and just give it a single coat of paint it would be somewhat ok.

 When is comes to plastics you need to clean them with some sort of alcohol based cleaner and then rough up the surface a little. Then paint as normal with 3 coats of primer, 3 of the color, and 3 of clear coat (see my tutorial)

 

I have dyed plastics on many occasions for lacrosse. The procedure is complex and the color obtained is extremely hard to duplicate and is nearly impossible to match. You need to boil some water, add the dye, and then put the plastic in. Sounds simple but I assure you it isn't. The color that comes out is almost never the same color on the dye pack. (yes, i know this isn't related to the article you linked but this is what dying is) You cannot dye black plastic by the way. White is the only color your truly can dye. If you dye plastic that isn't white to start off, your dye job will be very bad.

 

I don't mean to shoot down your idea but it is not the best approach for what you want. Like I said, check out my tutorial and you'll be fine.

Good luck.