Time for an update! Finally, a few consecutive hours to play around with stuff this past weekend, so I spent some time gathering parts, planning, and disassembling/cleaning my case. Most of the pictures I took just so I could remind myself what was riveted to what, and where... :P But, I figured you all would enjoy a few pictures anyway. Here you go! First, here's a dramatic concept shot of what I want to do with my reservoir... looks a little better than it did in MS paint, and I think it will look a lot better when it's actually done up the way I want it:  Now, for some parts!   Also spent a few hours at Home Depot, collecting up tools! >=) Before you ask, the compressor was something I had been meaning to get for a while, mostly for cleaning cases, inflating tires, and other misc stuff like nail guns and painting. Probably won't have a major role in this project, but whatev! :P  Now, for some random dis-assembly photos:  (cleaned up, but pretty badly scuffed/scratched. Definitely painting this midplate, and maybe replacing it outright. I don't like the holes, and don't have a good idea for plugging them quite yet that would end up looking nice. ) Rivet removal. SO MUCH rivet removal. I swear, this case had no less than 50 rivets I had to drill out before all was said and done:  So many tiny pieces too... Not even sure what purpose this piece served, but I am sure it was there for a reason... :P  Finally breaking the Rubik's Cube that is this case. There are rivets hidden under other pieces of metal that are riveted to yet other pieces. Definitely going to be a puzzle to put back together:   Finally got it all apart and sorted!  Now that dis-assembly is done, time to practice some painting! This is the first time I've attempted painting any kind of metal, let alone aluminum (which I've heard is particularly picky - any pointers appreciated!) I spent a good amount of time reading guides online, and so far, I think the process looks like this: -material preparation- 80 grit sanding / 200 grit / 350 grit (wet) denatured alcohol/tack cloth -priming- SEM Self etching primer in short bands, north/south wait an hour 450 grit sanding (wet) SEM self etching primter in short bands, east/west 450 grit sanding (wet) -color- Initial color coat (light north/south) wait a day 1000 grit sanding (wet) (north/south) second color coat (light east/west) wait a day Evaluate finish, repeat last 3 steps if more needed, alternating directions, otherwise proceed -finishing- 1000 grit sanding (wet) (north/south) 1500 grit sanding (wet) (north/south) 2000 grit sanding (wet) (north/south) clean with soft cloth and water clean with cloth and rubbing compound polish with soft cloth using polishing paste clearcoat? Anyway, here's the first few prep steps I completed... mostly sanding and making a cheap/easy painting box using an old cardboard box I had laying around and a wire hanger. Cheap can be just as effective!  I got some aluminum strips from the previously mentioned aircraft manufacturing facility that fairly closely matched the finish and such of my case. I took a strip and sanded it down as per above:  Then sanded it again, with a finer grit:  Then into the box for priming!  Next time: The results of priming and initial coats of painting! Also, lots of hardware showing up this week! Radiators, fittings, sleeving... exciting times! |