Tt Matrix VX: A HardwareLogic Mod!

[gvblake22]

This has been something I've wanted to do for a long time now, and I just can't take it any more; I have to start this project even though I still haven't finished my other. I'm just too excited about the ideas.

The plan is to use this Thermaltake Matrix VX and paint it up black and red. Fans will be switched out and more added, drives will be stealthed, cables will be sleeved, holes will be cut, and hopefully it looks good when all is said and done. This is supposed to be sort-of a "tribute" to this great website and all of the great people who call this their enthusiast community. So bear with me as I embark on my first case painting and specifically themed case modding adventure!

Here is everything that is going to getting a paint job of some kind:


And here are the rest of the parts whos fate is still unknown:

[stinger608]

Hey Blake, what a killer idea man 8)

[polobunny]

Whoa another project? Nice idea though, killer tower i'm thinking of getting one myself though I also want to mod this SLK1650B.

Oh also, I noticed a small typo error in the review. You wrote;

The Thermaltake Matrix VX (VD300BWA) features an all aluminum construction with a silver plastic trim around the plastic mesh front panel.

But the correct model number is VD3000BWA.

[Jokerswild]

Good luck Blake. I had to drop the lettering on mine as it's beyond my ability at this point. Still going with red and black also.

[yurimxpxman]

Sounds cool, good luck, and God bless! :-)

[gvblake22]

Thank you all for the comments (and the error notifications) :thup:

Went to the hardware store and got some goodies tonight. First up we have some Krylon Fusion paint that says it is specifically designed for plastic (which is what I need it for)...

And can you believe it, they even had it in "HardwareLogic Red"!

Here is everything that is getting painted red:


Still need a few more coats on this stuff. And it doesn't help that when I set it down outside the damn dog ran right over all the pieces immediately after I painted them!!!

Here is the front panel all masked off and ready for it's coat of red paint:


I plan to paint just the silver trim red, the rest of the black mesh on the front panel will stay black...


I ran out of time, but still managed to get the case frame masked off and ready for painting:

The frame and insides will all be black.

[gvblake22]

I also got some 6/32 screws and acorn nuts...


These will replace the crappy/cheap plastic push-pins that mount the window to the side panel:



The screws are still a little too long, so I'll have to cut them down, but progress is good, hopefully I'll have more updates and pics soon! :D

[Jokerswild]

I use a piece of metal the thickness that I want the screw length to be and tap a hole in it then screw the screw in and cut it to length.

[gvblake22]

Originally Posted by jokerswild

I use a piece of metal the thickness that I want the screw length to be and tap a hole in it then screw the screw in and cut it to length.

Not a bad idea, especially since I actually do have a 6/23 tap! :D

[gvblake22]

WOO HOO, more updates :D

Got the first coat of black paint on the case frame and HDD cage...

Ready for painting:




Painted:





Overall the painting of these aluminum parts turned out better than I had expected, particularly the case. There is only a minor spot of drip on each part. The case still needs more painting as I didn't get some of the parts like inside the 5.25" drive bay and the ceiling of the inside of the case.

I also put another coat of red paint on the internal pieces. Those aren't turning out as well as I had hoped, but I think they will just need a few coats. But the trim on the face plate looks good even after one coat!