In a dilemma with this side panel...

[eL c0L0mb1aNo]

Well, last year I cut my side panel so that I could install a window out of some spare plexiglass at Sears. As you can see from the pictures below it didn't work out very well. You can see that I went a bit drill happy. :) Now, I want to make it look a bit better so I can actually make my computer presentable to myself. If you look closely at the second picture you can see that I don't have much room to cut below the holes that exist. So, I would have to cut just a smidgen (sp?) below that line of holes. My problem is, figuring out how to mount the plexiglass after the second cut. There is only about a quarter of an inch to work with there so I think that ugly molding is out of the question. I was thinking small rivets would do but I don't have a rivet gun. Would there be an easier way to do this or am I just screwed?

http://www.daocplace.com/tng/tng/uploader/uploaded/DSCF0169.JPG
http://www.daocplace.com/tng/tng/uploader/uploaded/DSCF0170.JPG
http://www.daocplace.com/tng/tng/uploader/uploaded/DSCF0171.JPG

[cgrant26]

First off, when using holes to secure a window, rivits look way better than screws. The way I did my window was to use double-stick tape on the inside and use C channel molding on the edges of my cut out panel. The end result looks good.

[Mr.BrIaN]

That window doesnt look too bad to me. Mabe your being too harsh on yourself?

[mustang_steve]

you could bond the window to the panel with 3M VHB strips.

Be warned, the bond may suck for the first few hours, but that stuff gets way stronger. I've damaged wood paneling with that stuff.

[Mojo JoJo]

If your worried about the number of holees, just fill them in with some bondo. A small tube is all you should need. Then, just repaint the panel.

[eL c0L0mb1aNo]

Originally posted by Mr.BrIaN
That window doesnt look too bad to me. Mabe your being too harsh on yourself?

Trust me, it's pretty bad.

Where can I get this 3M VHB strips or the bondo? If I get the bondo then I guess I would only have to touch up the cut to make it look better and then apply some Krylon Fusion paint to it.

[phiber]

bondo as far as i know is some automotive thing you use to cover up cuts/ holes? i guess its available @autozone or the like.

[Mojo JoJo]

Originally posted by eL c0L0mb1aNo
Trust me, it's pretty bad.

Where can I get this 3M VHB strips or the bondo? If I get the bondo then I guess I would only have to touch up the cut to make it look better and then apply some Krylon Fusion paint to it.

I think they sell it in a tube at wal mart as well. Just sand, prime and paint when your done patching the holes, and you should be ok.

[eL c0L0mb1aNo]

Damnit, the nearest wal-mart is nowhere even remotely close to where i live...know of any other places that sell that stuff? Maybe I'll just do a google on it and find out where they sell it. ALso with the Krylon fusion paint that I have there is no need to sand or prime...:) I love this paint.

[eL c0L0mb1aNo]

According to www.bondo-online.com ... retailers include Home Depot, K-Mart, and Autozone...however I can't find any bondo on their websites by searching for bondo. I guess I will have to go to the store and look for it myself....Any guides on how to properly use it on computer cases specifically.

[mustang_steve]

VHB comes on thin foam strips. Look in auto part stores and home depot.

EDIT: Here's a link from 3M's page for VHB http://www.3m.com/us/mfg_industrial/adhesives/vhb/

[eL c0L0mb1aNo]

Cool. Thanks a lot for that link. I think i've got it figured out now. Bondo up the existing holes, touch up the cut, redo plexiglass, and mount with 3M tape. Hopefully it doesn't cost me too much money. I'm on a VERY limited budget so I can't afford to spend too much.