Node 202 Aluminum Wrap?

[Screes]

I noticed the Node 202 is basically this steel frame wrapped in a plastic clamshell type wrap. I really hate the plastic look/feel but love the layout, lost cost and accessibility to purchase, and was wondering how difficult it would be to just make a new aluminum wrap for the stock steel frame inside it?

I know there's a lot of people on this forum that have either done or tried making complete custom enclosures. This seems like a relatively easy compromise. You don't have to do EVERYTHING to make a case, just the box wrapped around this stock frame. Any idea's how difficult or expensive this option may be to make?

 

[Aircoookie]

It would be quite easy to design compared to fully custom cases because you don't have to worry about component clearances, basically just the size of a box. Manufacturing could still be expensive, since you have to drill venting holes and do a few bends. Nothing through the roof though... Great idea by the way

 

[Findecanor]

If it is just the surface finish of the plastic top that you are unhappy with then why not just cover it?

The easiest and cheapest way would be to get self-adhesive vinyl sheets or wrap. Brushed aluminium finish is available in several colours.
Or you could use thin sheets of real sheet metal.

Most scratch-builds I have seen have been made of sheet alu and L-brackets. That has then been brushed or painted.
For the vents, people use "Modders mesh" (steel) or pre-perforated alu sheets that have been glued on the inside perimeter of large holes cut into the case.