Converting a top-open case to a side-opener

[Ruahrc]

I have one of those older style cases where the metal that forms the sides and top all comes off in one piece. I was thinking of modding my case to convert it into a side-loader where only the side-panel would come off for easier PC access.

To do this I was thinking simply cut (by a method yet to be devised by me) the "crease" where the metal bends 90° to form one of the corners. Thus I would be left with an "L" shaped piece which would stay on permanently (for the most part) and a side panel that would come off.

My question is: Would this method work? I've thought it out and it seems to work out in my head but people I've talked to say that making the cut will significantly decrease the structural strength of the case, it won't work, etc. I don't believe them however though because with the outer metal off the case "frame" is what holds the shape and that part is very sturdy. I just thought I'd check here first to see if anyone has done this type of cut before and whether or not it worked.

Ruahrc

[RustyGT]

I cant imagine why 'structual strength' should be a consideration, unless your using your PC to prop up your bookshelf.
Most of the folk, I know, who fiddle their PC's would be hard pressed to 'find' the covers, let alone use them!
When they've installed that 20,000 RPM Fan!
They want to see it!
From Google got.
Lots of responses to 'building cases out of perspex' Clear Cases! Way Cool!
R.

[This message has been edited by RustyGT (edited 06-03-2001).]

[Imperion1]

I have an Antec Full tower that has the case lid as both sides and the top as one piece. My project last weekend was cutting the sides off and adding a couple of fans. The fans went on the side pointing toward the cpu. Helps keep the system cooler. And no it doesn't affect structural integrity. Its just a cover. Now if you were to stand on it or add lots of weight on top of your computer, then yeah the structure does get effected. Of course their is also that cross beam in the case that helps with the structural strength.
I could keep going but won't. Yea. lol

Like I said you can cut the sides off and it won't do any harm. Might wanna deburr the cut edge though. I also put a silver door edge guard on the sides to prevent cuts.

[Ruahrc]

Imperion:
so your case is just fine now with separate sides and top? I was worried that certain parts of the case that used to be held solidly by the other parts of the case would now rattle, etc. because of the cuts.

Also, how did you cut it apart? A hacksaw won't work because it can't cut deep into things, so I was going to try a saber saw. I was going to file the edges down so they were smooth and I also was ultimately going to paint it which would also help take off some of the harshness of the edges.

Ruahrc

[Imperion1]

Easiest way to cut the sides off is to clamp a 1/4" to 1/2" thick piece of wood to each side and use a jigsaw with a 20 tpi+ blade. The wood is to keep the lid from vibrating too much.
The sides and top won't rattle either. I have two 92mm fans on one side and don't have the lid screws attached to the case yet, doesn't rattle.