yea, that metal may look good now, but even in the best enviroments that thing will rust, then it willl just look fugly, u should look into sealing that up, the effect looks promising, sometimes the best mods turn out exactly how they were not planned to go, after that its just perfecting the proccess, a quick google search turned up this, its not the 120mm version, however you could always use one for a template and make your own http://www.xpcgear.com/80mpg.html
i think they thought you sanded all the paint off the case and that its bare metal, but your saying its painted. if its painted your fine, if its bare metal then youll need to put a coat of something on it. also, how is there a front PCI slot on your case?
Looks good, if you would want a polished look, you could work your way up to higher grit paper. Also how the hell is aluminium going to rust when there is no water there? The way you lot are saying it, is as if it decomposes. (sp?) The front pci slot is already there when you buy the case. c_d
there is moisture in the air. you leave untreated meatl lying around (even indoors) then it will start to rust.
mmmmm... I agree Steel: Will rust in a matter of SECONDS... ever wash an engine block in a parts washer, and take an air-nozzle off a compressor to it? It turns to rust in a matter of SECONDS. Alumimum: Will *not* rust, but will Oxodize(Corrodes). It resembles "chalky powder" that comes off it. Oxidizing aluminum only occurs from things IN the water, salt, or things like that. Straight (pure) water won't oxodize aluminium (to my knowledge).
but is it affected by normal air in a house? thats all that really matters. will it rust or corrode whilst lying under his desk?
Eventually, yes it will, as the air is never pure.. it always contains oxidants, moisture, and if you live near the sea, quite a lot of salt. Not sure if that was originally a steel case, or alloy, but if alloy, you've just sanded off the anodising, so you're got bare alluminium now. It will dull and tarnish eventually. I'd carry on sanding it, but keep your stroked in one direction per panel... that way it won't look like work in progress, even when it's finished. Once done, you could give it a light coat of clear laquer to stop it oxidizing... or maybe get it anodized. It's not THAT difficult to do your own actually. Just Google anodising... there are loads of tutorials out there. Just seem to remember you have to use acids, which can be a little nasty, and if you're under 18 or so, you may find people reluctant to sell to you.
