adding case window without using rubber tube?

[privateapples]

Hey guys I was thinking about adding a window to my case but I dont like the look of that black rubber that you have to put on the edges of the cut. Is there any other way to do it without having to ? Also any tutorials on making the window flush with the case?

[Andrewr05]

What you do is flush mount it onto the outside of the case and use bolts to hold it in place...

The end result looks pretty good.

[Verran]

 

Someone just rehashed this guide not too long ago. I've got an example of installing a window without the rubber gasket stuff in there.

[exeter_acres]

the gaskets are NOT needed... but it covers up any "not so perfect" cutting that was done....

 

extra time with a dremel and a file could make the edges look just fine

[privateapples]

So I was thinking it over and thought maybe I can just cover part of the plexy glass as the "WINDOW" while I paint the rest of the color of the case. Once I remove the "cover" I'll have (what looks likes) an extremely flush window on a case door. And i'll just cut the plexi to the size of the case cover....

 

....sounds like it'd work to me...

 

would the plexi need prepping?

[Verran]

So I was thinking it over and thought maybe I can just cover part of the plexy glass as the "WINDOW" while I paint the rest of the color of the case. Once I remove the "cover" I'll have (what looks likes) an extremely flush window on a case door. And i'll just cut the plexi to the size of the case cover....

I don't see how this would change anything. You'll still have the issue of how you'll attach the plexi to the case side. This idea really doesn't change the project, it just makes the window bigger.

[Guticb]

You'll still have the issue of how you'll attach the plexi to the case side

 

Rubber Cement?

[Andrewr05]

Rubber Cement?

As stated above the most efficient way to mount an "outset" (opposite of inset) window is with bolts...

Kind of like this:

 

I knew I'd seen it done on OCC before, on Fuelers Wavemaster case mod...

Wavemaster case mod

Edited December 21, 2007 by Andrewr05

[Verran]

Rubber Cement?

Right.... or you could use hot glue, or bolts, or rivets. But that's not really my point.

 

The original post was looking for a way to install a case window without a rubber gasket. I don't see how painting the window solves that problem. I understand the idea that painting it black may help to hide the seams a bit, but you still have the same issue of what you're going to do in place of the gasket. Paint it red, purple, blue... any color you want really, but you still have to come up with a relatively seamless way to actually attach it. The way I see it, the paint idea doesn't really solve the problem in the initial post.

 

Also, black paint on plexi and black paint on metal are going to look different, and you're still going to be able to see an edge there. Most people just drill a few holes and bolt the plexi in place right behind the case side (which you cut a hole in for the window). If you cut a clean hole, file it, and paint it, this can look very nice.

[privateapples]

Well painting the plexi solves the problem of not using the rubber edges. Also I was just going to attach the plexi as if it were a door by adding hooks on the sides that slide into the original holes on the case.... really nothing to it.