- last edited on by
ROGBot
Installing a Plexi window w/ Modders Mesh or Perforated Steel inlay
Supplies & links
1/8" Clear Acrylic Window Sheet
ModdersMesh 12" x 12" (2, sheets)
Clearcoat (Laquer, Enamel or Polyurethane) or Paint it.
SCOTCH brand Clear Heavy Duty Mounting tape #4010
Filtered Respirator mask
Lacquer Thinner
Rag
Rubber Gloves
Tools:
Exacto knife
Jigsaw w/ metal cutting blade
Hand file
The best tape is 3M Scotch 233+ Green tape
3M Scotch Green 233+ masking tape is used by Automotive Paint Professionals. It's highly conformable to curved surfaces on both metal and plastic. It has good adhesion in a large range of weather conditions. It will peel off without leaving any sticky residue. Most Auto Body Supply Stores should be stocking this tape. It's also readily available online. 3M Scotch 233+ tape has a premium price compared to other tapes, but it performs the best
Plain steel should a good coating of oil to prevent oxidation. We need to remove oil/dirt before clearcoating or painting.
Mask on
Fold and soak portion of rag with Laquer Thinner.
Check Modders Mesh after wiping for threads from rag before applying Clearcoat. If you can, blow out holes of any dirt w/compressed air. (Can of compressed air works good)
I'll be cutting 2, 12" x 12" windows from these 1/8" Clear Acrylic Window Sheet
I taped 2, 24" x 24" plexi sheets together (around edge) so I can cut both at sametime.
I apply masking tape to outline cut and make scratch resistant pathway for jigsaw base.
Jigsaw: I'll use a metal cutting blade (18 - 20 TPI)
Go slowwww. Too fast, the plexi will melt and bond back together.
Once window is cut. Finish of any rough edges with fine cut hand file or sandpaper
Mounting Plexi & Modders Mesh
Super strength adhesion. Used for mounting windows in computer cases.
link, http://www.mnpctech.com/scotch_4010_tape_of_the_casemod_gods.html
Scotch HD Clear tape is very sticky. Imagine trying to cut strands of chewed gum with Scissors.. What works best is gently apply tape to scrap piece of steel or alum, cut w/ Exacto and peel it off.
12" strand
Cutting 4, 1/4" x 12" strips for window edges. You'll do this step 2 more times so you have 12, strips for installation
Peel it off
Apply to 1st piece of Plexiglass (remember we cut two 12" x 12" pieces)
Apply small pieces to inner sections of window.
Use Exacto Knife to coax red backing to peel
All of your tape is exposed and ready for mounting. Line up your window and apply in place.
I'll use clean cotton towel or t-shirt as I hand press window in place. Avoid ugly finger prints!
Our window is in place. Now apply the 4 additional 1/4" x 12" strips of 3M clear tape
Last chance to CLEAN WINDOW of FINGERPRINTS
Remember we cut 2, 12" x 12" sheets of plexi. Again, I've applied 1/4" wide strands of 3M tape to edges
Drop your Modders Mesh sheet onto 2nd plexiglass window
Press it on hard
Apply to panel window
Grab your towel again and press firmly around window edges.
Admire your clean work!
I'm thinking 3M Di-Noc Carbon fiber would accent the case nicely.
