How to dissemble a Chieftec/Antec Case

[slayer899]

I have a case similar to the one at this link here (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-125-224&depa=0) (the antec and chieftecs like this are virtually the same) and I want to be able to remove the top of the case in order to cut a window in it so i don't have to make a mess of the rest of my case in the process. So my question is, 1, is it even possible to remove the top, and 2, if so, how do i go about doing it, how many rivets do i have to drill out, and which ones, because i know there are three in the front and back of the top part that hold it on and that i was going to drill out, but are there others holding the top on or is that all i need to do? thanks!

[magick_man]

does yours have a removable back side (mobo side)
if i remember right the top side and bottom of the case are all one piece.
and i think they are the main structural support for the case and most of the other pieces attach to them.
i might be wrong but that is how mine is.
you might be better off just stripping all the pieces out of the case and cutting it still put together
do you have any pics of your specific case?

~Magick_Man~

[arabarabian]

With mine which is an Antec you can take both sides off. But the top is riveted on so you have to use a very small drill bit and drill out the center of the rivet and you should be able to just push or pull the rivet out and once you get them all off you will be home free. To re-attach the top you can use a pop riveter or else you could utilize sheet metal screws and nuts and bolts.

[slayer899]

With mine which is an Antec you can take both sides off. But the top is riveted on so you have to use a very small drill bit and drill out the center of the rivet and you should be able to just push or pull the rivet out and once you get them all off you will be home free. To re-attach the top you can use a pop riveter or else you could utilize sheet metal screws and nuts and bolts.

yeah, on mine both sides come off too...so then i only have to worry about drilling out the 6 rivets that i mentioned before, 3 in front and 3 in back?

[Tebore]

You really have to watch out tho. Once you get the rivets out you might not be able to reassembly the case back its original stiffness and straightness.

[slayer899]

You really have to watch out tho. Once you get the rivets out you might not be able to reassembly the case back its original stiffness and straightness.

so then would you recommend not takin the top off and just trying to cut the window with it on? the reason i want to remove it is 1) i don't want metal shavings all over the inside, and 2) i'm worried about hitting the drive cage while i'm cutting, so yeah...btw thanks for the advice guys!

[Evil T C]

i dont have either of the cases mentioned, however i took the top off of my case to cut a window out. but put it back on when it came to the actual cutting cos it was the best way i could find of supporting the top on all four edges whilst using the jigsaw. worked a treat :)

[Tebore]

It's not recommended to take the top off but if you are really good then you can get it off and back on no problem.

[slayer899]

Alright, i guess i'll give it a shot with the top on then, don't wanna go through all the effort of cutting it and then having the case not fit back together hehe

[Evil T C]

just make sure theres nothing in the way of the cutting blade under what your cutting and youl get on fine

[Alucard]

Just use a vacuum or a shop vacuum if youve got one to get the metal shavings out.

[stikphysh]

id say take the top off. esspecialy if you have a good pop rivet gun. ive done it a few times and its been simple. esspecialy if you have the antec instead of the cheiftec cuz its pretty sturdy even with the top off. it also makes the cut much easier and makes it look much cleaner. taking the top off is actually pretty simple in my oppinion.

[DaWiper]

I took the top of my Chieftec Dragon and it didn't fall apart. I replaced the rivets with nuts'n bolts.