I had this LCD cover for a while now, bought separately back in 2010.
It was intended for a mod back then but I did not have the time.

Click on the photos to view in full size




Since I now have all the time in the world,
It was time to get the project moving


1. Preparation

First remove the LCD hinges <-- photos not shown due to simplicity, removal of screws basically

Next, notice the black rubbery thingy on the M15x?



That has to be removed prior to sanding

1.1 Removing the black rubbery thingy

Flipping the back LCD case, we will find a sort of melted plastic (marked in red)



These are holding the black rubbery thingy into place and onto the LCD case itself.
Remove all of them by using a drill or rotary tool.



Slowly remove the plastic tabs one at a time. You should get the hang of it after the first few holes <-- sounds a little perverted
Anyway, I used a Dremel 300 series courtesy of NiclasTeoh

Flip it over, and now you should get:



remember also to cover up the Alienhead with waterproof tape, or simply remove it as seen here to protect it
form scratching due to sanding.


2. Sanding

Start off with a high grit sandpaper.



in this case i used a 150 grit

2.1 sanding progress

Wet sanding is optional



The whole process was done using the 150 grit.
It should be sanded again with a finer grit (preferably 400 or 800) before priming the area to be painted

=========
26/7/2011
=========

Finally I decided to make it chrome instead.



No, not really, that's what it looks like after completely removing the paint.

At this stage im asking for some info regarding air brushing

=======
30/7/2011
=======

After days of thinking and searching, i've decided to retrain my hands to
achieve previously owned steadiness

Yes, I will be using spray cans after all.

Continue reading at post #2

This post has been edited by razor16190: Sep 30 2012, 05:26 PM

Chapter 2:

Change of plans.
Depending on the situation and available materials,
the design to be made on the lid may not be using aerosol paint entirely.
I'm trying a different trick this time

The LCD lid has undergo a patchwork for the Alienhead.
Prior to filling the gap, the Alienhead has to be removed first.

3. Removing the Alienhead

The Alienhead will consist of 3 parts:



a) The electronics (with lighting - LEDs)
b) a rubber Alienhead in the middle (translucent in colour)
c) Hard Exterior Alienhead (attached to the lid)

Steps:
1. Take all the electronic parts off and put them in a safe place.
Disassemble them bare until you only leave the exterior Alienhead
2. Use a heat gun / hair dryer to soften the solidly secured Alienhead.
3. Pry the Alienhead off the side with a plastic pry tool / card


It should look like this upon removal.

**Reminder - you don't want to use hot air as you may melt it down, warm should be fine.

4. Filling in the gap

For this step, you may use putty (probably the same one used in auto repairs) or epoxy to fill in the gap.
I used a 2 ton epoxy for this one. The similar one used for my last inspiron casemod.

Steps for using epoxy:

1. Cover up the internal side of the lid with a flat material - preferably something thin and hard.
(i used a piece of acrylic)



If possible, fasten the material with some the Alienhead screws.



2. Mix a small amount of resin and hardener together.
3. Use a flat object (preferably a card) to apply the compound.
4. Leave the compound to harden overnight before proceeding to the next layer.
5. Repeat steps 1-3 until you have completely covered the gap.
6. The final layer should be in excess of the lid's height to ensure you have the enough coverage.
It will be sanded down at a later step.

This is what it looks like when you're done filling the hole.
As shown in the photo:



The process took about 3 days.

Currently looking for supplies of putty primer.
Probably ones from the Samurai line.


Suggestions?

To be updated soon

This post has been edited by razor16190: Aug 20 2011, 07:52 AM

reserved

rich guy

lol, not really

1 month already..not done yet?

Had other things to do. Besides i am still deciding which type of paint to use.

I CANT WAIT TO C THE RESULT LAAA!!!

This dude is awesome

What should I have on the lid besides plain colour? Ideas please?

maybe red and black?

you mean like this?



They already have that

This post has been edited by razor16190: Jul 25 2011, 09:24 AM

oh mai.try yellow? go bumble bee man

I was thinking like something more artistic

Anyway, anyone here has knowledge of an airbrush. Its been a while since I've used a can spray. Don't think my hands are as steady as before.

first post updated

that's neat work man.nice job.
so now u wanna airbrush? u got the tools? air compressor, paint acc, etc.. ?

That is the problem im afraid. I don't even know where to start on airbrushing.
Did some research these few days and I found another option. Which is an airless paint spray.

Regardless, knowledge of both is useful

yes2. knowledge is useful but the tools are more useful

How about dark green with some black and white? Like camo!

Excellent! Mr.Docter, you have just reminded me of something