Topic: Wii Customization...Need suggestions from Hardware/Artsy Guys

[couchmonkey]

Hi guys.  I'm thinking of busting my Wii open and painting it green, instead of whining about how Nintendo didn't make the colour I want.  I've seen some interesting computer case customization projects on the internet, but most of them involve taking the things apart.  Anyone experienced in modding consoles or whatever, I'd be interested in knowing the following:

- Where do I get those crazy screwdrivers that you seem to need to take apart video game systems?
- Is it even worth it to take it apart? The only reason I can see is that I may need to sand the case, but maybe I could do that with it still screwed together?
- Should I sand the case?  The case mods I read are for metal computer cases.  Is there some type of primer that will do the job for plastic?

[capamerica]

You'll need to get a 'Gamebit Driver 4.5mm' you should be able to hunt one down on Google for about $3.00

Its best to take it all apart that way you can get paint everywere and not have to worry about trying to get it into small cracks and the paint won't build up in areas. And you won't have to worry about the paint glueing together flaps and doors.

When I did my case mod I did not sand it. But it depends on the type of paint the use on the Wii.

[Ian Sane]

I think I would wait until the console comes out before having mod plans.

The screwdriver however is called a gamebit.  I bought one to region mod my Cube from Play-Asia.com.  You can usually get them from game import sites.  Wait until the console comes out though just in case that used different screws or something.

[couchmonkey]

Yeah, I considered the screws might be different, but what I didn't think about is that the paint that's already on it will affect what I do...looks like I'll have to wait a while before thinking much further on this.  Thanks for the suggestions guys!

[KnowsNothing]

I used the Bic pen method to take apart a GameCube.  Just take out the ink cartridge thing of a bic pen, and melt the end of the hollow tube.  You can then stick the melted plastic into the screw, wait for it to dry, and you've got yourself a nice little custom screwdriver

[MANTI5]

I would suggest vinyl dye over paint, works a bit differently but looks much better imo.

[Ian Sane]

I'll also mention that my friend typically opens game consoles and cartridges using needle nose pliers.  Though in some cases they have narrow shafts leading up to the screw in which case you need a gamebit.

Considering that opening up a console voids the warranty I wonder why console makers bother at all.  What difference does it really make?  Do they lose money because people open their console up?  If someone is going to mod for piracy they know how to get into the machine anyway so using wacky screws is kind of a waste of time.  Hell it probably would save money to just use regular screws.

[ThePerm]

the consoles damn compact...it might not even have screws on it.

[Ceric]

Besides Piracy there is probably a manafacturing reason for it.

[King of Twitch]

 Hi guys. I'm thinking of busting my Wii open and painting it green

>>This just sounds painful; plus you might have problem with 'downloads' later in life. Can't you just be happy with the way God made you?

[couchmonkey]

Thank you for taking the bait, MJR!

I have been wondering if it will have screws, the pictures don't show any that I've seen, but they could be on the back, or they could be 'shopped out to make it look more beatuiful.

If I do go through with this, it'll only be if I can find at least two Wiis.  Then if I break one I can keep the other.  It shouldn't be a problem though, it's not like I'm going to start taking apart the circuit boards...