I've made a cool modification to my Power Mac G4. The side panels are now clear. The technique comes courtesy of Guy Kuo.

*** MacMod Editors note:  Interestingly, this mod was inspired from the iceBook and paint removal techniques that Guy Kuo pioneered in 2001 and that was posted on MacMod.com (the early days). This mod was orginally on http://colin.editthispage.com/clearG4. ***

Notes and Observations:

I was unable to find 99% isopropyl alcohol, but was able to find 91% strength. I also didn't have many issues with fingerprints, and didnt need any lens cleaner solution. Cotton swabs are definetley helpful for those hard to reach corners; I also used both a washcloth and a lint-free cloth to clean the large expanses of flat grey paint.

The most difficult part is undoubtedly gaining access to the latches that hold the side panels on to the case of the Power Mac. To remove the plastic cover that is on the side of the swing-down door, you must fully disconnect and remove the main logic board. Keep track of where the screws go; you'll also need to use a wrench to remove the three processor card support posts. The modem does not have to be removed, just unplugged. Standard cautions of ESD and waranty voiding apply - you're doing this at your own risk, obviously.

To remove the fixed side panel, you have to unscrew the cage that contains the large fan that blows on the processor card. I removed the fan first and then the cage; upon further examination it seems i could have just removed the two screws that hold the cage in.

Once you have gained access to the side panels, you might have to use an adjustable wrench or pliers to bend the plastic tabs in far enough that the panel is released - I couldn't gain enough force using my thumb and forefinger. Although they seem very strong I would recommend caution that you don't break them off.

The isopropyl alcohol takes time to dissolve the paint - so be prepared to spend a couple of hours for the procedure.

Other quick notes before I show the pictures - the Apple logos are attached on and would have to be removed to change the color. You should probably use gloves when working with the isopropyl alcohol and the resulting paint. Use caution around the G4 case when the side panels are off, because the corners of the handles and side panels are very sharp. If you decide to remove the pieces of tape that attach the Airport antenna to the case, be sure to use caution when you replace the panels so you don't crimp or otherwise damage the antennae.

Also of note is that the panels are not transparent. The inside of the panels are not buffed or polished like the outside is. I presume that one could buff the inside of the panels to achieve a fully transparent piece of plastic. The way it is, the guts of the computer are quite visible; the panels become less transparent as your viewing angle gets closer to the front or back of the tower.

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