Well here's one thing...a quick jewel customizing tutorial by me, Scorch. for more in depth tutorials I recommend checking out xbox-scene.com. Most pictures can be seen larger by clicking on them.
Change this -->................................................Into this -->
Looks way better doesn't it?
I just got done installing my second Xbox jewel today, and I got some tips for anyone looking to try this.
Part 0.1. Opening the Xbox
Basically, get a Torx 20 screwdriver and unscrew the 6 screws on the bottom of the xbox. There are two screws under stickers. For more info check here --> http://www.llamma.com/xbox/Repairs/crac ... t_xbox.htm
Part 1. Jewel Removal:
Use the hairdryer + Dental floss technique. I tried freezing the top, and it didn't work as well as heating that sucker up. So just point a hairdryer at the BOTTOM of the top half of the Xbox case, aiming toward the Xbox jewel on the other side. Let it sit on High for about 3 minutes, then while its still warm to the touch, get a good length of dental floss and work it into the little crevasse around the jewel.
Then pull down in a sawing action, working the dental floss under the jewel. It might take a little time to get the floss under the jewel, it can be tricky but keep at it. Once the floss is under the jewel, just keep sawing away at the glue and it will eventually pop off. like so:
Now that you have that jewel off, lets get to clearing it up.
Part 2. Removing the green paint:
There are many ways to do this. For a good list of different methods, Xbox-scene.com has some good tuts. I chose to use Brasso™ metal polish to rub get rid of the green paint on my first jewel. Some people say oven cleaner works great. It took about an hour and a half of rubbing with the metal polish until the paint was completely gone and it left me with a flawless clear jewel.
But the only problem was that some of the metal polish got down into the silver XBOX lettering, leaving holes in the lettering so I ended up removing the silver lettering completely (which don't look bad either). So if you want to keep the reflective lettering, either try a different method or try cover the lettering inset very carefully before applying the metal polish.
An alternative is to sand off the green paint. This is the method I used for my second jewel. With this method, you need to be very careful and meticulous about your sanding or you'll end up with a crappy scratched up jewel. I recommend beginning sanding with a fine 600 grit sandpaper. DON'T use anything lower unless you don't mind sanding for a reeeally long time. Use 600 grit sandpaper, using a light to moderate amount of pressure while sanding. Use small back and forth motions. Once all the green paint is gone, switch to a finer grit, about 1200 should do. Its a good idea to work your way from 600 up to 1200 in small increments though. Then just continue sanding in small even motions. Continue sanding until you see the scratches worked out from the 600 grit sanding you did before. You may use a higher grit sandpaper afterward if you'd like. Once sanding is all done, get yourself some plastic polish.
A good automotive plastic polish works fine. If you plan on using a wheel buffer (recommended), be sure that the plastic polish is designed for power-buffing.
Here is my result from sanding/buffing (click for larger view):
Turned out very good
Part 3. Illuminating the jewel (optional)
There are many ways you can get your jewel to glow for that extra "omg 1337 h4x0r!!" appeal. Cold cathode tubes are popular, but I won't be covering them in this tut. The method that worked out good for me was using standard LEDs with a molex pass-through connector plugged into the hard drive power cable. Like so-
The easiest and most noob friendly way is to go down to radio shack or some similar electronics store and pick up a 80mm cooling fan with built in LEDs, and just remove the leds from the fan housing. This is the exact one I used --> 80MM Blue LED Fan. I recommend using hot glue to hold LEDs in place, but silicon or just plain ol' electrical tape will do the job.
You can also wire together a string of LEDs and resistors. The amount/rating of the resistors you use depends on how many LEDs you plan to install. For a simple resistor calculator, click Here. But if you're looking for a really high quality finished product and don't mind shelling out the extra cash, Cyglo.com offers specially designed LEDs for original Xboxes.
Not bad for 10 bucks.
Part 4. Mounting the jewel
This is probably the hardest part. First, you have to figure out a way to cut out the plastic circle in the top of the xbox case. I recommend using a circular saw (like a drill with a huge-ass drill bit) and then filing + + sanding the rough edges down. You can use whatever cutting tool you have that will work [dremel/hand-saw/drilling+filing], but I find that using a circular saw will give you a good looking perfect circle to work with, plus it takes all of about 7 seconds to drill. Its a good idea to leave a very small lip of plastic for the jewel to rest on. If you cut the hole too big, the jewel can fall through if not securely mounted later.
Once you have the circle cut out, you're ready to mount your cleared jewel. I recommend using a high strength glue (such as Krazy Glue) or hot glue to hold it in place. Be EXTREMELY careful when using super-glue. One slip and you could be left with a line of glue across your shiny new jewel. It happened to me and I had to sand it away, another 2 hours of work. Be careful. Just line the inside ring of the top Xbox case with krazy glue/hot glue and lower you jewel in place. I wrapped my finger in tape and applied the glue that way, but feel free to get creative. Try putting your fingertips through the hole and lowering the jewel down that way, make sure its rightside up first. As soon as the jewel is lowered, adjust it so its level in the case and is rotated to be square with the rest of the case. Let the jewel sit for a good 10 minutes before touching it AT ALL.
So that about covers it! Any more info or tips you guys want to contribute would be very appreciated. i'll edit them in.
Happy Modding
credits: Me -•- sabbath_dude from Xbox-scene.com - pic#1 + ideas -•- llama.com
