Max said:
Can anyone tell me how to detach the front bezel from an Antec SLK3700
case? I've got to get it off to install my optic drives. The manual
says to "simply remove the front bezel" but I'm not finding it simple.
I can get the bottom half loose, but the top two corners aren't releasing.
I can't see any way other than brute force to get those two plastic pins
to release, and this plastic is way too fragile to use brute force.
Well it is kind of tricky.
I'll call it the front panel rather than the front bezel. These
instructions apply to my SLK3700AMB made in July 2003. There could be
differences for other manufacture dates.
There can be hidden interference between the USB module and the front
panel or between the power/reset module and the front panel. You will
understand that after you take it apart and look at it.
If optical drives or floppy drives are installed: there can be
interference between the drive bezels and the front panel. In the
following maneuver, you may want to open the door so you can see whether
there is interference with the drive bezels.
Raise the case off the floor somehow (Eg. set it on top of a large book)
so you can get your fingers under the bottom edge of the front panel
without pushing upward on the front panel. Press in the bottom latches
and loosen the bottom of the front panel and swing it out a half inch
or so, while the top remains latched and acts somewhat like a hinge.
With the thumb and middle fingers of one hand press firmly downward on
the top corners of the front panel while using the other hand to swing
out the bottom. You need to swing out the bottom until there is no
interference between the front panel and other parts, at which point the
front panel falls off.
To replace the front panel, you mostly reverse the above steps: latch it
on top first while pushing upward, then (continuing to push upward)
swing the bottom in and latch it.
You will feel some stress in the plastic (also in you due to fear that
you will break something), but it can take a little stress. Just don't
get too rough with it. I believe I read some reviews at newegg by
people saying they broke something and ask for and received a
replacement front panel from Antec.
After you remove it, look things over closely and try to understand why
the above instructions work (if they work). You will find removal and
replacement easier if you keep the top two drive slots empty. Also some
light sanding of the top latches may make things easier.
