SIO2SD in XF551 (converted to a 3.5" drive)

[gozar]

I'm thinking about installing one of my bare SIO2SDs into my XF551 that's been converted to a 3.5" drive. There is space for it at the front on top of the drive, so the display will poke through the top and the SD can be access right about the floppy. I've got a couple of questions:

• What can I use to fabricate buttons? I would like it to sort of look stock.
• I'm thinking of re-painting the entire drive. It has bad yellowing where looks like it sat directly in the sun, but had a book or something on the front half, so it's two different shades. Plus the 3.5" drive doesn't match the beige faceplate, which doesn't match the case. What's the best way to paint the whole thing?
• I usually use it with a 1200XL or 800XL, but it may change to using it with my Atari 800 once my Incognito arrives, so the color and buttons probably should reflect the 800 colors... :-)
• Can I solder the 5 wires directly onto the SIO plugs? Or is there a better way to wire it in?

 

[venom4728a]

I used Light Sea Grey Testors Model Paint. It is close.

 

http://atariage.com/forums/topic/224939-xf551-upgrade-question/?p=2982128

 

Robert