Going to Extreme Lengths to Save the Cursed Mac

[@MNGoldenEagle]

I think we were wrong about the curse, everybody. It wasn't just the Mac doing it's own thing, it's slowly turning each of its owners more and more mad, driving them to make more and more modifications until the Mac grows enough in power to consume their soul.

[@ActionRetro]

🤣🤣🤣 I think you're right!

[@meg71]

I think that it ends as much upgraded as Mac Pro 2030 powerhouse after few poor souls later :-D

[@brianlindgren1445]

😱😵

[@Dizrak]

Why this sounds like a d&d artifact description?

[@soknightsam]

It's an Scp

[@Jackpkmn]

I feel like you are 100% continuing the legacy of this machine by continuing to put heavily modified custom hardware into it. I wish it could tell us the story of where it had been before you got it.

[@deltanet0]

To chime in with the others about painting the clear front and replacing the melted one. To get a better/more interesting effect, paint the inside of the clear front in black paint and you will get a perfect smooth finish.

[@lelandclayton5462]

First rule of body filler, never apply it flush with the hole you fill. It shrinks when it dries.

[@MikeStavola]

Yep. It's an additive/subtractive product. You slap it on, sand it down, slap more on, sand it down... And at the end, you just smooth it over with glazing putty.

[@lelandclayton5462]

Yep, I always tell people "Anyone can slap on paint, patience and time most people don't have for prep work".

[@brianlindgren1445]

I agree with ppl’s comments on the case - mod and paint the clear new front case to replace the bondo version - you’ve really got to have those stylistic indentations on the front to embrace the 1980s design vibe - it’s way more edgy and cool than the bondo flat version

[@richfiles]

There are translucent spray paints... Honestly, praying a translucent "smoke" grey inside the clear front case could be a pretty sweet look!

[@treowayne]

That front piece looks pretty rough. From my experience using Bondo on woodworking projects: you really need to sand bondo by hand with flat sanding blocks. Power tools just don't work well with Bondo. You probably shouldn't try to sand flat surfaces with a rotary tool (as seen at 11:11). The injection-molded case looks great though.

[@Mainyehc]

To be honest, it still looks fairly melty and cursed, but it did improve. And the fact that it *is* indeed cursed, and that you owned it, makes the whole unapologetically melty look more fitting in my eyes.

[@SianaGearz]

Bondo is basically polyester resin with filler, that makes it easy to sand and less cohesive, so it's not a structural material. It shrinks a lot, being polyester based rather than epoxy based. You need to apply it several times and over-apply it, and sand off the extra. You also need something like a long sanding board and maybe special sanders. It's possible to make it look perfect. Make use of primer to detect unevenness that needs to be patched up. Or don't if it's supposed to look cursed :D I have a monitor, that i found on the side of the street and repaired, that i patched up with Revell putty, it was only small scuffs, and did about a day of painting and sanding on, and i also modified some lines. It looks so immaculate, that it's pretty much impossible to tell that it wasn't supposed to look like that. Of course restoring solvent damage is a different calibre.

[@richfiles]

restoring groves is actually quite possible using a body filler. You need to establish a straight guide, and use a card with a squared protrusion that fits the groove. Slide the card through the groove to shape the filler inside the groove, making sure the card stays parallel to the straight guide.

[@sadmac356]

It's funny, when you opened the box and it came out clear, I immediately thought "huh, wonder if someone else got the blue one by mistake"

[@dotmatrixmoe]

Nothing like hopping on your PC after breakfast, and seeing a new "Cursed Mac" video.

[@WalterMan]

So is no one else scared that the cursed Mac has access to the Internet! We’ll all be doomed 😆

[@ActionRetro]

🤣

[@rwdplz1]

And thus Skynet was born

[@WarthogRacer]

It'll be saying "I'll be Mac" before you know it!

[@joshuarichards2421]

Too late, I now have the curse... ROFL! (I don't mind, its just as much fun to troubleshoot why my composite out isn't working, or where that wire is supposed to go, or why I have a Kodak dataview? in it? like what even is that? looks like a midi plug and an at keyboard had a bastard child...)

[@yorgle]

You could also paint a clear case (from the inside, perhaps?) with automotive light tinting paint. It comes in various colors, and will retain the transparency, but make it a nice deep amber, red, yellow, etc....

[@xPLAYnOfficial]

I would argue either spraying the inside of the MacEffects case front panel or sanding and glossing the current front panel to make it perfectly smooth are your two best options. No matter what though this Mac is definitely proving the most extreme mac I've ever seen.

[@AngeloTelesforo]

The clear case with black paint inside is my favorite idea so far ☺

[@daw7563]

Bondo, sanding, bondo, sanding, bondo sanding would have made it smooth.

[@ghostrian]

And a sanding block/board not a Dremel....

[@rexhollingsworth9715]

Bondo, sand, filler primer, sand, color, clear, wet sand, polish.

[@MarcoGPUtuber]

This Cursed Mac series gets better and better every time.

[@dgpsf]

"Welcome back to Action Retro where every week I completely tear down this mac again and repeatedly screw around with the busted-ass front case while teasing every time the upgrade and the new case"

[@X150t]

That made me lmfao

[@ToTheGAMES]

Crazy idea that might just work: make a silicon mold from the clear front. After that just put the slightest amount of epoxy in the mold and let the cursed front sink into it, so the epoxy restores all the detail. If you do it with clear epoxy, it gives it a ghost-like depth. But you could colour the epoxy black too. Lemme know what you think :)

[@GeekmanCA]

I know you put a lot of time into it, but I think the only was to lift the curse is to accept that the original case is borked and replace it. I'm a big proponent of a fully-black front case with the translucent back. #LiftTheCurse

[@amyworrall9246]

I think even with the Bondo, that front case is too cursed! I vote for spraying the MacEffects front case.

[@Mobin92]

He didn't even fill the lines properly with bondo... It's kinda enraging.

[@timrburnham]

Expert Mouse is the best Classic Mac input. Transparent case to match the Mac Effects would be amazing

[@graealex]

Maybe you can continue sanding, filling and painting until it just becomes a sphere. The front was ruined the moment you melted it with the paint stripper, and at this point it's just an experiment. At some point you'll have to sacrifice the new front.

[@AllboroLCD]

Nice save on the OG case my dude! I honestly knew from the get-go you didnt have much to worry about after using that paint stripper. I'd have gone the extra mile and used primer first, then 2-3 coats of whatever paint your using. Came out awesome though, kudos to you!

[@CraigLillie]

Looking good so far, but one thing I've learned when ordering parts from overseas, always open the package as soon as you get it, because it's hard to get replacements if you happen to wait till the return period is over. ;)

[@CircuitBird]

Mmm. Honestly, I would just use the entire shell. I'm not a fan of reusing the front plate, but that's just me. Amazing work you've done to it, though! Love the additions you've made to it!

[@NikoKourouklis]

This is the most modified Macintosh SE-30 out there.

[@Kara_Kay_Eschel]

With how many times you opened that case to work on something is beyond me. I don’t have that patience.

[@PuffyRainbowCloud]

I’m gonna have to say that even I, the preservationist, am voting for spray painting the inside of the front of the clear blue case black to make it pearlescent and use that. This thing is... yikes. You did your best for sure but I think it’s a lost cause 💔

[@amyworrall9246]

Yeah, agree!

[@rockyhill3]

Cursed or self aware or both? With its new serial wifi modem, It definitely went out and swapped the shipping addresses for the cases.........

[@brianlindgren1445]

😂

[@mrgrumpy888]

For some reason I'm constantly being reminded of Stephen King's novel "From a Buick 8" every time I see one of those cursed mac videos. That thing has reached the point where it looks almost otherworldly.

[@annjrue]

This Mac has been on quite a journey. I wonder if the original owner who made all of the modifications has seen these videos, and if this is the direction they would have gone. But man, the curse is strong with this thing. It's almost scary when it's together.

[@richfiles]

This makes me wanna dig my failed Color Classic Takky project out of mothballs... I kinda gave up after spending a ton of cash on it, when it failed to produce video output after multiple test assembly steps passed. I could never figure out what had failed. the project was pretty hardcore. I even swapped the floppy slot for a laptop DVD/CDRW drive, and figured a position where the IR sensor could detect the old Mac remote by refraction via the edge of the CRT. I had figured out a way to fit the 2xPCI riser card in, and had a Comm slot ethernet card. I was gonna try to have a USB/IDE card in one slot, and a hardware DVD decoder on the other. It required video passthrough, and I think that's where I failed in the video output. I tried to make all the connections internal, and screwed something up. What makes matters worse, is that I have no idea if I can even find the info and software I need for the old Wired 4DVD card anymore. Ill have to dig... I originally built it because I wanted a tiny media computer for playing music and video inside my soldering fume extraction booth. Of course, today, such a task is easily done with my phone, or a tablet, or even something like a Raspberry Pi and a n LCD if I want a more permanent solution. I have no practical justification to go back and finish it, save for the simple wish to just complete it. Honestly, I kinda do want to finish it, just because! At the very least, the DVD function would be unique! Oh yeah, and much like the cursed Mac, I too spray painted it... only mine is a green machine! 🤣

[@kaitlyn__L]

That part about the IR sensor is hardcore!

[@tgcg8088]

I’m so glad I found your channel! I started restoring my childhood SE/30 around the same time that you started uploading cursed Mac videos. Really considering a Mac effects case after seeing the one you received

[@ibmpc]

This is my favourite series on KZbin

[@AtomicGoober]

Honestly, I liked how you had it. If you have regrets, I'll be happy to design and print a new front panel for ya. I actually have a resin printer that could print that in one piece, and super strong resin isn't at all expensive, a piece that size would be like $25 in material.

[@buildingtents]

It must be nice knowing where the house fire came from before it happens :p

[@ironhead2008]

It's like a Mac SE/30 got the Joker (Jack Nicholson version) treatment at Axis Chemicals!!! Only the "makeup" (If you've seen the movie you'll know what I mean by that) can't be washed off by Vicki Vale splashing wine on it!

[@ericmallory3050]

TL;DW : takes apart, bondo, and repaints front, don't forget to watch next week. LOL

[@SirSmilie]

Good attempt on the rescue with bondo but it still looks not so good imho. just do your mods to the clear front then paint clear front black.

[@Sir_Uncle_Ned]

I do appreciate how you are using BMOW in the cursed mac. Very appropriate.

[@webpoet73]

There is something so unique about this cursed Mac the way it is... And shows the struggle of making it. It doesn't have to be perfect to be cool... IMHO, of course.

[@ale6242]

Oh man I hate to see such effort go to waste, but that case has got to go my dude!!

[@gregwtmtno5437]

What a master of suspense. I've been dying to know what this mod is for weeks! Direct from Germany! What could it be?

[@ZacharyButcher1334]

is it more cursed or more ruined?? - yes EDIT - also using an ice tray for small parts is GENIUS!

[@ChrisLincoln]

This Mac, and its evolution, are some of the most cyberpunk things I've ever seen.

[@macobyte]

I would honestly find someone to trade the front of the MacEffects case (whichever color you end up with) for a stock SE/30 front, then cut holes for the drives and knob and paint it black. You’ve worked so hard to exorcise the curse and make this look well-thought-out… I love the idea of the black front and transparent blue back but that current front is just too wonky now in my opinion.

[@classic_jam]

I still really can't get past the front panel, personally. It sucks for me to say that to because you put so much work into it, but man it's just not cutting it for me. Still, it's a huge improvement over last video.

[@zapakitul]

The Curse of Macintosh Island. At this point this series is really turning out to be quite an adventure game.

[@zehph]

I didn't like the final result, but I'm glad you are satisfied with it. Keep up the great work!

[@westtell4]

would be cool if u could some how hook a LCD color panel up to the thing

[@couldntmixapotnoodle]

You should have just kept it. It's in the history of the cursed Mac now.

[@RisingRevengeance]

"too far gone" is like the description of this machine. I don't think you messed it up much worse.

[@AemVR]

watching this on my m1 Mac :D this guy is soooo underrated

[@HQA0]

I bet the upgrade is the Micron Xceed Grayscale Kit.

[@richfiles]

The most cursed thing is that we're being tortured, waiting a whole week for the mystery German upgrade!

[@nipeliite]

9:59 is the pun intended?

[@ActionRetro]

😬

[@koztech]

Definitely in much better shape than when you first got it!

[@MightyJabbasCollection]

I have one of the clear MacEffects cases on my SE/30 and just love it. I'm interested to see what the blue one looks like, since to be honest I didn't see the appeal of any of the colored versions compared to the clear ones.

[@patjackmanesq]

Ha! I was hoping it would turn out to be a clear case! Nice one! 😊

[@jmdjasonday]

12:34 The Simpsons when homer makes the mini nuclear power plant. Sorry man, I'm having a lot of fun at your expense.

[@ste76539]

Looks worse than it did when you first got it.

[@PCEngineGaijin]

You should paint the clear case. I want to see how bad you can screw it up.

[@Mobin92]

He would probably paint the outside, instead of just the inside...

[@PCEngineGaijin]

@@Mobin92 that’s exactly what i was thinking, but i didn’t want to give him any hints, lol.

[@richardbrobeck2384]

I like the new look and I can't wait to get started on my Mac SE/30

[@ExtremeGamer9951]

I know everyone wants the front case gone but I frankly disagree. If it doesnt look cursed...Then its no longer a cursed Mac, just a Mac with a black front panel. I think a perfect looking Mac goes against the spirit of the machine entirely

[@TheBasementChannel]

I just watch the video from a distance, looks fine to me 😂

[@ZeroViruzz]

While disassembled I felt like it was better to just get rid of the front plate. However, once it was put together, I think it looks fine

[@crashmatrix]

Agreed, it's a monolith now. You could photoshop it into the 2001 intro and not have it look out of place. Way to build up the suspense over the mystery package. I really want to know.

[@windowsxp4853]

Now this man is gonna get a literal Apple access to the internet

[@drybananahippyhat3851]

It’s dead Jim. Let it go. Replace the front case.

[@kirishima638]

That transparent case is awesome. I would have used that to see all the mods instead of the garish blue one. You could have just painted the CD drive black or something.

[@seretkeena]

With the clear case, you can call it the Glassintosh!

[@Sazoji]

have you considered converting the ribbon cables to bundles? would look nice with the clear case

[@Frostbite..]

Mm nothing like waking up and realizing the cursed mac has internet

[@emlyndewar]

That CD drive needs to burn in hell.

[@joshuarichards2421]

So, I think the curse is on the internet. Connected my crazy modded Mac SE to the internet... It is now cursed. DAMN YOU ACTION RETROOOOO!!!!!

[@ActionRetro]

😂

[@thomasb.900]

You dont have much airflow anymore from the front but there is still vent holes on the bottom sides so dont over think it

[@strawbemily3182]

i think it looks worse with the bondo. maybe just paint the front of the new mac effects case, would that work?

[@toddholcomb1]

Coolest SE/30 ever! And don't forget to upload to the BBS... ;)

[@rhysholdaway]

I wonder if using a vinyl cover on the front case might hide the remaining imperfections?

[@Poulscath]

I wonder if the upgrade is an accelerator or greyscale video card.

[@nicoletti2000]

please just swap that casing.

[@jmdjasonday]

hahahahaha!! 10:40 I don't think the paint work and re-work, and re-re work has anything to do with the curse of the Mac mate. We all know you just f**ked up 😆😆 As for the mix up of the cases, admin error.

[@jmdjasonday]

Honestly, use the clear bezel. The black one looks like it was made out of play dough

[@richardestes6499]

That shade of blue on the CD-ROM reminds me of the Hot Wheels PC.

[@DavidStahlOLDHAPPyMACs]

Well Sean Case Is Looking Much Better That's A Bummer You Got The Wrong Color For Your New Clear Case And I Agree With You That Darn Curse Is Still Looming About. And I'm Trying To Figure Out What The Secret Mod From Germany Is. Great Video Sean

[@zerocks88]

I'd be so tempted to shorten the scsi cables so they don't have to be bunched up

[@JoshB4802]

Love this series, this possibly one of my favorite curse. 😁

[@joeconti2396]

I love this thing. It's so weird and stupid it just makes it somehow more perfect.

[@mikequinlan9585]

After you make the next mode, post a list of all the mode’s done so far. Also maybe it’s the way it looks on video, but it like something is wrong with the monitor. On my SE/30 the picture fills the whole screen, does the monitor need to be replaced or tuned?

[@worrier]

Not an expert but it probably just needs adjusted a little bit, I believe from the factory they never quite filled up the entire screen. I believe they are a little bit longer than they are tall. Do a little research on safety precautions and all that and it should be a pretty easy fix if it's bothering you.

[@EvilyoshiJAPAN4]

Yes, the beast is stronger now.

[@KOSMOS1701A]

its fine, it looks like an MC Escher painting.

[@rwdplz1]

BONDO - It's got what Macs want!

[@takix2007]

What Macs *crave* ;) It's got polymers !

[@hiroprotagonist1587]

"...and try to make it beautiful again with a little bit of bondo" o_O I feel a great disturbance in the community, as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror. I fear something terrible is about to happen.

[@RussTech125]

I don’t really notice it but the kind a like shadows gonna give it away it looks a little bit more cursed

[@Vermilicious]

This thing is a real freak. I'm honestly not sure if these things is an improvement or not. Anyway, I used to be a sucker for transparent electronic devices, but in this case, I have to say it didn't look as good as I would have guessed. There are too many studs, and besides, the insides of these machines aren't very pretty. I don't know how the blue version looks, but I'm doubtful. It might have been interesting to see this transparent one with blue paint on the inside though, and maybe combined with a more shiny piano black front, or transparent with black paint on the inside. But that would deviate too much form the original I guess, and I'm not sure how well paint will fare with the temperatures in there.

[@NoobixCube]

Ah, the Cursed Mac channel has uploaded again!

[@jamescharron4535]

Why not acid etch prime the new clear front then paint it black?

[@friedtomatoes4946]

Why not paint the clear front?

[@domramsey]

Please just replace the entire case and stop painting plastic!

[@joncrawford3485]

Ok, whilst you were pulling apart The Mac of Doom™ I was humming the Benny Hill theme :)

[@temetka]

IMO it looked more cursed before you bondo'd the case.