Specialist custom PC project in progress
Building a custom PC into a Second World War Willys Jeep bonnet
An unusual physical project bringing together a desktop computer, fabricated mounting, water cooling, controls, displays and a pull-out working surface.
The project so far
When the enclosure is part of the engineering brief
This is not a standard desktop tower placed under a desk. The computer is becoming part of a much larger and more unusual physical installation.
The project began in September 2022. JM Restart worked with The Forgery Metal Art on the physical structure and integrated a desktop PC beneath the bonnet area of a Second World War Willys Jeep. The build photographs show the case within a fabricated metal support, with the side panel accessible when the bonnet is open.
The installation also includes external display supports and a pull-out wooden surface for a keyboard and mouse. These elements turn the bonnet assembly into a usable computer station rather than treating it as a decorative shell.
The Jeep installation was put on hold in May 2024 because the customer did not have enough space. Rather than leave the computer unused, JM Restart reconfigured the same system to work as a conventional upright PC with its resilience features. The bespoke Jeep desk and final water-cooling pipework will be completed after the customer moves to a larger office, when in-place photographs can also be taken.
What the progress photographs show
- A desktop case mounted beneath the bonnet
- Fabricated support panels and access around the case
- Front and rear PC cooling radiators
- A separate fan tray and fan control switch
- A mounted water-cooling pump and planned pipe openings
- Two display supports and a pull-out keyboard surface
- Externally accessible power control
Progress photographs
The computer, cooling layout and pump installation taking shape
These anonymous photographs record the project during fabrication. They show progress rather than the final installation.
Physical integration
Cooling, access and controls have to fit the structure
The photographs and retained project records document practical engineering around the computer, not just a list of internal components.
Cooling layout
The project record includes a Watercool MO-RA3 420 radiator, an XSPC TX480 radiator, a fan tray, a pump and planned openings for coolant pipe routing. These parts have to be positioned around the available bonnet space rather than a conventional desk layout.
A usable interim system
The upright configuration uses an Aqua Computer Leak Shield and a D5 NEXT pump for monitoring and operation. The dual D5 PWM pump system is retained for the eventual Jeep installation rather than being discarded.
Service access and controls
The case remains accessible when the bonnet is open. The power control, fan switch, two monitor supports and pull-out keyboard surface are incorporated into the wider assembly so the concept can be operated and maintained.
What the example demonstrates
Bespoke PCs can extend well beyond component selection
A specialist build may need mechanical design, fabrication, cooling routes, accessible controls and an installation plan as well as a compatible computer specification.
Measure
Understand the available space, access points and physical limitations before finalising the computer or cooling layout.
Plan
Map the case, radiators, pump, pipe routes, controls, displays, input devices and future service access as one system.
Fabricate
Create and check the required supports and openings without assuming that a standard PC mounting arrangement will fit.
Test
Agree the electrical, thermal, stability and handover checks that apply to the intended environment before use.
A progress story, not a finished specification
The images record a specific build in progress. Final component details, performance figures, electrical arrangements and completion claims will not be added until the remaining installation and testing are complete.
A new unusual installation would begin with a fresh brief and risk review. Its mechanical, electrical, cooling, computing and support requirements would be agreed for the intended use rather than copied from this project.
Privacy note: The customer remains anonymous. The reviewed photographs do not show faces, vehicle registration details or customer contact information.
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