Replacement rear cover - Sprint HTC EVO 4G LTE

Has anyone seen a replacement cover for that ugly glossy black part? I'd love to replace that with a better looking piece of plastic.

I doubt there will ever be one. Unless you can talk joey3002 into making some again, but I think he's done with the covers.
You should wait and see what the phone looks like in person.

I was just gonna take it off and go at it with 800 or 1000 grit wet and take off the gloss
Sent from my cm_tenderloin using Tapatalk

dozybolox13 said:
Has anyone seen a replacement cover for that ugly glossy black part? I'd love to replace that with a better looking piece of plastic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree 100%. I don't want to put a case on my EVO but definetly need to replace that ugly glossy black part. HTC should just have kept it matte black.

I'm going with an otterbox defender. I need a heavy duty case though. Have had an otterbox on my Eco 4 G since week two after it launched. Quality case.

I would pay $$$ to get one in CF..
Will

lacrossev said:
I was just gonna take it off and go at it with 800 or 1000 grit wet and take off the gloss
Sent from my cm_tenderloin using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to do the same, but it looks like the camera lens part of it is going to be a PITA. Hopefully there will be third party covers available that will match the bottom half of the back.

URABUS0924 said:
I want to do the same, but it looks like the camera lens part of it is going to be a PITA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what painters tape is for. If that cover is cheap enough to replace (in the unlikely event that I screw it up), I'll be going this route.

shellguy said:
I would pay $$$ to get one in CF..
Will
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the reason why that piece of the phone is plastic is due to the antenna placement, then replacing it with a cf piece may cause some signal attenuation as CF works as RF shielding for some applications, as i've read from RC model airplane forums where people discuss when and where to use CF in their planes.

also, NFC does not work without that specific cover in place. There are antennas and whatnot built into the thing. watch Phil Nickinsons quick walkthrough video on android central to see what I mean. he said that nfc definitely doesnt work without the cover on.

How about some carbon fiber vinyl wrap? It's not actual carbon so it shouldn't block anything right?
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Metro-Flexible-Carbon-Fiber/dp/B005BTNFVQ

Varekai said:
How about some carbon fiber vinyl wrap? It's not actual carbon so it shouldn't block anything right?
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Metro-Flexible-Carbon-Fiber/dp/B005BTNFVQ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Eh the issue that you will have is making sure that it is cut correctly.
Will

thats what that xo skins cf-look skin looks like. 3m di-noc would work pretty well as its thin enough to wrap around some basic curvatures like the one we have for the back cover. I've seen it wrapped around some crazy shapes without additional relief cuts or anything so it would be a good place to start if you don't want to pay the 15 bucks for a few pieces of that material pre-cut for the phone.

I have 2 small rolls of the CF Di-Noc in both silver and black. Will upload pics as soon as I can get it laid down. Now to decided which color.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium

Related

The Ugly Plastic

Like many others, the top of the Evo 4G LTE is a major detractor. When looking for a way to fix this I came across this where they sanded the polycarbonate of the glossy iPhone to give it a brushed look. I'm curious as to how well something similar (using circles insteads of lines to make it matte but not brushed) would work well with the top of the Evo 4G LTE. What makes this worse is that in the video HTC published you can see a prototype with matte plastic and it looks tremendously better.
Gonna check out this link when i get on my pc. But sounds like a pretty good idea. Back when I had an ipod touch I hated the mirror backs because of how scratched up they got so i sanded it to look like stainless steel. Worked out perfect.
Although I don't like the shiny plastic look its not so bad I think I can live with it but if this ends up working good with the EVO maybe ill give it a shot but I don't think ill be the guinea pig haha
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
njgtechguy said:
Like many others, the top of the Evo 4G LTE is a major detractor. When looking for a way to fix this I came across hxxp://basejewellery.com/media/iphone/17.jpg (I haven't posted enough to allow links) where they sanded the polycarbonate of the glossy iPhone to give it a brushed look. I'm curious as to how well something similar (using circles insteads of lines to make it matte but not brushed) would work well with the top of the Evo 4G LTE. What makes this worse is that in the video HTC published you can see a prototype with matte plastic and it looks tremendously better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it also broke my heart to see that prototype, I was like..WHYYYYYYYYY!!!!
with the obvious disliking of that piece i'm sure there will be 3rd party replacements since it is supposedly easily removable
Rodderik said:
with the obvious disliking of that piece i'm sure there will be 3rd party replacements since it is supposedly easily removable
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought so to but it does house the nfc chip so if anyone does make one it probably won't be cheap
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
It's not the NFC chip but just the antenna so third parties should be able to make a replacement part. The area near the lens worries me a bit though. Unless it looks better in person I think I will sand it.
Thanks for posting this. I was already planning to do this but now I have some instructions. For anyone who doesn't want to read the external posts, the process should go something like this:
1. Remove the shiny plastic back-cover
2. Acquire two small pieces of sand paper (one 800 grit and one 1200 grit)
3. Start by wet-sanding with the 800 grit sandpaper (use a forward-back motion)
4. Clean, inspect, and continue sanding until all shiny spots are gone
5. After you've gotten to all the tricky spots, let it dry, clean again with a soft cloth, and check out the results. This will produce a very dull finish.
5. If you would prefer a more polished finish, switch to the 1200 grit sandpaper and carefully re-sand the entire surface
6. Post pictures on xda.
I'm sure there will be third parties making backings. It'd be an easy way to make money too, if anyone is keeping track of this idea. I for one love the two-toned look.
I despise the two-tone look. I wish I'd never seen the AT&T One X in white. makes me hate the looks of the back of this phone that much more. If I get one, I'll be doing this or painting the back or something to make it look better.
If anyone is experienced with sanding, is the 800 anf then 1200 grit approach appropriate?
njgtechguy said:
If anyone is experienced with sanding, is the 800 anf then 1200 grit approach appropriate?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, coarse paper first (800) then the finer paper (1200), I would test it out first. and don't forget this should be a wet sand with water as a lubricant.
I wanted to put in a request to Seidio to make some in a limited quantity but:
1. I wonder if they'll follow through?
2. Will it kill the signal advantage of the OEM's door?
3. Will it dissapoint (Still glossy, Loud, LOGO plastered, Weird etc.)?
That back peice is also part of my reasoning for wanting a white one.
i wonder if the plastic is a coated red like the original evo.
i thought it was neat with the original evo, you could sand to reveal red.
the back doesnt bother me, it'll be covered with a casing anyways.
lol
i could care less
cuz as soon as i get it im slapping a nice case on it
people just love to moan for nothing
flex360 said:
lol
i could care less
cuz as soon as i get it im slapping a nice case on it
people just love to moan for nothing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What about the people not putting a case on it, not that it bothers me but still some people don't wrap their phones up.
blkswanpres said:
What about the people not putting a case on it, not that it bothers me but still some people don't wrap their phones up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This otherwise what's the point of putting a label on the.back
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
I usually skin my devices when I get em so my entire phone looks shiny like that lol. Hope to pick one up around Christmas
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
I don't understand why people would want to put cases on their phones. It's the same principle as buying an expensive couch and 'protecting' it with a plastic cover or buying an expensive car and then installing neoprene covers on the seats. This is an awesome, well built phone. It was designed to be used 'naked'. If it needed an additional layer of clothing, HTC would have designed it into the phone.
I feel that if people would just learn to take care of their phones, they could enjoy using them the way they were designed to be used.
Anyway... my 2 cents. You have a right to disagree and, if you buy the phone, it's yours to do with as you please. But, personally, I just can't stand to see a beautiful smart phone dressed in a purka (a phone burka).
I'm probably going to sand blast mine as soon as I get it. if its just polycarbonate it'll turn out nicely!
Just wait a month or so for the Chinese to make a nice top replace and post it on Ebay.

[Hardware Mod] Sanded down front and back of black chassis (Pics)

I sanded down the back of my black chassis yesterday and then got bored at work today so I decided to sand down the front as well and make my LTEvo even more unique. I don't expect everyone to like it. Some will.....some won't. It's all good. I just enjoy modding things and I like having a truly one of a kind phone.
That having been said.....ONT TO THE PICS!!!
The Back!!
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f238/Concordium/photo31.jpg
The Front!!
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f238/Concordium/photo11.jpg
Looks pretty cool
cm10ed 3VO
I like the front gives it a classy look
I wouldnt do either personally, but the front looks better than the back imo
Looks good
Sent from my EVO using Xparent Blue Tapatalk 2
+1 to the front appeal.. Did you disassemble it or just sand as is? I've got a couple chips on the front side and based on your pix I'll probly tryn do the same..
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
scott_0 said:
I wouldnt do either personally, but the front looks better than the back imo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I did it for 2 reasons. 1, I love to mod things. So trying different things that I don't see anywhere was my inspiration. 2, I wanted to have a phone that was 100% unique. Between my software setup, theme, and external appearance I can honestly say that there is no other phone like mine in the world. Customizations! That's why I love Android as well!
KERKEDAGAIN said:
+1 to the front appeal.. Did you disassemble it or just sand as is? I've got a couple chips on the front side and based on your pix I'll probly tryn do the same..
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disassembled the phone. There is no way that I would sand the front down with the digitizer still attached. I would've scratched the crap out of it. I like the silver accents on the front.
Also, I had black marks along the side of my phone (the trim on the side of the phone that is silver from the manufacturer). I just took some ultra fine grit sandpaper (400 - 600 grit) and sanded the side of the chassis down as well. It got rid of all of the scratches and knicks that I had in the chassis and smoothed it all out to a more uniform finish that matched the rest of the sanded phone. So after a while of using the phone you notice scratches and imperfections like that along the silver trim just sand it down a tad and it will look as good as new. :good:
Nicely done. I've been wanting to do something like that myself. I sanded down the top housing and painted it dark grey.
Where did you get those carbon fiber parts?
Some 2000 grit and then some Flitz metal polish would really set that off.
Really cool - I like all the metallic exposure!
That looks awesome! I like how you left the black htc letters on the back too. Nice job!
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
Thanks for the positive feedback guys.
falconoble said:
Nicely done. I've been wanting to do something like that myself. I sanded down the top housing and painted it dark grey.
Where did you get those carbon fiber parts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't recall where I purchased it from. It's 3M di-noc carbon fiber vinyl. Wherever you find that stuff online it should be the same thing.
Looks Awesome!
However, I don't really want to do it to mine.... Lol I'd probably sand the screen by accident.
Va1ha1a said:
However, I don't really want to do it to mine.... Lol I'd probably sand the screen by accident.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disassembled the phone in order to sand the chassis so that there was no risk of accidentally sanding the screen. Takes a minute or two to take the phone apart and you are ready to start sanding.

LG G2 Back Cover: Plasti Dip And Paint

Just thought that I would share this since mine turned out pretty good. I plasti dip my back cover and then painted it. Turned out really good and does not effect my wireless charging. What do you guys think? Oh yeah, it can be peeled off if since the plasti dip is the first layer.
I think you should have picked a better color
Looks good, hows the grip?
Does it affect the IR blaster?
Sent from my VS980 4G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
lumpysherman said:
Does it affect the IR blaster?
Sent from my VS980 4G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you take the cover off there is actually a plastic piece on the top of the cover where the IR sensor would be. Take that piece out before you do anything and then just put it back when you are done. Will not effect IR Blaster.
IamPro said:
I think you should have picked a better color
Looks good, hows the grip?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone my color
It really looks good in person. The grip is great. It wont slide around if it was on a smooth surface. It really feels like a really high end battery cover.
Ummm...I still prefer the stock look since that material doesn't look like it would be as comfortable.
May I know why ya had to paint and plasti-Dip?
Is plasti-Dip enough?
Also, is removing the back cover that easy? I'm having doubts on my international set..
Btw, thanks for posting the pics!
MasK said:
May I know why ya had to paint and plasti-Dip?
Is plasti-Dip enough?
Also, is removing the back cover that easy? I'm having doubts on my international set..
Btw, thanks for posting the pics!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I plasti dip first so if I decided to take it off it would come off easy since the first layer is plasti dip and not just paint. You can definitely just use plasti dip but be aware that it might not last as long since you are constantly putting it you pocket. The edges might start to come off. After I painted the cover with a couple of coats, I also did a couple of coats of clear finish on it just to make sure.
Removing the back cover on my Verizon LG G2 was very easy. I picked a corner and was able to pull away the corner just enough to slide a plastic wedge in, and then i slowly and patiently moved it along the sides separating the cover from the phone. Just be careful and go slow and you shouldnt have any problems.
I wish I had the testicular fortitude to even think about trying it. Glad it worked out for you as that back has to be my one and only annoyance with the phone (other than the small buttons - but wireless charging is a nice trade off if that's what it took).
kraamerica said:
I wish I had the testicular fortitude to even think about trying it. Glad it worked out for you as that back has to be my one and only annoyance with the phone (other than the small buttons - but wireless charging is a nice trade off if that's what it took).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cosmo Kramer, you are the Assman
tujqM2u-BVo
Should have taken during pictures..!
Awesome. I did the same thing on my old GS3 but it ended up peeling off in a week from going in and out of my pocket. Other than that it was sweet.
Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk 4

How To: Back Cover Swap. From Midnight Blue to Cloud White

So I wasn't too big of a fan of the Midnight Blue color, but it was the only color available from T-Mobile, so I went with it. I purchased a white back cover from ebay and this is how I swapped it out.
Link to back purchased:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261685948756?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
First is the replacement cover itself. It comes with adhesive already applied and a blue cover to be removed before sticking on.
To take the cover off the Nexus 6 I used a dull razor blade, as it was the only thing I could find that wold fit between the back cover and the metal housing. I stuck it in the bottom corner because I thought it would make it easier to peel up. I also put a piece of electrical tape at the point where the razor would touch the metal housing to avoid chipping the metal.
WARNING!!!! There is a ribbon next to the power and volume buttons that will pull up with the cover when removing make sure to use your finger to hold it down as you pull on the cover. Take your time.
Peel off protective cover of new back and stick on . Pretty simple.
Finished.
I do like it wayyyy better than the midnight blue back color. The blue was too boring for me and I am actually liking the 3 tone with white,black and blue. However, once they release the housing I will replace with the housing shipped on the Cloud White model to get rid of the blue. Also remember cloud white is slightly off white so don't a bright white. And thanks to ifixit for the instructions for removing back cover.
And FYI, the white cover has the same texture as the blue. It is also a fingerprint magnet as well, but less visible in most lighting due to the color.
Nice, thanks for sharing. Pics r a little small but still helpful.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Does it feel like factory? I received an RMA'd Nexus 6 (on my third one) and it's perfect--except there are lots of scuffs on the back. :\ I don't want to have to return it and get another dud if this works and looks stock.
natezire71 said:
Does it feel like factory? I received an RMA'd Nexus 6 (on my third one) and it's perfect--except there are lots of scuffs on the back. :\ I don't want to have to return it and get another dud if this works and looks stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It feels just like factory. I'm honestly not sure if it is factory but it is identical to the stock and a perfect fit.
bigmike2424 said:
It feels just like factory. I'm honestly not sure if it is factory but it is identical to the stock and a perfect fit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could I get a link to the page you ordered from? I want to make sure it has the adhesive installed.
natezire71 said:
Could I get a link to the page you ordered from? I want to make sure it has the adhesive installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261685948756?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Nice, thanks for the write up, especially the part about the ribbon cable. I ordered a new one on Dec 1 but the tracking hasn't updated since the 4th so who knows when I'll get it.
Edit - Looks like it showed up in Chicago today. Maybe tomorrow I'll have it.
---------- Post added at 08:28 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:26 AM ----------
natezire71 said:
Does it feel like factory? I received an RMA'd Nexus 6 (on my third one) and it's perfect--except there are lots of scuffs on the back. :\ I don't want to have to return it and get another dud if this works and looks stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is why I got a new one. My new Nexus 6 from Sprint came with a few of those scuffs on the back almost like they used the phone as a hockey puck and slid it across the floor before packaging it or something. Nothing I have done has created anything like those scuffs so I am not sure what these phones went through during assembly. I knew the back covers would be cheap since there isn't even an NFC tag or anything attached to them.
Is it possible to still stick the old back on the phone after removing it or will the adhesive not be strong enough to stick? I was thinking about getting a white for fun to see if I like it.
Pilz said:
Is it possible to still stick the old back on the phone after removing it or will the adhesive not be strong enough to stick? I was thinking about getting a white for fun to see if I like it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The adhesive seems strong enough on the original cover to reapply. I even put the protective layer that cane with the new back on the old one.
bigmike2424 said:
The adhesive seems strong enough on the original cover to reapply. I even put the protective layer that cane with the new back on the old one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's good news, it looks like I'm ordering one, I may get a blue one and 'texturize' it and then install it.
Pilz said:
That's good news, it looks like I'm ordering one, I may get a blue one and 'texturize' it and then install it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i was thinking of picking one up, to see what/how i can paint it black (and look good) while adding texture. Let me know if you have any ideas on how you are going to do this!
Thanks. That's good to know because I'm sure I will be replacing it at some point (I have no case and the back cover will surely get scratched up at the minimal contact point)
PaisanNYC said:
i was thinking of picking one up, to see what/how i can paint it black (and look good) while adding texture. Let me know if you have any ideas on how you are going to do this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a rubber paint that I saw at home depot for random stuff like painting your rims and dumb things and its made by krylon if I recall correctly. There is also a sand textured paint for outdoor decor which looked interesting. I'll have to see which one I want before I buy the back.
Pilz said:
There's a rubber paint that I saw at home depot for random stuff like painting your rims and dumb things and its made by krylon if I recall correctly. There is also a sand textured paint for outdoor decor which looked interesting. I'll have to see which one I want before I buy the back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PlastiDip
Pliind said:
PlastiDip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Someone tried that with the dbrand skin and it started to flake after a couple of days.
Pliind said:
PlastiDip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to agree, PlastiDip doesn't work well for something being handled as much as a phone, even if you sandpaper the item for better adhesion before painting
How long did the back cover take to arrive at your doorstep? It'd be nice to do the conversion before I head off for vacation in a week or so from now.
radeonboy said:
How long did the back cover take to arrive at your doorstep? It'd be nice to do the conversion before I head off for vacation in a week or so from now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shipping from NJ only took 3 days to get to me in Texas.
Thanks for this. Just ordered one!
does anyone know if replacing the white back with one of these blue ones will void any kind of warranty?

Back cover project (installed cover)

I bought this white back for the phone to see what i could do with it. I took the letters off because they were not stuck on there good. They came off with a dust can.
Decided to paint it a sliver color to match the frame as close as possible. I hand painted the inside of the letters black. I don't know what to do about the "M" yet, if i'm going to put one on there or not. Maybe something else, idk.
This is what I have so far. It looks like it has a brushed look to it. After I painted it, I scuffed it with a dish scrubber to give it that look.
Last thing I do, will be spray a satin clear.
That thread title though.
Looks good.
I thought I was on p&*#hub for a second...
EmperorX said:
I thought I was on p&*#hub for a second...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol
You should think about selling one, I wouldn't mind paying for it! It looks awesome!
dcemtp1 said:
You should think about selling one, I wouldn't mind paying for it! It looks awesome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to see how this one holds up first. I have some ideas for other covers lol
just cleared it a bit ago. ended up using a matte clear. just going to let it dry really good and maybe polish it a lil before installing it.
looks pretty good
Would be nice to see it on your phone!
I like it
I just got around to installing it.
pics
Looks great
albert1500 said:
I just got around to installing it.
pics
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd buy one from you if you decide to sell it
Definitely a cool option to have something unique like that.
This does look cool. But I wonder what kind of spray paint you used and even more importantly what kind of clear coat are you going to use to withstand bending? When one removes and puts back on one has to bend this cover a bit and I'm not sure how well will paint and coat withstand this?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
literadesign said:
This does look cool. But I wonder what kind of spray paint you used and even more importantly what kind of clear coat are you going to use to withstand bending? When one removes and puts back on one has to bend this cover a bit and I'm not sure how well will paint and coat withstand this?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used rust-o-leum paint and clear. I'm not worried about the bending. I'm taking this one off in the next few days.
I started another one with a different silver. I wont be reusing the current one.
FYI they make paint for plastic (bendable) it's mostly for bumpers on cars
I took the cover off earlier and the paint held up very well, i didnt bend the cover a whole lot to begin... i wasnt going to use it again so i decided it to test how much bend it would take and i had to bend it a lot in order for the paint to wrinkle.
I tried doing something similar for my daughter that got bored by the same old phone sleeve/case that was partially clearly transparent and partially frosted look.
I decided to paint the frosted part using RAL 9005 matte black spray paint. I haven't clear coated it yet as it was just an experiment. If it turns out to be ok I may coast it using some not so rigid coat to avoid cracking due to the rubbery nature of this sleeve.
She likes the end result. Me too. Unfortunately I'm not able to add images to my posts (haven't posted enough posts to XDA - apparently)
images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/23/2214dce5a324e57d152757f716f672b9.jpg
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
How did you stick the back cover back on?
I'm curious to know what you used to stick the cover on with.
The reason I ask is that my first Nexus 6 came with the cover unstuck right out of the box. I returned it (partly because I was worried that the battery may have swelled) but I'd be interested to know how hard it would have been to stick the cover back down again.
lotus49 said:
I'm curious to know what you used to stick the cover on with.
The reason I ask is that my first Nexus 6 came with the cover unstuck right out of the box. I returned it (partly because I was worried that the battery may have swelled) but I'd be interested to know how hard it would have been to stick the cover back down again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uuhm... i had thought the idea of seeing more than one back cover in some of the more recent photo's would have indicated it... but also in the first post he says he bought a white back cover a while ago to see what he could do with it. He didn't remove and replace the same back cover. Pretty sure that's NOT possible due to the adhesive... or at least risks the ability to put it back on firmly and smoothly.

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