introduction

IF YOU ARE NOT SURE YOU WANT TO DO THIS... DON'T !

This is what original base, and the finished job looks like..

Modified

Original

Notice that the bottom edge of the MODIFIED monitor almost touches the base. 
 There should be a gap large enough to allow the bottom edge 
of the monitor to clear the base when the monitor tilts fully downward.

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TOOLS AND HARDWARE NEEDED

This is a list of what tools and hardware items you will need 

to complete the modification properly.

Have everything you need before starting..
Especially a good knowledgeable friend to check you as you proceed !

1. A good quality angle grinder like this Makita. They can be rented. Together with this you will need an abrasive disk (for aluminum) to fit the tool. The job could be done with a hacksaw, but much cleaner and faster with this angle grinder.

2. Two good quality clamps.












3. Drill motor, cordless or wired.

4. One drill bit, 5/16"

 5. Four 1/4"/20 x 1"  Socket Head Cap Screw. You will probably
only need three, but I like to get extra. Get an Allen wrench to match these screws .

8. Four 1/4"/20 lock nuts, and a wrench to match these lock nuts.

10. Level work table.

11. Plastic trash bags and tape to wrap monitor.

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LET'S GET STARTED

A good VERY GOOD idea would be to read through ALL these instructions before starting anything.

1. Shut down your Mac and disconnect all cables from the back.

2. Wrap the monitor face and back very well, leaving exposed only the base portion. There will be many metal slivers and abrasive waste surrounding this as a result of this work and you don't want any damage to your iMac.

3. Place monitor face down on good horizontal work table.

TO MAKE IT SAFER TO HANDLE, CLEAN OFF (WITH A FILE) 

ANY SHARP EDGES LEFT ON THE CUTS.

4. Follow instruction on this photo

For the next step (IMPORTANT), it would be easier with someone helping.

 5. With base parts clamped together, pick up the iMac and place it on it's base (Normal position).

6. A VERY IMPORTANT STEP.. TAKE YOUR TIME AND GET IT RIGHT !!~!!  
This is where you adjust the position of the clamped base parts to place the monitor in it's correct lowered position. CENTERED OVER THE BOTTOM PORTION OF THE BASE, PERFECTLY LEVEL, AS LOW AS POSSIBLE, BUT LEAVING ENOUGH SPACE TO ALLOW FOR FULL TILTING FORWARD AND BACKWARDS.

7.  LOOSEN AND TIGHTEN THE CLAMPS UNTIL YOU GET THE CORRECT POSITION. WHEN YOU'RE THERE, TIGHTEN THE CLAMPS VERY MUCH.

8. ARE YOU SURE THE MONITOR IS WHERE YOU WANT IT ???

I ASK YOU AGAIN.. ARE YOU SURE YOU GOT  THE CORRECT POSITION ?? If the answer is yes, go to the next step.

9. DRILL THREE 5/16" HOLES APPROXIMATELY WHERE SHOWN IN ABOVE PHOTO, BUT FIRST, PLACE A PIECE OF HARD MATERIAL BEHIND WHERE YOU WILL DRILL SO AS NOT TO DAMAGE MONITOR WITH THE DRILL AS IT PASSES THROUGH.

10. Insert the socket head cap screws into the newly drilled holes, start the lock nuts onto the screws on the back of the base, and using the Allen wrench and box wrench, tighten the three lock nuts just snug. The 5/16" holes you drilled will still allow a bit of movement, so check the position of the monitor before you tighten the nuts for the last time VERY tight.

NOTE: if by some chance, the position of the monitor is not as you would like it.. loosen the screws, reclamp the base to where you want it. .. If this doesn't work, Reclamp in the proper position, drill new holes and fasten again with the screws/lock nuts.

YOU'RE DONE.. JUST CLEAN UP !

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MY FIRST (more complicated) ATTEMPT

This is how I did the lowering on my iMac.. It's a bit more complex, with two cuts and removing some base material.  I then realized it could be done with only one cut..  

THAT SIMPLER PROCEDURE IS SHOWN ABOVE.

 But anyways here is my finished base..and it works perfectly..

good luck, Howard

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