Super Mario Bros Inspired Wii With USB Base

In this instructable I will show you how I customized my Wii with a Super Mario Bros theme but mostly how to add a charger and usb port to the base and console.

WARNING:
I am not responsible if you screw up your Wii, you Will void your warranty if you open the Wii case!Please read ahead but mod at your own risk!

NOW ON EBAY PLEASE TAKE A LOOK!!
MY WII

You will need:

A Wii
Tri wing / Phillips screwdriver
Bondo / silicone mold
Clay
Some piping
Wiimote Charger
wire, solder, soldering iron, usb male & female
paint
And some Balls to take apart your Wii!

Modding the base
First I thought of a design and added things to it over about a week, so I was sure I got everything I wanted. The base has a Wiimote charger, extra usb port in front, and usb connector to the console.
I bought a cheep charger form Toys "R" Us about $20 and took it apart to get the good stuff. Then moved the contacts for the Wiimote into my Mario bros pipe, and made a custom mushroom for the color changing led that indicates the charge status. Lastly I sculpted the ascetics with clay then molded them with the silicone and made casts with Bondo so they are identical.

First I had to take apart the Wii you can find the steps here, keep everything organized it will help later, then find a spot to place the female usb port inside the Wii. The best spot looked to be behind the vent on the bottom. I then J-B welded it into place.
Next when the J-B weld hardened I put the male usb port in it, cut a hole in the base and placed the Wii case in its stand. Then J-B welded that usb in the base, so I was sure that their was a good fit.
After that I cut a slot in the front of the base and installed another female usb port. This way you have access to a usb port in the front instead of the rear of the Wii.

This is where it counts!! Hooking the components up and making sure it works. When I took apart the charger I noted which wires were hooked up to what and simply reconnected them. Taking a look at the Wii board I found the usb ports and hooked up the wires as in the following pics.

Finishing up, I painted my 3d Mario and planed to recreate some scenes from Super Nintendo's Super Mario All-Stars. I originally wanted to do NES Super Mario Bros, but it would have looked to pixelated and only have a few colors. I first painted the base then the Wii case. Many, many hours of mixing colors and hand painting was put into this Wii and I'm happy with the results. The way it works, is that when the Wii is on or is in standby the charger is activated. When the Wii is off, so is the charger.

It breaks my heart but, do to a lack of funds my poor Wii will most likely be up for auction on ebay in the upcoming week :(