Important new discovery on my part and a critical error in the 51X build documented above. I did not notice any problems until I built a Classic Audio Products LC53A EQ which has a full metal case as opposed to just an L-bracket like most kits I've assembled and run in the rack.
Anyways, the LC53A is built to API external dimension specs and
DOES NOT fit into the GDIY51X rack as built here. Many LC53A builds I've seen run the module without its metal cover for this reason I suspect. Knowing the backplane of the rack is 1/8" thick, I figured even with the best of tools, de-soldering the headers and installing them from the back side as they should have been installed in the first place could be a nightmare.
After some head-scratching, I devised the following simple solution that is minimally invasive and 100% functional.
Remove the back panel from the 51X rack.
remove grounding jumpers.
pry up the plastic portion of the headers with a screwdriver.
And pull the plastic base of the headers all the way off.
This will leave the metal portion free-standing on the PCB.
Next, re-install the jumper tight to the PCB.
And cut the leads tight to the top of the jumper.
This leaves the jumpers as close to the PCB as possible with the only drawback being slightly more difficulty inserting jumpers as the pointed guide edge is chopped off.
Continue with on with the rest of the jumpers until all are trimmed to length.
Nice and low now.
No more clearance issues whatsoever.
I apologize if this has caused folks headaches on their rack builds. I hope the fix is simple enough. Now, we can all go back to telling people how superior our DIY racks are and how they will never experience the wonders of +-24V 500 series awesomeness until they throw their hard-earned money to the 51X Alliance and repent of their lunchbox ways.
![[silent:arts]](https://cdn.imagearchive.com/groupdiy/data/avatars/m/0/172.jpg?1620371656){kind=avatar}
