[KiwiME]

Just a note for Indy owners who would like to keep their machines in good physical condition.  On my example I found that the lower drive sled (normally the HD) covers the right side cover retention notch and that can lead to the delicate plastic tabs on the cover being snapped off when the computer is lifted by the sides.  This was clearly an oversight and may have been corrected in later production.

It's fairly easy to mark out the interference on the sled viewed through the open slot and then after disassembly carefully cut away the steel. 
If the mating plastic tabs are broken off, fabricate two L-shaped replacements out of 2mm thick aluminium bar and epoxy them in-between the remaining ribs.

[weblacky]

Your description is a little ambiguous, pictures would be better of your concern, however based on the statement alone I'd ask why would you lift any SGI using just the plastic cover's corners? They'd all break, they are very fragile. Also do not lift a partially assembled skin, things need to be fully in place before weight is placed on them or yes, you will break what few retaining tabs there are. You always have to get your hands under the frame to lift them.

This essentially feels like you're saying, I've been handling my SGI by it's skin and now it's broken.

Am I missing something?

[KiwiME]

A lot.

[robespierre]

Sooner or later, all the plastic tabs on the cover will break. That's just the nature of thin ABS extrusions after 30 years of loading and flex.

Given that the cover surrounds the chassis on three sides, the only way to lift the computer without stressing the plastic tabs is by pulling up on the lockbar and then lifting under the rear I/O panel. At that point you can shift your hands under the sides of the chassis to pick up the Indy.

I don't believe there is any design defect in the way the tabs slide into the chassis notches, apart from the inherent weakness involved in using ABS this way. The drive sleds are an integral part of the chassis and need to be locked in place. When locked in, there is no difference whether the cover bears on the chassis or the sled as they both are bearing the weight of the machine.

[Raion]

A lot.

Dude, smart ass replies like this are not okay. Insulting people is not okay. Reply like a well adjusted adult please.