I decided to keep the adapter's case largely intact as an easy protector for the electronics. I took apart the adapter, removed the faceplate, moved the two connections forward maybe a quarter of an inch (so their PCBs sit in the groove that held the faceplate). The faceplate of the adapter is about 1/8" thick. I replaced it with 1/16" black delrin, and dremeled holes in the plastic and the steel mesh drive-bay cover. The ports go through this thinner material, and then through the drive-bay cover, and stick out maybe 1/32". Hot glue holds the delrin to the drive-bay cover, and the ports to the delrin.