Major computer refurbish, lots of questions?

I have a Dell Inspiron 1545 that I bought in January 2010 for $1200 NZD. It is now coming up for three years, and because I really love the design and reliability I have decided to upgrade, not replace. These computers are extremely common, and parts are dirt cheap. As you would expect with a computer of three years, it has minor scuff marks here and there but has not been trashed around. I have treated it well, and in return it has treated me well.

Now that I’m a teenager and my computer skills and usage are growing, it is starting to lag behind when I use Skype to call someone or have a CAD programme running.

I use my computer for everyday use, treat it with respect and something unusual from a teen: I don’t play games and am not a computer addict!!!!! I go on, check e-mails, research, play Youtube, music, run some powerful programmes (School CAD) and video call. Something else unusual: I store almost nothing on my Hard Drive, What little stuff do save, it goes on a USB. All I store is some Music (10 hours worth of live concerts, rest CD’s) and about 1000 photos. What I am saying is when I go on my computer I expect maximum performance, not so much memory.

I would love to cherish this computer like a classic Cadillac, and have this computer working in 30-40 years and say to my kids and grand kids this is 2012 technology… If it lives that long. I want to use only genuine Dell parts

My current computer statistics are:

OS: Windows Vista Home Premium 32 bit

Ram: 2048 mb

Processor: Genuine Intel® CPU 585 @ 2.16 Ghz

HDD: 164 GB

I plan to:

Strip computer

Do an extensive clean inside and out, cleaning all components

Storing old components no longer to be used in snap lock bags and store in a safe place

Keep keyboard

Keep camera, microphones and speaker

Replace all visible body panels with NEW ones

Buy decent cleaning cloths that don’t scratch

Replace battery with a NEW 9 Cell

Install Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit

Replace and maximise RAM, 8 GB

Replace HDD with 128 0r 256 GB SSD

Install Bluetooth

Replace CD Blah Blah with one that has Blu ray etc

Replace with better Motherboard with better graphics?????

Replace wobbly USB points (All of them)

Possibly if possible replace screen???

Install anti-Virus (Anyone recommend one?)

???=Unsure if I will do it. Costs $$$

What do I need to think about when replacing the screen? I plan to (if possible) change my glossy CCFL??? 1366x768 to the best LED resolution available for my computer. Change motherboard, cables, adapters, what’s involved?

Is the processor soldered onto the motherboard? And what difference will 2.66 GHz do?

Where does my Bluetooth circuit board sit? I currently don’t have one. And the power light is bugging me. It doesn’t work. How do I replace it?

Yes I thought about the costs and will use another computer and You tube as a reference. I will be taking extreme care in what I do. Can someone point out any problems that they see??? And tell me what I need to overcome these? Any other info would be great, this is my first time tearing a computer apart.

Thanks in advance!