This will be the first of a series of instructables I will be making using old computer parts and electronics. I am not an expert so please bear with me. I am one of those guys that went through a lot of computers throughout the years and after upgrading to a new machine, the old one will be just there in the basement collecting dust. So, instead of throwing it out to add to the landfills, I decided to get creative and give them a new life.

In this instructable, I will be showing you how I made old computer hardware into an innocent looking safe. This will be a preview of the project and a complete breakdown can be found on my website.

Here's a video of the finished product:

Step 1: Bare Chassis to Work With

For the next few step, you will need a couple of tools to work the metal. Here is a list of tools I used:

• Dremel tool kit with cutting and sanding accessories (optional)
• Sand paper (a not too course grade)
• A hand file
• Hammer
• Bench vice
• Pencil or marker
• Tape measure or ruler
• Rivet gun and rivets
• Hacksaw

Step 2: Drawing Cutouts

For the 5 1/4" drive bays, I decided to use slots cut into the chassis to fit supporting plates to support the tray weight and it's contents and for additional structural integrity.

Step 3: Preparing the Metal

This step will vary from case to case and the best way to go about this step will also vary. The basic idea here is to create a base for the drawer to slide on. For my case, I decided to cut lines into the side of the case and insert base plates for the 5 1/4" drawers to slide on.

Step 4: Making Progress

So far so good.

Step 5: Shaping the Tray Rails

My case design didn't have the convenience of a good rail design, so I had to make my own.

Step 6: Making the Expansion Slot Tray Bracket

The rear of the case will also have compartments so in order to support the trays, a bracket of some sort was need. This is the bracket design for my case.

Step 7: Making the Expansion Slot Tray Bracket Cont'd

This expansion tray will also be the base for the variable power supply

Step 8: Making the Motherboard Slot Bin

The Motherboard Slot Bin will slide on top of the expansion slot bracket and will create additional storage space without attracting attention.

Step 9: Making the Trays

As a source of metal, I decided to recycle a second case I had to build the extra trays.

Step 10: Making the Custom Variable PSU

This stage is where I made the variable PSU

Step 11: Designing the Locking System

I also decided that if this was supposed to be a case safe, then it would not be complete without a security system. I got the idea to use a car door lock actuator because it had the exact type of actuation this case needed.

Step 12: Doin' the Electrical Work

At this stage where the entire unit is coming together, it was appropriate to do the electrical wiring of the different systems. These include:

• the variable PSU
• the security system
• the lights (optional)
• the disguise system
• the main power strip