The Shell Phone

Have you ever needed an inconspicuous place to store your change, cash, jewelry or anything else? If yes, then the shell phone is the solution. What is a shell phone? The shell phone is an old flip phone that has been converted into a small storage container. One advantage for using the shell phone is in the storage container’s appearance, which is guised to be an outdated flip phone. Placing items like cash or jewelry inside the shell phone, the phone can be used to trick thieves into not wanting to steal an unappealing old flip phone. Which is why I decided to create this instructable for the shell phone, which will show you how to take most old flip phones and convert the phone into an inconspicuous storage container.

Step 1: Matierials

If you have decided to create a shell phone than I recommend you try and use a thicker flip phone to increase the storage capacity of the shell phone. After deciding on which old flip phone your going to use I recommend finding information on how to disassemble your specific phone on either blogs or user manuals.

I have compiled a short list of links for common old flip phones and how they can be disassembled:

- http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/westcoin/V551M.pdf

- http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_you_take_apart_a_Model_vx8300_cell_phone

- http://daviddeley.com/solutions/cellphone/index.htm

- http://daviddeley.com/solutions/cellphone2/index.htm

- http://repair4mobilephone.org/disassembly_motorola.html

- http://news.cnet.com/2300-1040_3-6208487.html


The old flip phone I chose to create this shell phone was a Motorola V551 and the tools that were needed are shown in picture and listed below:

- Torx T6 screwdriver

- Small flat head screwdriver

- Metal file

- Exacto knife or Box cutter

- Super glue

- Clamp

- Hacksaw

Difficulty level: Beginner

Time= ~Hour

Comments

[BinoFaata]

What the glue do you using?Sorry for bad english:)

[Goldmann099]

cool idea tho would be better suited as a hide-a-key

[BarginsTech]

I like that idea! Maybe add a magnet into the top portion after removing the screen and stick it somewhere sneaky!

[Penolopy Bulnick]

That's a sweet idea! Now I just need an old flip phone :)

[zhyder2008]

Thank you! I was worried that this idea might have been a couple years too late and people would have thrown their old flip phones away already.

[marcintosh]

thrown. away? :-( still - using - mine. *sigh*

[BarginsTech]

I'm with you -_- lol!

[tjchop]

Good Idea zhyder

[tjchop]

It could be used to carry medication also.

[Mishra288]

I had a suggestion. You could alternately use a dremel or exacto knife to cut out the battery compartment, leaving it intact enough to still use the cover. The phone would then still have the keypad and look more authentic.

[letsgoharry]

add on the end of your instruction:
Then fill the empty space with cotton. This way even If a thief will take it in hand hi can NOT hear or feel any UNUSUAL sound or movement inside the phone.

[Bev Kirk]

I have bought outdated cell phones complete with chargers at second-hand stores. I usually use these to let my grandchildren play games on "real phones" (hence leaving my real cell phone alone!), but I have also disassembled them and used them for discreetly storing small items such as you describe. I have also traded good books, CDs, etc. for old cell phones whose owners had planned to use them for credit toward a new phone.

I scrounge non-working electronics, outfit the grandkids or my students with eye protection and leather gloves when indicated, then remind them of safe tool use and let them take apart the electronics to see what is inside and whether they can repair them or combine parts to create something new. This always excites them; it also stimulates increased attention span, fine motor skills, social skills and cooperation, discovery, and creativity.

Thank you for this great user-friendly 'ible!

[Ali8bongo]

Great Idea, I am going to have a look around now to see if I can find an old phone lying around somewhere :)

[criggie]

Make sure you don't accidentally steal someone else's coin flip phone - they may have already tried this instructable!

[zhyder2008]

Thank you!

[niki31b]

Cool post! I bet an old Motorola Razr could be converted into a business card case using these steps!

[nissan0712]

already done it with my old Razr.

[moonlitdancer]

why would anyone want to steal your change?

[hjjusa]

Excellent idea, I was wondering what to do with my old cell phone.

[zhyder2008]

Thank you I felt the same way with my old flip phone!

[abbtech]

Good idea. One of those first Motorola ones would be great for this since they were huge.

[zhyder2008]

Thanks!! Your right I forgot about those really old Motorola's I will have to get my hands on one.

[furthuron]

i really like this idea!! you just wouldnt want to carry your real phone on you too if there was actually something of importance in there.

[zhyder2008]

Thank you!! and yes I agree having both your phone and the shell phone would be a bad idea if you were getting robbed.