Disclaimer Cassettes involve a lot of precision a) to make sure the tape winds neat and even and lasts longer and b)to prevent a distressing waxing/waning wow and flutter because of improper transport.... so try these modifications on some junk shells first.
Essentially speaking a REEL to REEL cassette in a boombox or walkman looks classy and that is it. And as long as it looks like a REEL we're happy....doesn't have to be the REAL thing right
?Making the REEL : I went crazy trying to actually make the reels out of 0.5mm sheet aluminium...but you'll get greater/safer/predictable results using various types of 'art' paper like the stuff you have for those thin plastic visiting cards. You essentially are first going to cut yourself some circles and you make sure there is a tiny circular portion cut out in the center. Then you either cut out the windows that give the characteristic REEL look or just take a black marker and 'color' in the windows to dupe the viewer into thinking they are real
Down here is a pic of what I call my crazy own DocP45 ...multicolored aluminium reels with cut out windows...was a pain in the right and wrong spots getting it done ( most first attempts will be...so take courage from my confession)...but my first attempt with visiting card blanks and a sharp BP blade/Xacto knife took me less than '45 minutes' to complete
Presenting for your viewing pleasure and motivation...the DocP45
that looks great!!! Nice job docp 
