DIY effects pedals, of sorts?

[Mick]

Might be a strange question, but has anyone made their own effects pedal out of a different piece of electronic equipment? 

In the late 70's I once used an old battery cassette player and made it into a distortion pedal, well I think you could call it that, it distorted like hell.  Also boosted and sustained very well too if I remember.  Simply removing the tape head and fitting a guitar jack in place of it.   I annoyed the crap out of my neighbors with that. lol..

What's the strangest contraption you've come up with pedal wise?