Vintage Snap-On tool box

[Rod N]

This came up 10 minutes away for $80. Couldn’t resist.
To what stage do I clean it up?
First need a key cause when you tilt it to put in the front car seat all the drawers slide out.
Good candidate for a restore gents?

 

[Beerhippie]

That's almost identical to my red "mystery box"--the closest I've seen yet. Only difference is mine has a tote for the upper tray.

As for your questions: How far to take it is purely a matter of personal taste. How to keep the drawers from sliding out when tipped? Tip it with the drawers up.

 

[shakenfake]

Personally I would leave all the dents but repaint/powder it. Or repair it to where it looks less used.

 

[RTM]

Geez, that is cherry based on my neighborhood. I'd carefully straighten the dents, and then polish it up. I would not repaint that.

 

[J.A.F.E.]

Nice score!

I'd leave it alone - it's only original once. Clean it and a little wax. It also has the drawer removing tools usually they get lost.

Take the lock out and a locksmith should be able to make a key. The lock was made by Fort and the blank for that one is probably an Ilco 1527. If there's a number stamped on the face of the lock there's online places that will make a key - assuming it has not been rekeyed at some point.

 

[Rod N]

It actually looks better in real life.
I took all the mats and drawers out to give it a good clean and the seller had beat me to it.
Bonus it came with original paper work.
I'll see if I can fix the dents, but I'm not going to paint. Wax?

 

[VR6ix]

I used a basic 3-step automotive clean/polish/wax after a healthy cleaning and de-greasing of everything, brings back a nice deep gloss. Just tap-out the dents and dings that bug you and go to town cleaning it. Use wax or a wax-based lube on the slides, not oils or grease.

Really take time to inspect and straighten all the sliders themselves and the channels they ride in on both the drawers and in the main cabinet.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

It actually looks better in real life.
I took all the mats and drawers out to give it a good clean and the seller had beat me to it.
Bonus it came with original paper work.
I'll see if I can fix the dents, but I'm not going to paint. Wax?

I like to do a light wet sanding with 3000 grit paper, then dry and wax. I'd give the slides an evaporust bath, then lube and re-use, as long as they're usable.

 

[Rod N]

Any idea on how to get the slides out? They need a bath.

 

[RTM]

Any idea on how to get the slides out? They need a bath.

Those tools in pic #6 slide in the gap with the drawer partially open ,then pull out.

Directions should be in the paperwork under them.

 

[Rod N]

Those tools in pic #6 slide in the gap with the drawer partially open ,then pull out.

Directions should be in the paperwork under them.

I used the tools to get the drawers out, but couldn't get them to release the slides.

 

[J.A.F.E.]

The slides release the same as the drawers but from the back. Insert the tool on the far side of the slide from you.

 

[RTM]

I used the tools to get the drawers out, but couldn't get them to release the slides.

The slides release the same as the drawers but from the back. Insert the tool on the far side of the slide from you.

Yup, what he said. Same idea, just attack from the back.

 

[jetlag]

I dig that box. I'd be tempted to give it the "rat rod patina" treatment and put a 2k matte clearcoat over the original paint, just to protect what's left.

 

[Rod N]

I dig that box. I'd be tempted to give it the "rat rod patina" treatment and put a 2k matte clearcoat over the original paint, just to protect what's left.

Maybe!
What type of clearcoat?