The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!

[ZRX61]

I love the tall oak tool chest. Please do't refinish it. Try cleaning
it using "The Treatment", you can see what is able to do on this
web page;
http://radioheaven.homestead.com/The_Treatment.html

I'd love to have it...

Maybe I missed your answer, but a while back I asked you to share what this treatment you're using is exactly or is it some big secret?

 

[Cadillac fan]

Here are my 2 vintage toolboxes that I posted in the Show Your Tool Box Thread.

 

[jakemac]

Huot on Boston CL $50.00 http://boston.craigslist.org/nwb/tls/4277923473.html

Waaayyyy ahead of you. Details later.

 

[454ragtop]

Well, I'm glad you're ahead of me. not sure about the way part. It was a fresh ad when I posted, to give someone on here the best shot. Glad someone on here got it.
Good luck, Jim

 

[jakemac]

I called and left a message about 2hrs after the ad was placed, but he didn't get back to me until last night. I drove down and picked it up this morning.

The guy is a VW mechanic at a dealership that provides tools for their techs. It's a new building with built-in boxes. His home box is a Taskmaster top and bottom with a Husky mid box. He already blew out the bottom drawer overloading it. I still don't understand why he sold the Huot. But hey, I'll take it.

I was hoping that I could knock out the dents from the inside, but the box is double walled. I'd have to break the welds to get to them and it isn't worth the effort. The drawers all slide well, but the dried grease makes it hard. A good cleaning and some Door-Ease will fix that easily. The same with the casters. The paint is a light hammered lavender, with gray/silver hammered drawers. Someday I may repaint it. I'll have to have a new key made, but it can wait for now.

I didn't bother to haggle over the price. It's heavy built and worth the $50, even to a cheapskate like me. It's the perfect hight to roll under the benches I never seem to get around to building.

I've spent some time searching for a model number for this box, but no luck. There are no markings, and an internet search still hasn't come up with anything. The closest I found was on this site for a model #201 bottom box, but that has a different drawer configuration. Because of the color, I'm thinking that it was made in the 70's, but that's just a guess.

The first three pics are from the listing. The others are in my shop. (including my sister's dog checking it out and giving me "that look" like I'm an idiot for bringing another piece of junk in the house. Dogs have no appreciation for quality. )

Any help on age or model number would be appreciated.

 

[sasquatch12]

Real nice cabinet, i'd jump on that for $50.00 also!

 

[Gasgt1]

Nice grab!

Greg

 

[ZRX61]

I was hoping that I could knock out the dents from the inside, but the box is double walled. I'd have to break the welds to get to them and it isn't worth the effort.

Stud welder, piece of cake

 

[jakemac]

Encouraging me to buy another tool isn't helping.

 

[ZRX61]

Encouraging me to buy another tool isn't helping.

You're welcome

 

[zkling]

That's awesome Jake, how close is the color in the photos to real life, almost like a slight purple? If so that is sweet. How tall is it?

 

[jakemac]

It's more of a robin's egg blue with silver drawers. The first pic is the closest to the actual color. The ones I took in my shop were under a fluorescent light which my camera hates.

size:
26 1/2" wide
19" deep
33 1/3" tall (to the lip)

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

That's awesome man!

 

[Bill Ramsey]

Jake, great box. I have one just like it but with only the three-drawer configuration (and the six-drawer top chest).

 

[Tellingthem]

Just picked up another vintage cabinet (I got one last week). I'm keeping the "Mighty" one and gave the "Filko" one to my dad to use in his garage. $80 for both. I know they aren't exactly tool chests/boxes but think they kind of belong.

 

[drivesitfar]

It's gonna need a lot of TLC, but for $80 I think I did ok even if it was a 2 hour drive. the rails are there for three more bottom drawers that are missing. Where would I be able to find them or do I just steal them off another box I buy later? Does Snap On have a standard key or is that something i'll need to take to a locksmith to re key?

Grandpa's old tool box and grandson pulled out all the tools for his dad. it was grandpa's second tool box so grandson kept his first one and sold me this one.

 

[jakemac]

Just picked up another vintage cabinet (I got one last week). I'm keeping the "Mighty" one and gave the "Filko" one to my dad to use in his garage. $80 for both. I know they aren't exactly tool chests/boxes but think they kind of belong.

Those cabinets are outstanding ! I wish I could find something like that for reasonable prices. Around here one of those would go for $150-$200 just by itself. Great catch.

 

[zkling]

It's gonna need a lot of TLC, but for $80 I think I did ok even if it was a 2 hour drive. the rails are there for three more bottom drawers that are missing. Where would I be able to find them or do I just steal them off another box I buy later? Does Snap On have a standard key or is that something i'll need to take to a locksmith to re key?

Grandpa's old tool box and grandson pulled out all the tools for his dad. it was grandpa's second tool box so grandson kept his first one and sold me this one.

The west coast appears to be hopping recently. That looks to be in pretty decent condition. Technically that box isn't missing any drawers. More drawers were an optional accessory. It does appear to be missing the front cover, but eh. You can still purchase the keys from Snap On through the LDV company.

 

[jeffmoss26]

It's gonna need a lot of TLC, but for $80 I think I did ok even if it was a 2 hour drive. the rails are there for three more bottom drawers that are missing. Where would I be able to find them or do I just steal them off another box I buy later? Does Snap On have a standard key or is that something i'll need to take to a locksmith to re key?

Grandpa's old tool box and grandson pulled out all the tools for his dad. it was grandpa's second tool box so grandson kept his first one and sold me this one.

If there is a code stamped on the front of the lock, you can probably have a key made by code.

 

[Tellingthem]

Those cabinets are outstanding ! I wish I could find something like that for reasonable prices. Around here one of those would go for $150-$200 just by itself. Great catch.

Thanks. Yeah I love these things. I collect old advertising and promotional items so these fit right in. He is even supposed to have a couple more. So if I can pick them all up i'll be set. I've seen a lot of the old vintage style garages on here and i really would like to do the same someday. I swear my house will end up like a living museum. Now I just need to work on getting a house to put it all in!

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

It's gonna need a lot of TLC, but for $80 I think I did ok even if it was a 2 hour drive. the rails are there for three more bottom drawers that are missing. Where would I be able to find them or do I just steal them off another box I buy later? Does Snap On have a standard key or is that something i'll need to take to a locksmith to re key?

Grandpa's old tool box and grandson pulled out all the tools for his dad. it was grandpa's second tool box so grandson kept his first one and sold me this one.

I have that same toolbox. Mine was made in 1977. I don't have any drawers on the bottom part of mine either, just a lid covering that compartment.

 

[drivesitfar]

nice looking Snap on tool box Gallaxy. did you restore or just keep it in great shape for 40 years?

all my drawers have nice drawer rubber mats protecting them and may never have had a tool touch them. the drawer fronts, the hole where 3 drawers could go or a cover plate if I find them are in maybe average or below condition and need quite a bit of sanding or grinding and re painting.

I was thinking of painting it a nice blue with a green trim or should I just stick to the original red?

thanks for sharing

 

[454ragtop]

It's gonna need a lot of TLC, but for $80 I think I did ok even if it was a 2 hour drive. the rails are there for three more bottom drawers that are missing. Where would I be able to find them or do I just steal them off another box I buy later? Does Snap On have a standard key or is that something i'll need to take to a locksmith to re key?

Grandpa's old tool box and grandson pulled out all the tools for his dad. it was grandpa's second tool box so grandson kept his first one and sold me this one.

Here's your box with a couple extra drawers in the bottom http://providence.craigslist.org/tls/4284205541.html
Jim

 

[drivesitfar]

thanks Ragtop. man that box has been to war and looks pretty wounded. I'm guessing that since most of these boxes look the same and just had different names slapped on them that I have a good chance of finding some drawers that will work for both my Snap on and my MBCentury boxes.

since some of these companies are still in business are these drawers something I could order new for the old box or did they change sizes or quit making this box?

 

[zkling]

since some of these companies are still in business are these drawers something I could order new for the old box or did they change sizes or quit making this box?

No and both. If you really want the drawers your best option is to find a donor box and take from them or luck into someone parting out a box. Or you could build yourself a drawer or two out of wood or metal; or just live with it as is.

 

[hemifalcon]

Just picked up another vintage cabinet (I got one last week). I'm keeping the "Mighty" one and gave the "Filko" one to my dad to use in his garage. $80 for both. I know they aren't exactly tool chests/boxes but think they kind of belong.

I have some of the old Filko cabinets too.. They have a great look to them..

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

nice looking Snap on tool box Gallaxy. did you restore or just keep it in great shape for 40 years?

Neither, actually. I bought it a few years ago already in great shape. Just did a mild cleaning on it, nothing more.

all my drawers have nice drawer rubber mats protecting them and may never have had a tool touch them. the drawer fronts, the hole where 3 drawers could go or a cover plate if I find them are in maybe average or below condition and need quite a bit of sanding or grinding and re painting.

I was thinking of painting it a nice blue with a green trim or should I just stick to the original red?

thanks for sharing

Whatever will make you happy.

 

[softailgarage]

I have that same toolbox. Mine was made in 1977. I don't have any drawers on the bottom part of mine either, just a lid covering that compartment.

Did you have to replace the handle end caps and if you did, where did you find them? Taco cart's gonna need a couple.

 

[drivesitfar]

I have some of the old Filko cabinets too.. They have a great look to them..

I couldn't tell if you already cleaned the cabinets and hung them up or just wanted to show us what they could look like. i'm sure you will do a great job and I love metal cabinets above a bench. by the way anybody else happen to notice the bench frame made out of galvanized pipe? that is an awesome idea and good use of old pipe.

Neither, actually. I bought it a few years ago already in great shape. Just did a mild cleaning on it, nothing more.

Whatever will make you happy.

thanks for sharing Galaxie. whatever color I paint it or just leave it red it will be a lot better than it was. Happy, Happy, Happy like my T shirt says that my kids got me for Christmas.

 

[wrenchguy]

I called and left a message about 2hrs after the ad was placed, but he didn't get back to me until last night. I drove down and picked it up this morning.

The guy is a VW mechanic at a dealership that provides tools for their techs. It's a new building with built-in boxes. His home box is a Taskmaster top and bottom with a Husky mid box. He already blew out the bottom drawer overloading it. I still don't understand why he sold the Huot. But hey, I'll take it.

I was hoping that I could knock out the dents from the inside, but the box is double walled. I'd have to break the welds to get to them and it isn't worth the effort. The drawers all slide well, but the dried grease makes it hard. A good cleaning and some Door-Ease will fix that easily. The same with the casters. The paint is a light hammered blue, with gray/silver hammered drawers. Someday I may repaint it. I'll have to have a new key made, but it can wait for now.

I didn't bother to haggle over the price. It's heavy built and worth the $50, even to a cheapskate like me. It's the perfect hight to roll under the benches I never seem to get around to building.

I've spent some time searching for a model number for this box, but no luck. There are no markings, and an internet search still hasn't come up with anything. The closest I found was on this site for a model #201 bottom box, but that has a different drawer configuration. Because of the color, I'm thinking that it was made in the 70's, but that's just a guess.

The first three pics are from the listing. The others are in my shop. (including my sister's dog checking it out and giving me "that look" like I'm an idiot for bringing another piece of junk in the house. Dogs have no appreciation for quality. )

Any help on age or model number would be appreciated.

i think i got a top cabinet 4 it? i'll b there 4 patriots day. thanks 4 looking.

 

[bobcatdan]

I got an old huot just like that. After seeing all the nice restored boxes here, I got the bug to do mine. I put a good four hours into it one Saturday disassembling it, sanding it and welding up some cracks. That was about six months ago and havn't touched it since

 

[Tellingthem]

I have some of the old Filko cabinets too.. They have a great look to them..

Nice! Yeah thats why I noticed it in the first place. I loved the graphics. I'm a sucker for that style too. Very cool

 

[Laro13]

I have that same toolbox. Mine was made in 1977. I don't have any drawers on the bottom part of mine either, just a lid covering that compartment.

Do you know what the size of the original wheels are?
Snap on say that the replacement are 5", but they look a bit too big.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/parts/pro_det.asp?Item_id=638778&group_id=678094&test=Roll+Cab%3B%240.00%3BKRA379A%3B638778

I ordered some 4" wheels, but they still look a lot bigger.

Did you have to replace the handle end caps and if you did, where did you find them? Taco cart's gonna need a couple.

I am also looking for a set of end caps or a part-number?

 

[arms1970]

I have some of the old Filko cabinets too.. They have a great look to them..
Awesome. I bought one of those mighty cabinets. Different style. Has 3 shelves. The guy said whatevers in there is yours. Got it for 30 bucks. Was loaded with interior bulbs, cluster bulbs etc. Was a great score.

Awesome I bought one of those cabinets at a garage sale. Different though has 3 shelves, and the mighty graphics. Was loaded with spark plugs, cluster bulbs. Outside halogen etc. Guy wanted 30 bucks at a garale sale/clean out of his shop. Wish I could find more.

 

[zkling]

Do you know what the size of the original wheels are?
Snap on say that the replacement are 5", but they look a bit too big.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/parts/pro_det.asp?Item_id=638778&group_id=678094&test=Roll+Cab%3B%240.00%3BKRA379A%3B638778

I ordered some 4" wheels, but they still look a lot bigger.



I am also looking for a set of end caps or a part-number?

The older 26" boxes should have 4" casters. But what may have changed that looks different is the distance from the mounting plate to the axle. Also remember that over the years, the wheels wear down in diameter. So the original ones may not even be of proper size.

That handle nor the rubber ends are no longer made or available to my knowledge.

 

[Laro13]

The older 26" boxes should have 4" casters. But what may have changed that looks different is the distance from the mounting plate to the axle. Also remember that over the years, the wheels wear down in diameter. So the original ones may not even be of proper size.

That handle nor the rubber ends are no longer made or available to my knowledge.

Thanks for the info.
I have already ordered some 4" wheels, so I will see how they work.

I will have a look for some universal end caps that will fit.

 

[rothko]

Hi
Nice box you have there,and great price!You must be well pleased!

Since I last posted few weeks back(I did put up some pics of what I was doing.in the toolbox section)).
The bashed up 12 drawer top box I will restore ,with the piano hinge issue well,this weekend I have just bought the very same box in really great condition from the original owner ,who only used it mainly for light duties.The price was reasonable.Long drive,but you have to do it,like move quick.I have never seen another of these 12 drawer boxes and to find one in that condition......

I'll put up some pics of it when I get some time.

Regards

ROTHKO

The box I got is the big topbox with the 'snap on' logo right across in black and lines.
I have the matching roll cab which is the next one after yours .
I love that roll cab.

Looking at the pic of your cab,why don't you RENOVATE.Do the friction sliders work on the paintwork,do up the wheels and you'll have a great roll cab with that oiled used look that is SOOO appealing.I did all mine and they look knockout. I will post some pictures soon.


I have poured in and epoxied the garage floor since I last posted.Grey floor with the red boxes!Made the most of the mild Autumn weather here in the uk.
b..... freezing now though.

 

[RivennHewn]

Anybody recognize this old box?

 

[zkling]

Anybody recognize this old box?

Can you get a picture of the drawer slides?

 

[RivennHewn]

Can you get a picture of the drawer slides?

Not tonight.

I'm going to go look at it tomorrow.