The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!

[sasquatch12]

Looks great!! I have that same box i found about 12 years ago, but mine is branded "Marquette". I have given it to my grandson now with a set of starter tools in it for him.

 

[My Junk is Stuff]

That looks fantastic. Are the chrome side handles original? If so how did you clean them up so well?

Thanks zkling! The handles were speckled with rust but I got lucky and most all of it came of with some serious scrubbing using Brasso. I actually didn't expect them to clean up to be honest, but they came out pretty good. Since then, I've using Brasso on everything

 

[Otot]

Otot: nice start. a couple pointers. make sure you taped off the craftsman emblem and if you didn't you should clean the paint off it now and then tape before painting again. i wouldn't use the clear coat unless you are planning on keeping for youself, but i might consider getting a red paint pen and maybe pin stripping the fake emblem and lines on the pull down cover. hopefully you understand what i'm talking about.

also remember to maybe hit with a heat gun a little before it gets too cold in your garage tonight to help it adhere.

good luck

Yeah, i masked the emblems. I do plan on keeping it for myself. Unfortunately i did not remove the original handles prior to sandblasting and they are now dull but i still masked them. Maybe it will look good with the new paint job.

 

[drivesitfar]

since you are keeping it for yourself you might want to wait a few months and then shoot clear coat unless you can put the box inside your house because should really be warmer than our current weather.

glad you already taped off emblems and i just couldn't tell from the picture. also the handles may be dull now, but Brasso was just mentioned and i hear wadded up aluminum foil dipped in water might give them a shine. also since so small maybe a chrome shop might do them cheap if you had them in hand for them to re chrome them.

good luck

 

[My Junk is Stuff]

Well, no offers yet on the old craftsman, and the longer i wait, the more flash rust occurs. Im just gonna give it the time it deserves and restore it. Ill update with pics along the way.

Sent from my KFJWI using Tapatalk

If I were closer!!

 

[Mavawreck]

If I were closer!!

Yup, I'd take it too. I love those boxes.

 

[jakemac]

Yup, I'd take it too. I love those boxes.

 

[CudaChick1968]

... and i hear wadded up aluminum foil dipped in water might give them a shine. ...

Just a note from the cheap seats here -- this method works great on dull chrome and slightly rusty areas but DO NOT use it on pitted or peeling chrome.

Beautiful job on the box!!! I love the color. You're an inspiration.

 

[Outlawmws]

Thanks for the compliments guys! I didn't do anything special, it's just the standard rattle can Rustoleum Hammertone silver on the drawers and light blue on the box. I agree that the Rustoleum Blue is a little lighter than the original based the original paint left inside box. I've been tempted to email Huot and ask if they could provide a replacement decal for the door. Think I spent about $25 on the paint for a $13 box

Been there, done that! In fact, I'm well on the way to that ratio for my big DP!

Nice Job! Look great and I'm sure well worth the effort now it's done!

 

[rmalkow2]

This weekends garage sale find. Very simple design, very home made most likely by a farmer to meet his needs but I'm loving its rustic almost folk art look and feel. Who ever made it added little touches like the inside shelf with a turned up lip to small tools would stay put. Also the handle is made with upstanding edges to add strength and wide enough to set tools while on the job but prevent them from falling off the handle top. For a simple tool tray there was indeed some carful thought put into its design.
The decals will definitely be preserved but since it was originally a simple black painted tray I think it needs restoration to its original look. A project for another weekend. And by the way, only $10.

 

[mcmlvif100]

Not mine and not affiliated but caught my eye. Already have a slightly different version of this cabinet so am not really shopping for another one. Paid $60 for mine.

Vintage Craftsman Tool Cabinet - Metal wall hanging - $425 (Round Lake Beach)

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/tls/4374006406.html

Rare Craftsman Tool Cabinet. A must have for Craftsman collectors. Here's a really hard to find item for the Craftsman tool collector. This is a 1950-1960's wall mounted mechanics tool box. It's a big one with a respectable gauge sheet metal. Comes with some vintage Craftsman tools and an assortment of other tools. It's ready for your man cave, garage, or whatever. It has very small amount of pitting and rust in areas A few minor dings etc. Fantastic looking piece. It Measures 32" tall, 19" wide with doors closed and 5.5" deep.

 

[rmalkow2]

While not really a "tool box" this vintage parts storage box came from CL this week. A business owner in the area is cleaning out an old shop building he owns and selling various types of cabinets and storage items on CL. If you are in the Detroit area keep an eye out as he showed me more items he has for future postings.
Anyway this cool parts box for Imperial fuel hose fittings will become great storage for some garage tools and small parts. Maybe a rivet tool station with room in the top for riveting tools and the pull out storage drawers for various size rivets. Just a thought.
The restoration will only be to clean the worst of the rust and then seal the lid to prevent future rusting. The cover art has to be saved and the interior of the box and sides are pristine and like new condition.

 

[drivesitfar]

I took a few pictures of this so i might get the pros to tell me what the maker is since the badge is missing. it looks like a toolbox Outlaw just bought that was maybe an early 40's Craftsman, but i'm not sure an exact match or just a relative.

i'll empty it and clean it up and post better pictures in a few days and get the name off the nice little yellow stand for it too since it didn't show up in the picture i took.

thanks for any input.

 

[Outlawmws]

I still say if its a dark blue, it was made for Sears/Craftsman.

What are the measurements?

 

[Gasgt1]

A couple of Gerstners

 

[My Junk is Stuff]

A couple of Gerstners

Very Nice. Eventually I would like to get a nice Gerstner box. I have a set of Rockler plans for a machinist box as well, but haven't got any more wood scraps to donate to the cause lately. Ahh, some day

 

[drivesitfar]

GasGT: is that a Gertsner middle and top box? i think i saw one on wheels one time that could be a bottom box for those two? very nice and also love that brass plane or paperweight you have on the front lid.

Outlaw: i'll have to get you measurements tomorrow if i have some time and i'll try to empty it and do a little SG to see if it is dark blue. i have a hunch the family of the owner bent up the bottom some because they broke the lock to get it open. i'm not much at cleaning up bent metal, but i am definitely getting a few hammers to figure something out.

 

[beatcad]

those gerstners are great!
is the top chest missing the lid or it all the way back because the chain is missing or broken?
hard to say 'cause I cant see how close it is to the wall.

 

[Gasgt1]

The lid is there and just fine,
The pic is too close and I have papers and stuff in the way.

If you look close, you can see a bit of green felt peeking through.

I will look for a better pic.

 

[beatcad]

you have any idea how old those gertners are?
I have a good idea on both, but you might know for sure.

 

[-Brent-]

Is 1983 vintage? It's a KRL 380B.

I think it's time to stop. That makes 4 complete setups and 3 additional bottoms.

 

[Gasgt1]

you have any idea how old those gertners are?
I have a good idea on both, but you might know for sure.

I have absolutely no idea

Little help?

 

[Mavawreck]

Picked these up this evening. Thanks to Toomanytoyzz for the heads up on the listing and thanks to my wife for being out of town.

 

[beatcad]

cool V craftsman. kinda like the style my dad has.
looks like a 70s waterloo built.
have you looked for the stamp? it could be on the side or back, but I think on that one its in the top till.
in the section to the left. left of where the removable tray would be.
in your pic that section is already empty.

 

[Flattie]

Here is the craftsman I completed. It was free to a good home... It was rough and I had to make a one of the drawer keepers. I am working on a Snap On roll cab currently.

 

[beatcad]

I have absolutely no idea

Little help?

I had a good idea last night, but i'm starting to dought myself. I need a bit more info.

PM sent.

 

[zkling]

Here is the craftsman I completed. It was free to a good home... It was rough and I had to make a one of the drawer keepers. I am working on a Snap On roll cab currently.

Cool box, you don't see to many of the 3 drawers. Even cooler prop.

 

[Flattie]

Cool box, you don't see to many of the 3 drawers. Even cooler prop.

Thanks for the kind words. Prop was pulled out of the trash when I bought the house. I gets dusted every 10 years. Dust keeps it looking great.

 

[zkling]

Thanks for the kind words. Prop was pulled out of the trash when I bought the house. I gets dusted every 10 years. Dust keeps it looking great.

Aw, given your location I was hoping for a more exciting back story. O well still cool to have a prop on the wall.

 

[Flattie]

Aw, given your location I was hoping for a more exciting back story. O well still cool to have a prop on the wall.

I would love to know the story. But there is not one identifying mark on it. I appreciate it for the craftsmanship.

 

[drivesitfar]

I like your Craftsman box and really like the BS sign even though i couldn't read the full BS rant. care to post the full sign??

i had to take a look at the prop and saw a nice little bottle opener maybe holding up one end. Coke? i have a Dr. Pepper on my wall in the garage and it still works like the ones i used as a kid.

 

[Otot]

Picked these up this evening. Thanks to Toomanytoyzz for the heads up on the listing and thanks to my wife for being out of town.

Awesome find!!! I love it!

 

[jeffmoss26]

I want that box!!

 

[My Junk is Stuff]

Picked these up this evening. Thanks to Toomanytoyzz for the heads up on the listing and thanks to my wife for being out of town.

+1 Awesome find, I keep looking for a You **** deal on a Gray/red top like that but so far no love My bottom roller is still lonely ....

 

[Mavawreck]

Thanks guys! I actually looked for a few years for these, stopped looking, then they appeared. I've got a new middle cab, I'm going to paint it to match.

 

[j.t.d.]

A Craftsman Heritage trademark wall cabinet. I moved awhile back and haven't mounted it or stoced it yet.
John D.

 

[Flattie]

I like your Craftsman box and really like the BS sign even though i couldn't read the full BS rant. care to post the full sign??

i had to take a look at the prop and saw a nice little bottle opener maybe holding up one end. Coke? i have a Dr. Pepper on my wall in the garage and it still works like the ones i used as a kid.

The current supply of BS on the premises has exceeded present capacity. After projecting future BS requirements, it appears that we have more than enough on hand for future years.

Thank you for your previous contributions. You can continue to help by making donations elsewhere.

I had it hanging in my office for years. Someone griped about it. So now it hangs in the garage.

The bottle opener was found in an antique store that was once a Coke bottle filling factory. The cup that catches the caps is the bottom of a pencil sharpener with a sticker on it...

 

[nine4gmc]

You guys are killing me with all the wall cabinets...

 

[My Junk is Stuff]

A Craftsman Heritage trademark wall cabinet. I moved awhile back and haven't mounted it or stoced it yet.
John D.

A wall cabinet or two would be very cool and that one looks nice!

 

[pipehack]

I guess I can finally play. I picked this HUOT set up yesterday which was also my 45 birthday. I thought it was a good CL score for $80.00. Soon to be repainted.