jakemac
Well-known member
Drop the handles in a jar of CLR until the rust is converted. Then rinse in water and buff out them out.
The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!
- Thread starter mjozefow
- Start date
Those are nice mac boxes. Take the handles off and clean with fine steel wool and some type of oil. I like kroil or PB blaster for that. Clean the box like you would a car, start with a good soap wash, dry it thoroughly and then use cutting compounds, glaze and a wax to get it back to the shine. You can use alcohol on tough stain spots and even simple green or the like, but be careful as that old single stage paint don't take much to start fading and coming off. The Mac "orange" is more resilient than most.
I would NOT use a power brush on those handles the chrome is pretty thin to begin with, if it starts to flake it will be a bad downhill spiral.
I would NOT use a power brush on those handles the chrome is pretty thin to begin with, if it starts to flake it will be a bad downhill spiral.
ZRX61
Well-known member
Excellent, now I know what type of handle I need to find for the smaller version of that top box that I just bought 
Picked this up tonite...200 mile trip...it was worth it...
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picked this up for change. i dont know what its worth. if i cant make any money on it ill keep it for the cool factor.
lids close to hold sockets in. its the first crown top of anything ive seen locally i could put in my hand.
no flakes or cakey rust. seems really solid. 25lbs if i had to guess.
lids close to hold sockets in. its the first crown top of anything ive seen locally i could put in my hand.
no flakes or cakey rust. seems really solid. 25lbs if i had to guess.
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I will be removing rust and most of the paint on my toolbox down to bare metal with a wire brush wheel on an angle grinder, prep, and repaint it. I will do this to the exterior only and that includes the face of the drawers. This is my first paint job so bare with me.
I want to keep it below $5 a rattle can so I will be using rustoleum or something similar.
I was thinking about using
Rust-Oleum Automotive Self Etching Primer Spray Paint
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleum-Automotive-12-oz-Automotive-Self-Etching-Primer-Spray-Paint-249322/202097278
and a sunrise red stop rust protective enamel gloss
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleum-Stops-Rust-12-oz-Protective-Enamel-Gloss-Sunrise-Red-Spray-Paint-6-Pack-7762830/202058799
Any other cheap etching primer/ paint I should be looking at ? And how many 12oz cans would I need to do the exterior of my box (26 x 13 x 19) ?
Also, Would I need to sand down the etching primer or should I use Rust-Oleum Sandable Primer on top of the etching primer then sand that ?
I want to keep it below $5 a rattle can so I will be using rustoleum or something similar.
I was thinking about using
Rust-Oleum Automotive Self Etching Primer Spray Paint
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleum-Automotive-12-oz-Automotive-Self-Etching-Primer-Spray-Paint-249322/202097278
and a sunrise red stop rust protective enamel gloss
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleum-Stops-Rust-12-oz-Protective-Enamel-Gloss-Sunrise-Red-Spray-Paint-6-Pack-7762830/202058799
Any other cheap etching primer/ paint I should be looking at ? And how many 12oz cans would I need to do the exterior of my box (26 x 13 x 19) ?
Also, Would I need to sand down the etching primer or should I use Rust-Oleum Sandable Primer on top of the etching primer then sand that ?
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rmalkow2
Well-known member
Rustoleum makes good paint products so you generally can't go wrong with that brand if you find the colors you want. My 2 cents would be that you don't need to sand the primer before the final coat if you are going for an original factory look and have a relatively clean area to paint. The factory would not have sanded between coats and would have painted in a clean room of sorts but still look at any new box and you will see occasional imperfections under the paint. If you want a show quality finish then body work would be in order with priming and block sanding between coats but I'm guessing you just want a nice looking box for everyday use. Possibly, after letting the primer dry, wipe the box down with a tack cloth if any dust may have fallen on the primer while drying or look for any stand out spots where a bug got into the paint if doing this outside.
I would guess at least 2 full size cans of primer (don't put the primer on too thick) and the same for top coat. You might want that 3rd can of red for extra coats or respray of certain areas that need it. You can always run our and buy that one extra can if needed.
Good luck and learn from the experience. Post some after pics when done!
Bill Ramsey
Well-known member
And that's one of the symptoms of our particular "disease." We're willing to travel great distance, with hardly a second thought. I recently made a 220 mile trip for a Dake arbor press. Feeling your pain.
Nice score on the Craftsman.
taumac
Well-known member
There's no cure for this disease either. There just lack of space to put stuff.
5 Stitches Garage
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=211899
Florida GJ Group
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/group.php?groupid=117
would using an angle grinder with a wire wheel, wire brush or flap disc to remove rust / paint on the toolbox scratch the metal to the point where it would affect the adhesion of etching primer ?
Can a 220 grit sandpaper remove paint and rust down to the bare metal safely or maybe there is a better method to strip down to bare metal ?
Can a 220 grit sandpaper remove paint and rust down to the bare metal safely or maybe there is a better method to strip down to bare metal ?
Canoe50
Well-known member
Picked up this vintage Kennedy cantilever box yesterday for $20. It has a leather handle & given it's age, (not sure on that, but I know it's old...don't see a model # on the decal) it's in nice shape. Very solid & well built. I almost passed on it, but the more I looked at it, the more I liked it. Plus I don't have a cantilever & I do like Kennedy boxes. I haven't decided if I'll try restoring it or just give it a good thorough cleaning & be done with it. I'm leaning towards the cleaning...I kinda like the way it looks now.
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Bill Ramsey
Well-known member
Nice find. Nice and straight, which is a sign it was treated with some respect.
When I can't decide, I wait. You can clean, wax, lube it and put it to work, and make the restoration decision later. You can always restore it, but you can't "un-restore" it if you later regret that you repainted it.
hemifalcon
Well-known member
Yup... that's the one.. Figured for $60 I can sell it (or keep it) and make back the money for investment into my future garage build.. Very nice piece...
collection of these old boxes is getting a little much..
Canoe50
Well-known member
Thanks, I think it was treated well over the years. Good advice ( especially about un-restoring it) & pretty much my thinking. So a good cleaning, wax & lube is what I'll do & be done with it. Some things are better left with a nice, aged patina & in my mind this is one of them.
Cope
Well-known member
My Matco 1200 series boxes. 1988-89 vintage.
I picked this 1982 vintage KRA-53B up at a gun show from an old friend. He asked if I would give $25 for it and I didn't hesitate. Getting a couple of keys to match the original lock cost me $14!
I picked this 1982 vintage KRA-53B up at a gun show from an old friend. He asked if I would give $25 for it and I didn't hesitate. Getting a couple of keys to match the original lock cost me $14!
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thetool
Well-known member
Picked this up tonite...200 mile trip...it was worth it...
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I found a bottom box just like that over the weekend, is 75 bucks to much ?
That thing is sweet!
that's a tough call. if it was me and it was less than 45 minutes away i'd probably do it.
but im nutty for old toolboxes.
for me the longer i have to drive the better the deal needs to be.
although i've broken that rule a few times
if its in decent shape and you want a cool old box for your own garage id say do it.
if you want to flip it id say its a gamble. you might make a few bucks, but you'll probably break even unless you find the right buyer/craftsman collector.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
I'm with beat on that call...
taumac
Well-known member
Just for the bottom? I've driven a hour and spent $80 on a 80's 7 drawer but its something I really wanted to finish my collection of bottom rollers. If in good condition and something you wanted than I don't see a problem with that. Post some pics of it.
Gerard
5 Stitches Garage
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=211899
Florida GJ Group
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/group.php?groupid=117
rickhigginshtbr
Well-known member
If it's straight and just needs a repaint, hell yea. If it needs body work or missing pieces, $40 tops. I paid $100 total for my two IIRC.
rickhigginshtbr
Well-known member
Snagged this 10 Drawer Park Machinist Chest over the weekend... adding it to my "restore" list... I'll get to this one some day. In the mean time, I'll clean and use it.
^ ^ What are the dimensions of that vintage Park tool box ?? Also what is age??
I'm thinking you should LEAVE AS IS to maintain that cool patina.
That would be my main centerpiece toolbox on bench to store small items.
I'm thinking you should LEAVE AS IS to maintain that cool patina.
That would be my main centerpiece toolbox on bench to store small items.
rickhigginshtbr
Well-known member
Nearly the same as a Kennedy, just a tad taller.
rmalkow2
Well-known member
I finally pulled the trigger on this old Craftsman box today. It has been on the shelf of my local consignment shop for a few months so it reached 1/2 price status. $12
It appears to be from the 1940's I'm guessing. It is pretty thick steel compared to later 20" boxes of this style. Has the older logo and a cast solid metal handle rather than the hollow type seen on later boxes.
It's been re-painted but is the wrong color. I'm thinking this one might need to be put back original as possible.
For now its another style I did not have in the collection.
It appears to be from the 1940's I'm guessing. It is pretty thick steel compared to later 20" boxes of this style. Has the older logo and a cast solid metal handle rather than the hollow type seen on later boxes.
It's been re-painted but is the wrong color. I'm thinking this one might need to be put back original as possible.
For now its another style I did not have in the collection.
jeffmoss26
Well-known member
Very nice!!
Mr.Ric
Well-known member
rmalkow2
Well-known member
That will look great when cleaned up. Nice find.
Nice, mind sharing some details? Where it came from, price, more pics? Do you have the front cover to the top box? Those are OLD, early 40's.
FJ 432
Well-known member
Screw the boxes Mr Ric. Let's talk about the Yota. I have a cover for your top box BTW.
Mr.Ric
Well-known member
That YOTA is being sold. My son and daughter in law have been driving it for about a year, it's our smallest Land Cruiser, but it's been the most fun you can have with 90 hp on 4 wheels.
I posted some tool box pictures on Frank's Collecting Snap-On site. I'll be putting some of my thing's in storage, or sending them to a museum according to the Grandkids, so I might be putting up pictures of some of the more unusual stuff I've accumulated over the years. It might be easier if I had acquired precious metals beside chrome vanadium.
I posted some tool box pictures on Frank's Collecting Snap-On site. I'll be putting some of my thing's in storage, or sending them to a museum according to the Grandkids, so I might be putting up pictures of some of the more unusual stuff I've accumulated over the years. It might be easier if I had acquired precious metals beside chrome vanadium.
Dennis Leigh Henry
Well-known member
I picked up one of these for $20 at a flea market about a month ago.. photos to follow...
Dennis Leigh Henry
Well-known member
As referenced in the last message, I picked this up about a month ago for $20 at a flea market. It had some decals on it and tons of "active" pitted rust. I PB Blasted it, and took Scotchbrite to the rust, managed to get the deals off (one was a really old damaged STP sticker inside that when removed looks bad because of the "new underneath" the oval.. I cleaned it up as stated above and waxed it.. Not too bad for $20 and some elbow grease..
Dennis
Dennis
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rmalkow2
Well-known member
Good looking box now. You efforts made it look really good. Now what to fill it with?
Scimonetti
Well-known member
Does anybody know what this one is? I remember seeing something like it a while back in this thread.
Its been on for a month, so I think I could talk them down
Its been on for a month, so I think I could talk them down
ive seen a lot of cool old tool boxes. this one probably ranks second in the actual coolness factor of the box, but the story sets it over the top.
41" craftsman crown top labeled "commercial" this thing has friction slides that slide like my matco 5s box with roller bearings. they are that smooth.
box is loaded to the max with all old craftsman v series tools and tons of old snap on stuff. there is one drawer in the bottom that was solid with double open end wrenches. sockets and screwdrivers galore.
i did a job for a lady and came in through the garage and saw it. i asked her if she wanted to part with it and said its been sitting there for 35 years untouched and its not going anywhere. it was her husbands who past away in 1980. bought brand new in 1965.
she opened a socket drawer and closed it, then a screwdriver drawer and grabbed one of them and put it back. you could feel the memories just looking at her motions. like she used to hand her husband tools while he worked on things. getting choked up just thinking about it. thats what life with your better half is all about! sorry to say he was taken too early from her.. she was 89 and still moving around well.
i didnt want to stand there and open every drawer and take pics, but i asked her if i could snap a few pics of the box. its in excellent shape, other than some rust on the bottom frame and bottom drawer. she mentioned that when i went to take a picture. said it just started doing that a few years ago. the florida air will do that. sorry for the crappy pics and the long rant
41" craftsman crown top labeled "commercial" this thing has friction slides that slide like my matco 5s box with roller bearings. they are that smooth.
box is loaded to the max with all old craftsman v series tools and tons of old snap on stuff. there is one drawer in the bottom that was solid with double open end wrenches. sockets and screwdrivers galore.
i did a job for a lady and came in through the garage and saw it. i asked her if she wanted to part with it and said its been sitting there for 35 years untouched and its not going anywhere. it was her husbands who past away in 1980. bought brand new in 1965.
she opened a socket drawer and closed it, then a screwdriver drawer and grabbed one of them and put it back. you could feel the memories just looking at her motions. like she used to hand her husband tools while he worked on things. getting choked up just thinking about it. thats what life with your better half is all about! sorry to say he was taken too early from her.. she was 89 and still moving around well.
i didnt want to stand there and open every drawer and take pics, but i asked her if i could snap a few pics of the box. its in excellent shape, other than some rust on the bottom frame and bottom drawer. she mentioned that when i went to take a picture. said it just started doing that a few years ago. the florida air will do that. sorry for the crappy pics and the long rant
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gipraw
Well-known member
Saw this last week at a local pawn shop. Went back today and picked it up.
It is in really good shape. Everything works well and the hinges are all tight. It is also extremely clean on the inside with very little wear. It cost me $25.
Anyone have any idea how old this might be? I have no idea how old it is. I don't know how to date Kennedy boxes.
It is in really good shape. Everything works well and the hinges are all tight. It is also extremely clean on the inside with very little wear. It cost me $25.
Anyone have any idea how old this might be? I have no idea how old it is. I don't know how to date Kennedy boxes.
