Hey guys, new to the forum here and looking from some advice from some of you tool guru's. It started by looking in on for a torque wrench then stumbled on this box. I'm a sucker for older things because majority of things were built with better quality, style and just overall seem to have better functionality. I have no need for a new box but I have no problem switching out from my larger craftsman stainless box to this mint Matco.. Anyways attached are photos of the Matco MB910a MB920a and side box MB302a1. I'm curious what a fair price is on this set up. He is asking $2100 for complete set up with all keys and casters in the bottom drawer. He ordered it brand new from The Matco tool guy back in 1986 if he can remember correct. Anyways any help would be greatly appreciated. To me it is worth it and if anything I came here to show off my find haha. I'm obviously new to this attached should be 7 photos of the box if not then I screwed up somewhere
Brand new vintage Matco tool box find
- Thread starter K.Weber
- Start date
shockwave
Well-known member
That seems like a fair deal for the set 2100 I believe is decent even for used not quite the same for nos on aftermarket
woody 73
Well-known member
In my area of central "Ahia" you would pay out the wazoo ; in other parts maybe not such a good deal. If that set-up comes with ball bearings that would be a plus.
FJ 432
Well-known member
I'm not sure I would pay that much..........but I might because it's one of my favorites.
mbshop
Well-known member
That is a great deal and find. Congrats.
lazer50
Well-known member
That's one hell of a deal,trust me.i had a box similar to this years ago,and traded for a custom in 2004.those boxes are built extremely well!
Sent from my SM-S120VL using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-S120VL using Tapatalk
Likewise! I can't stand these new boxes with huge drawers and would prefer the two handle pull vs the continuous pull. Not to mention just the OG look.
tr0n
Well-known member
i think it's worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it. kinda cool.
looks identical to a gray box but i'm no expert.
looks identical to a gray box but i'm no expert.
The gentleman is 72 years young bought the box brand new and said he payed over 5k for it. Said if he can't get that he'll throw the f'n thing in the river himself haha
Is it brand spanking new, never used kind of deal?
I'm not sure even brand new it's worth the 2k as a little more money now a days will get you a lot more storage. But!, it's cool as hell being vintage and being in that kind of shape. Not something you ever see, that's for certain. And as for him paying 5 grand back then we'll I'm sorry he got nailed for that much money, I don't blame him for being sore about it.
It comes down to this. If you're happy with the deal, you certainly can't go wrong with it. After all, it's new right?
I'm not sure even brand new it's worth the 2k as a little more money now a days will get you a lot more storage. But!, it's cool as hell being vintage and being in that kind of shape. Not something you ever see, that's for certain. And as for him paying 5 grand back then we'll I'm sorry he got nailed for that much money, I don't blame him for being sore about it.
It comes down to this. If you're happy with the deal, you certainly can't go wrong with it. After all, it's new right?
Last edited:
Is it brand spanking new, never used kind of deal?
I'm not sure even brand new it's worth the 2k as a little more money now a days will get you a lot more storage. But!, it's cool as hell being vintage and being in that kind of shape. Not something you ever see, that's for certain. And as for him paying 5 grand back then we'll I'm sorry he got nailed for that much money, I don't blame him for being sore about it.
It comes down to this. If you're happy with the deal, you certainly can't go wrong with it. After all, it's new right?
I go look at it tomorrow. I've talked with him twice on the phone and he said it is brand spanking new. He cut the crate/box open for another guy to look at but only to flake out and want to make payments.
Is it brand spanking new, never used kind of deal?
I'm not sure even brand new it's worth the 2k as a little more money now a days will get you a lot more storage. But!, it's cool as hell being vintage and being in that kind of shape. Not something you ever see, that's for certain. And as for him paying 5 grand back then we'll I'm sorry he got nailed for that much money, I don't blame him for being sore about it.
It comes down to this. If you're happy with the deal, you certainly can't go wrong with it. After all, it's new right?
And yes you hit the nail on the head it's something you never see! That's what makes me want this set up. If it turns out to be truly OG in the box it'll be coming home with me
Wamsutta
Well-known member
What's the story behind being in the crate unopened for 30 years?
He's 72years old was a mechanic for 50 years. Got sick after he had bought it and ended up buying a snap on. Supposedly it's been sitting in his shop boxed and crated!
Supposedly got sick after he had bought it then once he returned back to work he bought a snap on. His intentions were to set up the box at home but never got to it and sat in his shop boxed/crated. He recently cut the box open for a guy that was interested but then flaked out. He refuses to open it all up until he sees cash in hand.
Hammer1963
Well-known member
That is one nice set up and I personally would jump at the chance to buy for two reasons. One: it's a hell of a box that has a great layout. Two: I helped build the tooling for the bottom cab as an apprentice Tool & Die maker and would love to have a piece of my personal work history
I like the layout as well. If you organize correctly and stack in the proper tools this box can hold just about everything you need to get by. That's bad *** you had a part in setting up the tooling!
Hammer1963
Well-known member
The shop I worked in at the time was responsible for the drawer dies, and cab dies along with the station that was used for rough assembly. I thoroughly enjoyed working on the project. Unfortunately, we were forced to destroy every stamped piece that we produced. That was a real bummer!
While I get the viewpoints of those saying it's a deal, I wouldn't be able to justify it. Sure they may be better built but it's debatable. If he paid 5k in 1986 that's like paying 11k in 2017! That sure isn't an 11k box equivalent. So, while it may be NOS it's still old.
Anyway, I think if you reverse the first two numbers ($1200) that's the more appropriate deal, in my book.
Anyway, I think if you reverse the first two numbers ($1200) that's the more appropriate deal, in my book.
I couldn't agree more about switching the numbers around but unfortunately don't think the old jigger is going to do that.. I def. see what you're saying and agree to an extent. I had $1800 in my head before I posted this and wanted to get the concensus of what others would say and by some chance get some hard numbers from guys that had this box new and or buy & sell tools for a living... But on the other hand when have you ever seen a new vintage Matco box lol? The fact that it's an 80's box that's still "new" holds most of the weight to me. More or less unique. It's kinda like finding a 80's box Chevy pick up that hasn't been restored or molested in some way shape or form.
Indexmill
Well-known member
If you want it, then buy it. Any number we give you is just an opinion. I certainly have over paid before for things I really wanted. Sometimes, the money just does not matter... if you can afford it.
yhprum
Well-known member
Nice find!
I have the bottom box, bought it in 82, its sturdy. Would like to find another and join the two together with a wood top for a work surface.
I have the bottom box, bought it in 82, its sturdy. Would like to find another and join the two together with a wood top for a work surface.
Yeh I think 1,800 would be sensible price and 1,500 a deal price, it old but quality and you got 3 pieces with a drawer layout/capacity you really like .
saying that though 2,100 isn't bad if the vintage mint box is something you really desire as unlikely find same again in 2 lifetimes .
Think I would try working him to a round 2,000, expect could sell for more if advertised well and patient as many people into the retro boxes .
You would get your moneys worth and will hold reasonable value if kept tidy .
saying that though 2,100 isn't bad if the vintage mint box is something you really desire as unlikely find same again in 2 lifetimes .
Think I would try working him to a round 2,000, expect could sell for more if advertised well and patient as many people into the retro boxes .
You would get your moneys worth and will hold reasonable value if kept tidy .
Cope
Well-known member
If hr paid over $5K he got the shaft. I bought a 1200 series set for around $1800 in 1988. Those are friction slide boxes by the way, but if they're lubed with Tri-Flow or an equivalent, they'll slide well.
dodgejunkie
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 7, 2014
- Messages
- 198
You'd pay 2k for junk today!
I think it's actually a pretty decent buy. Looking at cl in my area 2 grand buys you a beat to **** snapon, or mac bottom only. It wouldn't hurt to low ball him at first, and set a high limit you're willing to spend. You'll never find a NOS this pristine again.
I think it's actually a pretty decent buy. Looking at cl in my area 2 grand buys you a beat to **** snapon, or mac bottom only. It wouldn't hurt to low ball him at first, and set a high limit you're willing to spend. You'll never find a NOS this pristine again.
Cope
Well-known member
Matco used to sell a base to attach two 900 series boxes.
LB-1911
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I was thinking the same! And that's what I thought about drawer slides which is kind of a drag. I am curious how they slide and how often I'll have to lube. Obviously depending on shop cleanliness and rate of use.
This is pretty much it.
dkroth
Well-known member
Post up some pics when you get it set up in your garage.
I have to agree as well. Today that layout would be more acceptable as something like a machinist box (all be it a very nice one). At 33 wide and only 18 deep it does nothing for me.
Despite the guy saying he's firm on the price, if you don't need it then drop a number and let him mull it over. I feel 1800 is quite fair but personally feel 1200-1400 as more realistic. I don't think its going anywhere at 2k.
I also have to second questioning that he paid 5k, im pretty sure that setup was more realistically like 2.5-3k. Of course its possible he was a giant sucker and paid full list but that has little bearing here. Also bear in mind MAC sold those boxes as well as MB910/920.
If you're willing to travel 2k will get you a something like a KRL722 very easily.
Last edited:
dkroth
Well-known member
It doesn't matter what he paid for it.
All that matters is what he'll [really] sell it for and what you're willing to pay for it.
Take cash. Bundle your low offer in one pocket and keep your reserve in the other. Pull out the bundle and start negotiating.
All that matters is what he'll [really] sell it for and what you're willing to pay for it.
Take cash. Bundle your low offer in one pocket and keep your reserve in the other. Pull out the bundle and start negotiating.
Cope
Well-known member
They're top quality slides. I only mentioned it to further compare real world with his idea of value. I lubed mine when I thought about it; they don't need constant upkeep.
kctyphoon
Banned
I'm far from an expert on box values, I'd never spend what some of these new things sell for. That aside, pretty sure it's safe to say it's a "once in a lifetime" opportunity to find a toolbox that old, never even opened. I'd have to imagine that only adds to the value. I'm surprised the guy didn't contact Matco to see if they be interested. I'd have to think they might be. If you want it, and you're willing to spend the money, you likely won't ever find something like that again..
Would be a shame though for it to last this long, and then wind up getting beat up.. Personally, I think what I'd do if you want some real idea of it's value - if you have a week or so to wait - take the pictures and make an eBay listing for it. Be sure to include a very descriptive title. Set some insane reserve price, like $500,000, to make sure it DOESNT sell.. then sit back and see what other people are willing to spend.. it won't even cost you anything.
You always got these nostalgic guys with money that love vintage anything.. the guys that make their garage a feature of their home type.. ya never know.. you can't go out and buy a brand new 30yr old toolbox. Might be worth a lot to someone. Keep in mind, most of the guys here are giving viewpoints on buying "a box for work".. the thing is ****** flawless.
Would be a shame though for it to last this long, and then wind up getting beat up.. Personally, I think what I'd do if you want some real idea of it's value - if you have a week or so to wait - take the pictures and make an eBay listing for it. Be sure to include a very descriptive title. Set some insane reserve price, like $500,000, to make sure it DOESNT sell.. then sit back and see what other people are willing to spend.. it won't even cost you anything.
You always got these nostalgic guys with money that love vintage anything.. the guys that make their garage a feature of their home type.. ya never know.. you can't go out and buy a brand new 30yr old toolbox. Might be worth a lot to someone. Keep in mind, most of the guys here are giving viewpoints on buying "a box for work".. the thing is ****** flawless.
Last edited:
You're writing under the assumption that its collectible and in demand. I don't agree, however to each their own. I'd use a car analogy of driving off the lot in a 50k F150 today then sticking it in a garage for 20 years and asking more for it. Lots of luck with that. I say that also because they made a boatload of these boxes through-out the 80s and into the 90s. Its not like its a rare model other than the oddity that its still in plastic.
Last edited:
Schurkey
Well-known member
Yes. Way overpriced at $2100.
Lube doesn't matter much, as long as there's "some". Load 'em heavy, they're hard to pull. Lightly loaded, they're fine. There's a reason they went to roller-bearing slides.
Except for the crappy slides, it would embarrass their current line?