The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!

[bagged89s10]

Thought of you guys when I spotted this Proto at the swap meet Sun., seller wasn't around to ask how much, not that I was going to buy it. Pretty minty though.

I might be in the hunt for that matching top box now.

 

[bmwrd0]

I picked this up a while back, not for too great a price, but not bad considering the vise on it and it had a few good tools and a nice hitch for the truck in it.

As you can see, they painted the drawers and lower compartment cover black for some reason, painting over the Snap-on logo in the process. So it kicked around the shop waiting for time to do something with it. But I finally ran out of patience and gave it a quick spray job after attempting to remove the crappy black. The logo badge needs a little bit of model paint to make it look a little better, and I am not a very good painter at the best of times, but it came out as something I won't mind sticking in the corner to put old tools in

A lot of the slides were toast, but I was able to make most of them work. The bottom drawer has two slides on each side, so I am making do with one per and it's a little stiff. So, gotta keep looking for those.

 

[Old-Soul]

We've been cleaning up the oldest shop on our farm lately and this weekend I decided to tackle the corner that contains my Grandfather's original box. He passed away a few years ago and I never thought to ask him if he could recall where he originally purchased it. My dad say's it has been in this same corner his whole life so I would assume then it's from the mid-50's as they bought thus farmyard in 1953 and moved this building (originally a hardware store in the hamlet down the road) shortly after.
My grandpa was a farmer, rancher and self-taught mechanic. He was one of the local "go-to" guys for auto and farm equipment repair. They didn't have a lot of money in those days so it's just a top box on a home made stand. If this box could only talk.

Anyone recognize the make? My dad thinks Beach but I'm a bit of a Beach nerd and I have never seen one quite like this.

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[Provincial]

I saw this toolbox at the Restore the other day. It is Olive Drab and has hardware/leather handle that looks like WWII? It is in pretty good shape for its age, except for the hasp missing on the lock in the center.

I didn't have a spot for it, and I'm sure it is gone by now. They were asking $15.00 for it.

 

[garthg]

Anyone recognize the make? My dad thinks Beach but I'm a bit of a Beach nerd and I have never seen one quite like this.


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I think it looks like a Snap On box. The slides, and the location and size of the cut-out for the lock. Also the design of the pulls on the drawers.

 

[406Rich]

Picked this one up last night, the top box only (Remline), the woman`s son wanted the bottom waterloo,

 

[Outlawmws]

OS; check the back lower left corner on really good light for markings.

 

[Old-Soul]

I think it looks like a Snap On box. The slides, and the location and size of the cut-out for the lock. Also the design of the pulls on the drawers.

It does look like the correct color under the blue as well. Can these slides still be purchased?

OS; check the back lower left corner on really good light for markings.

Will-do, next time I go out I'll take a good look.

 

[Pitalplace]

I bought this box at a sale a few weeks ago for $20. I put new wheels, handles, and a couple new slides. I did a lot of bending of the slide runners and body work on the cabinet. Waterloo had the keys and a couple of the newer slides. They had several of the clips for the old slides. The handle was gone so I made a new one. The top box that I put on it was my first box. This was manufactured in the U.S.A 7-77 which was stamped on the lower front. Last week I found a Waterloo catalog on ebay with a July 1981 price list. The box is a model JL-1200 and was priced at $552.70. I don't think I will repaint and just enjoy it's patina. I did use some rubbing compound and wax.

 

[Outlawmws]

You do **** for that stack for only a Jackson! Great score! Love those "all drawer" bottom rollers!

 

[Smokeshow69]

You do **** for that stack for only a Jackson! Great score! Love those "all drawer" bottom rollers!

I agree! I have a 7 drawer with the lower compartment but wish it had more drawers for storage! He *****


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[txlonghorn1989]

Picked this Snap-On KR-531A tool box up today. Very good shape structurally, very little rust. It has what looks to be an original key and a vintage SO key chain. If I'm reading the stamped info correctly the box was made in 1972. The door/lid props (I don't know what these parts are officially called. ???) are both broken. If someone can tell me what these parts are called I'll check tomorrow to see if SO has replacements. Although these may not be replaceable as they are attached with rivets to the inside of the box. Thoughts on fixing/replacing these would definitely be appreciated!

Also, anyone know if the key chain is from that early-mid '70s era?

 

[taumac]

Pitaplace. YOU ****!!!


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[Pitalplace]

Pitaplace. YOU ****!!!


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Thanks, I didn't really need another box but I really liked it setting at the sale. The guy had several newer boxes, mostly Craftsman which went for pretty good money. There were lots of tools and the best prices I have seen at an estate sale. I knew Waterloo was still in business and thought I could get some parts so when they started I thought I would give it a try. I was greatly surprised that I got it for twenty. The wheels were bad and the above mentioned parts were added. I think my old top box looks great on it.

Again Thanks

 

[drivesitfar]

Tex: nice looking box and that Snap on key ring looks awesome!!

Pital: great looking stack and I'd say you didn't overpay.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Also, anyone know if the key chain is from that early-mid '70s era?

Mike,
I didn't nail down anything definitive in research, but did you see my post on the Garage Sale thread? I found a photo of a 1976 Bicentennial Edition Snappy box with red, white, and blue racing stripes and a red, white, and blue sticker version of your wrench-toting patriot on the key fob? It has to be from 1976, and my bet is it came with those Bicentennial boxes. Link here. And there is a link to the Collecting Snap-on Forum showing the whole box.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Mike,
I didn't nail down anything definitive in research, but did you see my post on the Garage Sale thread? I found a photo of a 1976 Bicentennial Edition Snappy box with red, white, and blue racing stripes and a red, white, and blue sticker version of your wrench-toting patriot on the key fob? It has to be from 1976, and my bet is it came with those Bicentennial boxes. Link here. And there is a link to the Collecting Snap-on Forum showing the whole box.

Thanks Lugz! Responded on the Garage Sale thread to your comment.

For what it's worth, I called Snap-On about the arms for holding the top/lid up and they don't have replacements. The box is obsolete. The arms attached to the inside of the box with rivets. Kind of what I expected but I mention it so others will have the info should they hope to get theirs replaced.

Thanks drives!

 

[dodge610]

Sort of a tool box grabbed it today hope I didn’t over pay $25.00


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[Oldtuleguy]

That is worth it just for the decal

 

[NYBODYMAN]

I have the same Sun cabinet. I also paid $25.

 

[dodge610]

I have the same Sun cabinet. I also paid $25.

They are pretty nice need to partially restore this one. Dont wanna lose all the patina by a total restore

 

[Steel A Rod]

Picked this up a couple days ago. Original owner was a racer back in the day. Box has some great vintage plaques on it.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Picked this up a couple days ago. Original owner was a racer back in the day. Box has some great vintage plaques on it.

Now that's cool. It would be interesting to know more about the original owner and what kind of car he raced.

 

[Shelbylex]

Great box with a lot of history!
Steel, show the rest of them! I see a nice vintage one to the left!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Box has some great vintage plaques on it.

Authentic and exceptional.

It would be interesting to know more about the original owner and what kind of car he raced.

Steel A Rod,

I see you're from Chester County. Where did you get the box? The reason I ask will be apparent if you keep reading. As you may already know, the SCCA was a rich man's sport. In the 40's and 50's it was still for amateurs, but the drivers took it seriously and poured a lot of time and money into their cars and the racing. It's how Paul Newman broke into racing and he epitomized what it was all about, because he was really good, not just an actor with money behind the wheel.

Here is a link to the Wiki page on the 1954 SCCA, including a schedule of all the races, and the weight classes. I am sure there's a similar one for 1953, but the Lockbourne Plaque is 1954 so I searched on that first. Watkins Glen was also one of the major stops.

With respect to the second plaque, here is a link to a rundown on the 1953 Watkins Glen race that year, including a track map and a complete list of the entrants, by name, address, and car type. Lots of Jaguar XK-120M's, Allards, Porsche Supers, a Siata, an Osca, etc.

There are several entrants with addresses that may have very likely belonged to the Philadelphia chapter of the SCCA (the third plaque on your box). Car #'s 14, 21, 48, 56, 58, 60, 75, 76, 77, and 85 are all from Philadelphia suburbs like Norberth, Exton, Ardmore, Larchmont and Morrisville. If you've been a Philly guy for most of your life (I am from the Poconos, but my wife is Philly born and raised, and my brothers live in Malvern and Honeybrook), you know that they're not only suburbs, but super old, wealthy, and prestigious suburbs in Bucks County or the Upper Main Line.

Now look at the names of the drivers in Car #75 and #77. Yes, those duPonts. Brothers Jacques and Lex. Both driving Cooper Mark VI's. One lived in Delaware, and the other in Westchester.

You may be able to figure out who the owner was from that race programme.

Either way, that's a coolass box.

 

[SAA44-40]

I posted this in the Snap On Frijoles thread. Pretty proud of this. Removed all slides. Purchased from retired airline mechanic

 

[Steel A Rod]

Authentic and exceptional.




Steel A Rod,

I see you're from Chester County. Where did you get the box? The reason I ask will be apparent if you keep reading. As you may already know, the SCCA was a rich man's sport. In the 40's and 50's it was still for amateurs, but the drivers took it seriously and poured a lot of time and money into their cars and the racing. It's how Paul Newman broke into racing and he epitomized what it was all about, because he was really good, not just an actor with money behind the wheel.

Here is a link to the Wiki page on the 1954 SCCA, including a schedule of all the races, and the weight classes. I am sure there's a similar one for 1953, but the Lockbourne Plaque is 1954 so I searched on that first. Watkins Glen was also one of the major stops.

With respect to the second plaque, here is a link to a rundown on the 1953 Watkins Glen race that year, including a track map and a complete list of the entrants, by name, address, and car type. Lots of Jaguar XK-120M's, Allards, Porsche Supers, a Siata, an Osca, etc.

There are several entrants with addresses that may have very likely belonged to the Philadelphia chapter of the SCCA (the third plaque on your box). Car #'s 14, 21, 48, 56, 58, 60, 75, 76, 77, and 85 are all from Philadelphia suburbs like Norberth, Exton, Ardmore, Larchmont and Morrisville. If you've been a Philly guy for most of your life (I am from the Poconos, but my wife is Philly born and raised, and my brothers live in Malvern and Honeybrook), you know that they're not only suburbs, but super old, wealthy, and prestigious suburbs in Bucks County or the Upper Main Line.

Now look at the names of the drivers in Car #75 and #77. Yes, those duPonts. Brothers Jacques and Lex. Both driving Cooper Mark VI's. One lived in Delaware, and the other in Westchester.

You may be able to figure out who the owner was from that race programme.

Either way, that's a coolass box.

Sorry for the slow response and thank you for the great information.
I'm originally from Delco, PA, but now in Chester County.
I did not buy the box from the original owner, but the guy I got it from did. I'm going to see if he knows more about the original owner. Funny thing is this box was on Philly CL for many weeks, and it just kept calling me. I finally went to see it, and as soon as I seen the plaques, I knew it was a special piece.
Got a fair price on it and the roller chest too.

 

[Steel A Rod]

Great box with a lot of history!
Steel, show the rest of them! I see a nice vintage one to the left!

Here is the rest of the run. It's a new garage so I'm still working on the layout.
I really like vintage boxes and really vintage everything

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Nice boxes. I have that same exact stack (second from the end). It's my house box. Use it every day, still works great!

 

[Stuart in MN]

Nice boxes. I have that same exact stack (second from the end).

Second from which end?

 

[Shelbylex]

Steel, that’s a nice set! Got to love it!

 

[Oldtuleguy]

The right end

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Saw this on ebay now . It's in massechusets. Looks to be original owner.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I'm going to see if he knows more about the original owner.

Please do! If you can't tell yet, I am officially intrigued.

Whoever it is - and I really want to know, because he might be the father of one of my brother's client's, he rubbed shoulders (and maybe tires) with the likes of Jacques and Lex DuPont. If you want to see some vintage sports car eye candy, click here to see Jacques' famous Carerra, and here to see some of Lex's cars at the Simeone Foundation Automobile Museum in Philly. (And if you've never been to the Simeone in person, trust me, go, be prepared to hold your jaw up, and be prepared to stay all day.)

 

[Steel A Rod]

Please do! If you can't tell yet, I am officially intrigued.

Whoever it is - and I really want to know, because he might be the father of one of my brother's client's, he rubbed shoulders (and maybe tires) with the likes of Jacques and Lex DuPont. If you want to see some vintage sports car eye candy, click here to see Jacques' famous Carerra, and here to see some of Lex's cars at the Simeone Foundation Automobile Museum in Philly. (And if you've never been to the Simeone in person, trust me, go, be prepared to hold your jaw up, and be prepared to stay all day.)

Well it looks like the only info I can get, out of the guy that bought the box from the original owner, was that owner was a nice old guy that used to race. And it was somewhere in the Bethlehem, PA area.
It would be really really cool to know, but it may never happen.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

That's okay. Now we can make stuff up. He was a legendary driver, as knowledgeable about tuning up the car as he was as brave on the track.

 

[smokeyburb]

Raced before Mario Andretti came along but probably bumped into Tommy Hinnershitz.

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[1whocares]

I love tools, old tools and more than the others, Snap-on, I have been a mechanic all my life (I know they call them techs now) this is where I keep my hand tools, some of them, HA.

Just thinking I don't think I have ever sold a tool

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Raced before Mario Andretti came along but probably bumped into Tommy Hinnershitz.

Different cars and tracks (dirt Sprint, etc), but right geography! You know your stellar eastern Pennsylvania race history, smokey!

 

[smokeyburb]

Mario was (is) my hero. My father-in-law followed Tommy after serving in the Korean War with Earl Hinnershitz of Reading.

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