The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!

[SpyderGiant]

Scored an old Snap On set from, my best guess, 1978 from my Dad's friend. He had it in his shop and wanted it out so I inherited it and it came pretty filled with old Snap On and Cornwall tools. Step one will be definitely giving it a good scrub and then maybe some wax and polish and then move onto cleaning up the tools. Anyone know where I can find the model number/date on the box?
So far the only problem I have is there is no key, but I don't plan on locking it up anyway as this is just a box for my house projects and is replacing my old craftsman box from the 80s that my dad gave me when I got my own house with garage.

 

[1982fxr]

If those are factory locks new keys are like $7 each from LDV

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Scored an old Snap On set from, my best guess, 1978 from my Dad's friend. He had it in his shop and wanted it out so I inherited it and it came pretty filled with old Snap On and Cornwall tools. Step one will be definitely giving it a good scrub and then maybe some wax and polish and then move onto cleaning up the tools. Anyone know where I can find the model number/date on the box?
So far the only problem I have is there is no key, but I don't plan on locking it up anyway as this is just a box for my house projects and is replacing my old craftsman box from the 80s that my dad gave me when I got my own house with garage.

Nice toolboxes and even better they didn't cost you a dime! You ****! I picked up that exact set last year (have since been sold) and mine were about that period as I recall mid-70s. Look on the back of the boxes for the model and manufacture info.

 

[Bob-B]

I have a similar top box, it's a KR-537. The bottom is probably a KR-557. As others have said, the model number should be on the back of each.

 

[SpyderGiant]

Nice toolboxes and even better they didn't cost you a dime! You ****! I picked up that exact set last year (have since been sold) and mine were about that period as I recall mid-70s. Look on the back of the boxes for the model and manufacture info.

Lol. Thanks. Never thought I'd have a snap-on box. I was expecting to pick up a blue Harbor Freight 44" set this year, but got a call from my dad and I was like "Heck Yeah!"

Its probably underneath all the dirt. Lol

 

[bmwrd0]

KR-557 for the bottom. Here is the '78 Snap-on catalog, but the model number should be stamped on the back, though it might be hard to read.

 

[sno4fun]

I have the same toolbox! I inherited it from my dad. I'm trying to figure out what paint to use on it to get it close to original.

 

[RedVise]

Great older Mac box, love those pulls.

Here's the link. Tampa Bay - I have no affiliation with seller.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/801610240293650/?ref=feed_rhc

Brian

 

[SpyderGiant]

I have a similar top box, it's a KR-537. The bottom is probably a KR-557. As others have said, the model number should be on the back of each.

Found the KR537 on my top box with the date of 1974. Can’t find the bottom boxes stamp yet though.

 

[LNKMK8]

Anyone recognize this old lift out tool tray? I bought it full of 1950's Snap-on sockets from an estate sale. There was an older Snap-on Tool Cabinet as well. I'm wondering if perhaps it was original to that cabinet or just a random one that they had?

 

[zkling]

What year is the K55? I have two that look just like them, but there are no numbers stamped on them, so I am not sure what they are.

They weren't stamped back then (mid 1950s and prior) with year made. I'd put that one as early 40s. They should just have a "Made In USA" stamp on them.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Found the KR537 on my top box with the date of 1974. Can’t find the bottom boxes stamp yet though.

Look in the corners on the back. Probably be on the top. Easiest to see in daylight.

Anyone recognize this old lift out tool tray? I bought it full of 1950's Snap-on sockets from an estate sale. There was an older Snap-on Tool Cabinet as well. I'm wondering if perhaps it was original to that cabinet or just a random one that they had?

Look for a stamping on it. I have a similar one that came with my 1971 KR 531. You can see it in the last link in my signature.

 

[LNKMK8]

Look for a stamping on it. I have a similar one that came with my 1971 KR 531. You can see it in the last link in my signature.

That is the same style of box that was there. Feel bad about breaking up the original set, but that is how it was sold.

 

[RagTopTA]

So I found this today! for $10 Blackhawk set 70 RD .. I think a lot of BH tool in it. and a lot of junk and spiders! The spiders were free though!

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Sweet deal. And free bonus spiders!

 

[thehorse13]

So I found this today! for $10 Blackhawk set 70 RD .. I think a lot of BH tool in it. and a lot of junk and spiders! The spiders were free though!

I have the same 70RD Treasure Chest. I see a few Blackhawk tools in there that are original to the set. I see a lot more rust and free spiders but those conditions are easily solved.

Great score and with a lot of work, you can get that box looking great. You can pick up a new Blackhawk decal on Ebay too.

 

[RagTopTA]

Im liking this box! Heres the after pics! Came out pretty good for having 3/4 " rust layer all over her ; ) Added what little old BH I had to the mix gotta find my gearless ratchet to add to it also.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Im liking this box! Heres the after pics! Came out pretty good for having 3/4 " rust layer all over her ; ) Added what little old BH I had to the mix gotta find my gearless ratchet to add to it also.

Well don’t you just **** [emoji23] nice find. Those boxes are pretty well built for not being made by pressteel [emoji23] who made Blackhawk boxes?


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[bmwrd0]

Nice find Rags, I love those old boxes. You did a great job cleaning that up, let us know how you did it.

Smokeshow is just happy he got his first real toolbox last month!

 

[outofbounds]

Saw this Kennedy made "CHAMP" box on the floor of a local pawn shop nearby.

Anyone have a notion of age? My guess is 60s, but I could be off by 10-20 years!! Google was no immediate help, so I am logging onto GJoogle instead.

Way faster and more accurate.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Nice clean up job

 

[ZRX61]

Im liking this box! Heres the after pics! Came out pretty good for having 3/4 " rust layer all over her ; ) Added what little old BH I had to the mix gotta find my gearless ratchet to add to it also.

I'd probably give the inside a going over with my new favorite "resto goop"


https://www.howardproducts.com/product/feed-n-wax-wood-polish-and-conditioner/


Yes, it's for wood, but it creates quite a luster on old metal/paint too

 

[Private Lugnutz]

who made Blackhawk boxes?

MBC, and an older venerated company called Langenau, in Cleveland.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

I think langenau is still there

 

[Rileysan]

Saw this Kennedy made "CHAMP" box on the floor of a local pawn shop nearby.

Anyone have a notion of age? My guess is 60s, but I could be off by 10-20 years!! Google was no immediate help, so I am logging onto GJoogle instead.

Way faster and more accurate.

It's difficult to date Kennedy boxes. I think you can narrow them to an era by looking at the hardware but beyond that, there's not much to go on. As an aside, I have no idea what that Champ badge originated on, but I kinda like it.

Brian

 

[Smokeshow69]

Nice find Rags, I love those old boxes. You did a great job cleaning that up, let us know how you did it.

Smokeshow is just happy he got his first real toolbox last month!

It is the cleanest plomb top chest I own for sure!




Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[bmwrd0]

I don't think it is a Kennedy, but you really need to look at the pulls and the decal, if there is one. But, as it is painted black, I wouldn't give second look.

 

[outofbounds]

bmwrd0,
I opened the box and saw Kennedy marked inside (perhaps a sticker?). It occurred to me that the finish was black throughout, and original. I think I'll go tomorrow for some better pics and deeper consideration. Was just curious if anyone had any first-hand knowledge of the box.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Have not seen one before. Any pics of inside?

 

[bmwrd0]

I would need to see the inside pics. I could be something I have never seen before, but I just gives off the "wrong" vibe.

 

[Provincial]

CHAMP was a brand of forklift that is now defunct. The slogan on that nameplate would be appropriate to their product line.

 

[outofbounds]

Thanks, Provincial!!

 

[RagTopTA]

ZRX61 I will def look into this new goop! I'm pretty excited to have this box. Weird, I'm a Plomb guy mainly. but now I must find out what was in it and start hunting down all the parts n pieces : )

bmwrd0 , as for the clean up, when I get something thats pretty rusty I always want to save what patina or original paint may be left under neath the rust. A method I have come to use out of trial and error and works pretty good on most things. First I spray the area im going to work on with Simple Green. Let it soak into the rust for a few min. Then, I use a brass wire wheel on a electric hand drill and star taking the rust off in row. Kind of like mowing your lawn. I dont use any pressure really as I dony want to dig into the paint if I can help it. the rust usually comes off pretty well. I make 2 to 3 light passes with the wire wheel. When I am satisfied with where its at I then blow it all off with an air hose to get rid of the extra rust dust all over everything. then I spray a rag with wd40 and get after it. Elbow grease and rubbing it in. Let it dry out side in the sun and I have a pretty well preserved patina and paint. I use the simple green method on hand tool a lot too with a small hand held rush works great to clean up tools! I included a pic with the front door half way done with a single pass on the left side for a comparison as to what a difference it makes.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Nice save, Rags.

 

[bmwrd0]

Well, dang that looks good. You used a method pretty similar to mine, but I use steel wool.

And sometimes Kroil.

 

[RagTopTA]

Nice save, Rags.

Thanks Lugz!

Well, dang that looks good. You used a method pretty similar to mine, but I use steel wool.

And sometimes Kroil.

Kroil is great stuff! I always keep a can on hand. Never tried steel wool on anything.....

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Careful rags, blackhawk bug can be serious.....

 

[RagTopTA]

Careful rags, blackhawk bug can be serious.....

Too Late! I gotta fill this set with the original stuff! they why I found it mostly empty I think.. it's a challenge!

Ok so what year catalog should I look for to find this set? 70 RD ?

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Too Late! I gotta fill this set with the original stuff! they why I found it mostly empty I think.. it's a challenge!

RagTop: You're always finding good stuff! Congrats. Is that Simple Green used full strength? I've got a yet to be identified little hip-roof box with a leather handle I found recently. I think it's Craftsman but no badge or decal that I can make out. Old tools in it but they were a bunch of different stuff so not sure I could draw any conclusion from that. I need to post it and ask all the experts here. It's got a little rust but I think there's some decent paint there to preserve. Going to try the method you mentioned above.

Here's that box by the way...I'll post more pics and maybe a separate thread tomorrow. If anyone thinks they know who made it or what brand it is please let's hear it! ;0)

 

[bmwrd0]

I use the 0000 size wool, it is actually pretty mild. If that idea bothers you, switch to bronze wool (which I also use)