The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!

[Smokeshow69]

I suspected Snap On as well but the side handles had me thinking it might be something else... the spray bomb doesnt help either!

It's about 8 minutes away so might be worth taking a look at regardless.

A variety of manufacturers used those side handles including craftsman/Waterloo, Proto, snap on, and others. They were not trademarked by a specific manufacturer and could be purchased by any one


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[Isaiah6113]

Hello all,

Picked up this Kennedy K-20 today. It was on a local board for many weeks and I watched the price drop from $60, down, down, down, and I went to see him today and paid $11. He said it was from the 50s, but I don't know, this is my first Kennedy box.

It's rough, lots of rust, but nothing deep. At some point in its life the owner sprayed it silver. But, it's solid, closes well, doesn't bind. I've since washed it and it actually looks better than these photos.

I'm not really sure what to do with it. I'm tempted to set it in a 1" pool of Evaporust for several hours, then wipe down with Boeshield T9, and just use it.

I have no body work skills, and no access to sandblasting or anything like that, any painting I do is spray bomb. I could get the outside paint off with some stripper, and then paint it close to a Kennedy brown. For rust removal I do have a bunch of wire wheels, Scotch-Brite wheels and some Roloc Bristle discs, in addition to Evaporust. I'm not sure I want to fuss with applying wrinkle paint. Even if I wanted to I'd have to wait now until summer (no available stove for me!).

What do you all think?

Thanks!

Matthew

 

[old_smokey]

Hello all,

Picked up this Kennedy K-20 today. It was on a local board for many weeks and I watched the price drop from $60, down, down, down, and I went to see him today and paid $11. He said it was from the 50s, but I don't know, this is my first Kennedy box.

It's rough, lots of rust, but nothing deep. At some point in its life the owner sprayed it silver. But, it's solid, closes well, doesn't bind. I've since washed it and it actually looks better than these photos.

I'm not really sure what to do with it. I'm tempted to set it in a 1" pool of Evaporust for several hours, then wipe down with Boeshield T9, and just use it.

I have no body work skills, and no access to sandblasting or anything like that, any painting I do is spray bomb. I could get the outside paint off with some stripper, and then paint it close to a Kennedy brown. For rust removal I do have a bunch of wire wheels, Scotch-Brite wheels and some Roloc Bristle discs, in addition to Evaporust. I'm not sure I want to fuss with applying wrinkle paint. Even if I wanted to I'd have to wait now until summer (no available stove for me!).

What do you all think?

Thanks!

Matthew

Cool box, $11!!

I would chemically strip the paint, then sand off the rust with an orbital or something. I think it’d come off pretty easy. Kennedy sells paint cans for this kind of project, but it’s pricey. I’d probably just pick something close and do a few coats with a little wet sanding between. Should come out nice!


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[Smokeshow69]

Hello all,



Picked up this Kennedy K-20 today. It was on a local board for many weeks and I watched the price drop from $60, down, down, down, and I went to see him today and paid $11. He said it was from the 50s, but I don't know, this is my first Kennedy box.



It's rough, lots of rust, but nothing deep. At some point in its life the owner sprayed it silver. But, it's solid, closes well, doesn't bind. I've since washed it and it actually looks better than these photos.



I'm not really sure what to do with it. I'm tempted to set it in a 1" pool of Evaporust for several hours, then wipe down with Boeshield T9, and just use it.



I have no body work skills, and no access to sandblasting or anything like that, any painting I do is spray bomb. I could get the outside paint off with some stripper, and then paint it close to a Kennedy brown. For rust removal I do have a bunch of wire wheels, Scotch-Brite wheels and some Roloc Bristle discs, in addition to Evaporust. I'm not sure I want to fuss with applying wrinkle paint. Even if I wanted to I'd have to wait now until summer (no available stove for me!).



What do you all think?



Thanks!



Matthew

I stripped this plomb tool tote with my angle grinder and some hand sanding in the corners




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[Provincial]

It started raining here last night, and probably due to the weather forecasts, few sales were advertised. I've been getting the place ready for the rainy season, but had some time this afternoon.

I've noticed this "tool chest" for sale on Offerup for the last three days. It was located about 40 miles away so I was reluctant to chase it. I called about noon, and the seller said she was going shopping at a place about halfway between us, so I agreed to meet there.

The first photo is what I saw in the ad. It is a classic 6-drawer box with hinged front cover. Do you notice what I did in that photo?

Photos 2, 3, and 4: All the drawers had cardboard liners, so the paint is in good shape. It still has the carry tray.

Photos 5 and 6 show the outside front of the box. Photo 6 shows the tell-tale stamping. Yes, it is a Huot!

Photo 7 shows the end handles.

Her price was reasonable, and considering she saved me 40 miles of driving, I didn't try to dicker.

 

[ALLFAST]

Those Houts are sure easy on the eyes. All of the vintage designs are timeless .. Cool stuff.

 

[ALLFAST]

On the subject of the Silver and red CM boxes of say 1968 to 1973,is there a generally accepted Aerosol out there that members are using to rehab their bodies and drawers to a pretty good match? I stole this picture from someone here.. It's real sweet.

I have two recently acquired boxes, and my own home owners CM line (bought new in 1979 IIRC) 10 drawer chest that's all red. I want to turn it into the silver and red version , and rebadge her so they all 3 match.

These vintage toolboxes are another slippery slope

Take care all, Shawn

 

[d42jeep]

Hello all,

Picked up this Kennedy K-20 today. It was on a local board for many weeks and I watched the price drop from $60, down, down, down, and I went to see him today and paid $11. He said it was from the 50s, but I don't know, this is my first Kennedy box.

It's rough, lots of rust, but nothing deep. At some point in its life the owner sprayed it silver. But, it's solid, closes well, doesn't bind. I've since washed it and it actually looks better than these photos.

I'm not really sure what to do with it. I'm tempted to set it in a 1" pool of Evaporust for several hours, then wipe down with Boeshield T9, and just use it.

I have no body work skills, and no access to sandblasting or anything like that, any painting I do is spray bomb. I could get the outside paint off with some stripper, and then paint it close to a Kennedy brown. For rust removal I do have a bunch of wire wheels, Scotch-Brite wheels and some Roloc Bristle discs, in addition to Evaporust. I'm not sure I want to fuss with applying wrinkle paint. Even if I wanted to I'd have to wait now until summer (no available stove for me!).

What do you all think?

Thanks!

Matthew

Matthew,
I would try to remove the loose paint, bang out the dents with a body hammer and dolly, sand it with an orbital sander and pick a green or brown color that you like and spray away. They are nice heavy boxes. I store my Barcalo, Thorsen and some Diamond tools in similar Kennedy carry boxes.
-Don

 

[old_smokey]

I have absolutely no need for another tool box but I just can’t seem to help myself.

An ad on Facebook marketplace that just said “toolbox” with a blurry photo caught my eye. I swung past this morning and $40 later brought this home.






Minimal rust and overall is in really nice shape. A bit of cleaning and slide maintenance will return this box to service. I think I’ll use it as a replacement for my cheap Mastercraft box I keep on my workbench for quick access stuff, like box cutters, zip ties, small hand tools etc.


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[Mintgrun]

That's lovely.

Such a pretty shade of grün.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Nice. I have one sk version with the slides. Drawers work alot better than the earlier no slide version.

 

[Isaiah6113]

I would chemically strip the paint, then sand off the rust with an orbital or something. I think it’d come off pretty easy. Kennedy sells paint cans for this kind of project, but it’s pricey. I’d probably just pick something close and do a few coats with a little wet sanding between. Should come out nice!

I stripped this plomb tool tote with my angle grinder and some hand sanding in the corners.

Matthew, I would try to remove the loose paint, bang out the dents with a body hammer and dolly, sand it with an orbital sander and pick a green or brown color that you like and spray away. They are nice heavy boxes. I store my Barcalo, Thorsen and some Diamond tools in similar Kennedy carry boxes. -Don

Gentlemen,

Thank you for your input and your encouraging words. I may be able to get on this before it gets too cold for painting (outside). We'll see!

Thanks,

Matthew

 

[Smokeshow69]

Gentlemen,



Thank you for your input and your encouraging words. I may be able to get on this before it gets too cold for painting (outside). We'll see!



Thanks,



Matthew

I am glad to be of poor influence [emoji41][emoji1][emoji1]


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[Shelbylex]

Provincial, nice chest. You can call Huot and get your missing oval sticker for free (they have two color options)

Old Smokey, this is an owesome SK WAYNE! You stole it for this price in such a great condition! (warning... now you will have to fill it : )

 

[83VillageRepair]

I also posted this up in the Garage Sale thread. I gave $15 for this box and some other stuff on Facebook Marketplace. I thought it was the cantilever style until I opened it but I like it anyway. Nice tool tray, original paint, and great label. I need to work on straitening the lid so it will latch right and clean it up a little.

View media item 107144View media item 107145View media item 107146View media item 107147

 

[DD T/A]

I've probably opened 50 boxes like that in my life and never seen a tray like that, very neat.

 

[d42jeep]

I have a similar very early Kennedy box although mine is different on the inside.
-Don

 

[83VillageRepair]

I have a similar very early Kennedy box although mine is different on the inside.
-Don

That is really similar. Mine is open in the bottom (no compartments) and the tray is slightly different. Do you have a guess at a date?

 

[Provincial]

83VR, if your box is 18" long by 10" wide it is the same as one I have. The tray with the rolled hollow handle is a sign of later production. This box was discontinued prior to 1945, and I determined that the early tray handle indicate production after the early 1930's.

 

[Provincial]

More information in this thread, starting with post #26.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=8344861&highlight=Kennedy#post8344861

 

[d42jeep]

That is really similar. Mine is open in the bottom (no compartments) and the tray is slightly different. Do you have a guess at a date?

Your Kennedy Kits logo looks early to me. I think they made that style from the late 20s to the late 40s. Yours was likely made at the early end of that range.
-Don

 

[83VillageRepair]

Thanks Provincial and D42Jeep! I will measure it tonight and it will have a home with my other cantilever style boxes.

 

[83VillageRepair]

83VR, if your box is 18" long by 10" wide it is the same as one I have. The tray with the rolled hollow handle is a sign of later production. This box was discontinued prior to 1945, and I determined that the early tray handle indicate production after the early 1930's.

Mine is also 18” X 10”

 

[WagonHo!]

Your Kennedy Kits logo looks early to me. I think they made that style from the late 20s to the late 40s. Yours was likely made at the early end of that range.
-Don

Terrific Kennedy Kits ad.
Is that priced at $1.60? Slightly higher on pacific coast -LoL

 

[d42jeep]

Terrific Kennedy Kits ad.
Is that priced at $1.60? Slightly higher on pacific coast -LoL

Thanks. I found the ad on the Internet. Here is my version of the $1.60 box. Since I’m on the Pacific coast, I probably paid slightly more.
-Don

 

[GalaxyRat]

Speaking of Kennedy, I found a nice 260 six-drawer box at an indoor flea market today. Do you guys think $95 is a fair price? It is in great shape and has been well taken care of, and I think I'd be willing to pay $95 for it.

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[outofbounds]

Speaking of Kennedy, I found a nice 260 six-drawer box at an indoor flea market today. Do you guys think $95 is a fair price? It is in great shape and has been well taken care of, and I think I'd be willing to pay $95 for it.

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If it feels good, do it! Personally, I'd be looking a little lower, but I'm a notorious cheapskate.

 

[Smokeshow69]

If it feels good, do it! Personally, I'd be looking a little lower, but I'm a notorious cheapskate.

I agree... that is too much in my opinion. I am of the small majority that doesn’t hold Kennedy in high regard, aside from their small carry boxes and machinists chest. I wouldn’t pay more than $50 for a 6 drawer like that. However tool chest value varies by region so that may be a great deal?


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[Shelbylex]

It all depends how rare it is in your region and how much you want/need it. Sometimes an item which is not as valuable to most could be most valuable to you.
If you own a bottom box or this particular box either completes something for you (or just will definitely make you very happy), go for it. After all, 95$ is around 26 cents a day for a year.
Skip buying coffee in Starbucks for X amount of days, save on electricity or sell extra tools you do not need - this way you can justify not spending extra money on it : )

 

[kas_rustndust]

I have a couple tool boxes I picked up recently that I'm going to restore. They've been poorly repainted a couple of times. Top box, from what I've found, Snapon KR 56 from 1948 or 50. It looks like it's 2 tone red and black ?
The bottom, which I'm currently working on, is an OTC. I'm having a hard time finding information on this one. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you

You have an OTC "MASTERTOTER". As soon as I can remember how to post (been awhile) I will put up an image from my 1945 OTC catalogue and give you a holler.

 

[GalaxyRat]

I certainly appreciate the input. I don't *need* it, but finding any top box in this good of shape seem to be few and far between in my area.

I think I will sit on the decision for a little bit, maybe if it is still there is a month he will lower the price or negotiate. If not, I don't think it is meant to be. Plus I may find something more useful to my interests in the mean time. [emoji1745] Thanks, fellas!

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[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Speaking of Kennedy, I found a nice 260 six-drawer box at an indoor flea market today. Do you guys think $95 is a fair price? It is in great shape and has been well taken care of, and I think I'd be willing to pay $95 for it.

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That's a $50 box in my book, but I'd go $75 if I really wanted it.

 

[bargainhuntingking]

Just saw this SK at a local thrift shop for $20. I passed, but it sure seems cool with the patina and leather handle.

 

[outofbounds]

Just saw this SK at a local thrift shop for $20. I passed, but it sure seems cool with the patina and leather handle.

Wow. Serious restraint there, King. That would have been a no brainer for me. All original and decal intact. A definite keeper IMHO.

 

[d42jeep]

I would have had my $20.00 out in record time! Wartime S-K with an intact leather handle? Wow!
-Don

 

[Smokeshow69]

Just saw this SK at a local thrift shop for $20. I passed, but it sure seems cool with the patina and leather handle.

Dang, I would have bought that. Looks pretty clean


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[d42jeep]

I do have a similar one with a metal handle.
-Don

 

[ZRX61]

You passed on that SK for $20???

 

[bmwrd0]

Wow, that is nice! Where in the PNW was it? maybe one of us is close...

 

[Pexto]

I already have too many toolboxes, but I would've been on that S-K like a rat on a pork chop!