The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!

rusty65 · Nov 2, 2013

zkling said:
I don't think the box he posted is a 520 though. It seems to have the same drawer layout, but the aspect ratio just doesn't seem like the common 20" 520. Especially if you look at the lock to lasp distance. Quite possibly it is <20" wide. It looks very squar-ish

I just edited my post. I found a Kennedy 516 which appears to be a match in a old Kennedy catalog.

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ganymede · Nov 2, 2013

zkling said:
Cool box. Would you mind measuring the outside dims please? I didn't know they made a 7 drawer smaller than the standard 520 (20" wide, 7 drawer tool box). [\QUOTE]

Zkling
Those were outside dimensions but I was actually mistaken..
16 1/8" wide, 13" high and 8 1/2" deep .

rusty65 said:

Actually the 520 Kennedy was a good sized box back in the day and was used by many trained machinists infact my old Kennedy was used by a old Caterpillar machinist his whole working life and up into his death in 2006. The apprentices got a 3 drawer version of the Kennedy as a side note.

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Click to expand...

Rusty,
I looked all over for a model # but found nothing.
Are you sure this is a 520 ?

zkling · Nov 2, 2013

rusty65 said:
I just edited my post. I found a Kennedy 516 which appears to be a match in a old Kennedy catalog.

Sent directly from the Snap On Kool Aid factory.

Same here I took a WAG based on the 526 being 26" wide, 520 being 20" wide, I figured a 16" wide box would be a 516. Sure engouh looks like it. Do you have a paper catalog or electronic? Did they make any other width's? A search for 518 didn't turn up anything. :dunno:

zkling · Nov 2, 2013

ganymede said:
Rusty,
I looked all over for a model # but found nothing.
Are you sure this is a 520 ?

If it is anywhere it would be under the lid on a decal.

BFBOB · Nov 2, 2013

Some of you who restore old boxes just might have what I need. I have an old ('40s or '50s?) S-K machinist's chest that's missing the front cover. It's in pretty rough shape, but usable, so I'd like to replace the cover. Anybody have one they'd like to get rid of??

Thanks!

rusty65 · Nov 2, 2013

zkling said:
Same here I took a WAG based on the 526 being 26" wide, 520 being 20" wide, I figured a 16" wide box would be a 516. Sure engouh looks like it. Do you have a paper catalog or electronic? Did they make any other width's? A search for 518 didn't turn up anything.

The catalog I have is a electronic and I got it from taking the pictures from a eBay AD. I don't believe they made any other sizes only the 516,520, and 526.

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ganymede · Nov 2, 2013

Ah, just saw the catalog jpg!! That's cool thank you.

Outlawmws · Nov 2, 2013

Covers are often hard to find. Unless you get extremely lucky, you may have to make one (no too difficult)

On that orphan Kennedy; Rusty nailed it. Its a 516. I've never seen one and it's not in the current line up. I was trying a Google search on it based on a presumed 516 mod number but struck out...

Outlawmws · Nov 2, 2013

I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that 516 has a square corner top and a leather handle? :dunno:

zkling · Nov 2, 2013

Outlawmws said:
I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that 516 has a square corner top and a leather handle?

O yea, I think all the boxes that have ribs in the top had square corners and leather handles. They didn't do away with the leather handle till after converting to rounded, non reinforced tops....... to my knowledge. :dunno:

rusty65 · Nov 2, 2013

Outlawmws said:
I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that 516 has a square corner top and a leather handle?

I'm guessing your correct the box probably has a leather handle and square corners which i think would date the box to the 1940s to some time in the 1950s.

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zkling · Nov 2, 2013

rusty, what year is your catalog from?

rusty65 · Nov 2, 2013

zkling said:
rusty, what year is your catalog from?

My catalog is from 1938 and displays the old drawer pulls.

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zkling · Nov 2, 2013

rusty65 said:
My catalog is from 1938 and displays the old drawer pulls.

Looks like maybe the lid structure was different as well.

rusty65 · Nov 2, 2013

zkling said:
Looks like maybe the lid structure was different as well.

That as well and the lid had two charts attached which is a feature I wish they would have kept.

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ganymede · Nov 2, 2013

Outlawmws said:
I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that 516 has a square corner top and a leather handle?

Yes indeed . Squared lid with leather handle.
Cracked with chunks missing but still grab-able.

BFBOB · Nov 3, 2013

Outlawmws said:
Covers are often hard to find. Unless you get extremely lucky, you may have to make one (no too difficult)
...

Love the seasonal mod to your avatar!

I have a Penncraft box of the same size, but with two more, smaller, drawers (and possibly also made by S-K). The front cover is too much for me to fab up out of sheet metal. I have a small brake, but it won't do channels as the edges require. A bead roller is also necessary, and ain't got no.
Maybe it could be done with just hammer work, but I doubt very much I have the skill to make it look right. I can do pretty good body work, but flats are much harder!
so... waiting for a kind soul with a spare cover.

Test Pilot · Nov 5, 2013

zkling said:
Very nice boxes, and cool history. I bet they bring back alot of good memories. What types of engines did he and you build? The top looks like a KRA-57 you don't see many of those compared to other boxes, they are a bit different.

I learned helping him build engines for dirt track cars. This a pic of his car from back in the 60s and 70s >>>>.

Outlawmws · Nov 5, 2013

BFBOB said:
Love the seasonal mod to your avatar!

.

Thanks! I was late getting it put up, so I figured I'd leave it up a few days over.

ShadowRuleZ · Nov 5, 2013

Didn't see a beach specific toolbox thread, but here's one that showed up on the local CL. Haven't seen a dual bank like this. If I had seen this before I got my HF 44 at the same price, this'd be in my garage.

Sam'sAutoParts · Nov 5, 2013

That is a nice looking box, I bet it is made like a tank.
-Sam

PCO6 · Nov 6, 2013

ShadowRuleZ said:
Didn't see a beach specific toolbox thread, but here's one that showed up on the local CL. Haven't seen a dual bank like this. If I had seen this before I got my HF 44 at the same price, this'd be in my garage.

That's a Beach B95 roller cabinet. I have the much more common B27 which is essentially the "left 2/3 rd's" of what is pictured above. Pictures of a few of them have been posted on GJ in the past. I have seen a few in person and they are one that people look for. Do you know what he is asking for it?

EDIT: Sorry, it's a B97 NOT a B95.

zkling · Nov 6, 2013

How are they build quality wise?

PCO6 · Nov 6, 2013

zkling - Buy all the Beach cabinets you can find! :lol:

Seriously, the ones of the above vintage are very good cabinets. I bought my chest and roller cabinet in the mid 70's and it's as good as new. Granted, I am not a pro but I know of several that have been used professionally. One of my brothers is a Millwright and it's the only type he has ever owned (same with a few others in his shop).

zkling · Nov 6, 2013

PCO6 said:
zkling - Buy all the Beach cabinets you can find!

I would like to, problem is, I've never even seen one for sale locally, let alone in my price range. :sad:

I'm not sure if they just aren't common down here (Mid west USA) or..... :dunno:

I really like some of their drawer layouts.

PCO6 · Nov 6, 2013

^^^ The good news is that if you do find one they are relatively inexpensive. They are common here and regularly show up on Kijiji. Beach boxes were used in industry but the big reason I think there are so many available is that they were also sold to "regular guys" at Canadian Tire.

The most common roller cabinet was the B27 with 3 drawers. As soon as you could afford it you would go back to CT and buy the extra drawers you needed to complete the cabinet. Various drawers were sold individually so you could customize your cabinet.

Here's some info that might be of interest ...

zkling · Nov 6, 2013

PCO6 said:
^^^ The good news is that if you do find one they are relatively inexpensive.

LOL, lets hope so, I like lots of thin, small drawers, which beach seems to specialize in. I just don't remember ever seeing one for sale locally. Then again I haven't been looking for too many years and I don't get out much.

PCO6 said:
Here's some info that might be of interest ...

Downloaded and saved, much thanks. :beer:

I love reading tool box literature. Which reminds me....

ShadowRuleZ · Nov 6, 2013

PCO6 said:
That's a Beach B95 roller cabinet. I have the much more common B27 which is essentially the "left 2/3 rd's" of what is pictured above. Pictures of a few of them have been posted on GJ in the past. I have seen a few in person and they are one that people look for. Do you know what he is asking for it?

EDIT: Sorry, it's a B97 NOT a B95.

350.

zkling said:
I would like to, problem is, I've never even seen one for sale locally, let alone in my price range. I'm not sure if they just aren't common down here (Mid west USA) or..... I really like some of their drawer layouts.

Ill post a picture of mine again later, but I've seen a few locally probably because of how close we are to Canada. I think mine is a b89 from those catalog scans.

zkling · Nov 6, 2013

ShadowRuleZ said:
Ill post a picture of mine again later, but I've seen a few locally probably because of how close we are to Canada.

I'm a few hours straight south of you. Those open fields probably soak them all up. :lol:

bobcatdan · Nov 6, 2013

I found the CL add for the beach, $350 for the box, $900 full of tools. Guys says he wouldn't sell, but hard up for money.

-Brent- · Nov 6, 2013

Just posted these in another thread.

The 2-drawer intermediates are new. I needed a bit more space and got a VERY good deal on them. Otherwise, they're NOS boxes from 1984 that sat in a storage unit (never unlocked, nor ere the wheels installed) since they were purchased.

The gray unit was lightly used, as it held tools but was put into the same storage unit and left until I bought them. It was perfect until I spilled PVC primer on the top part of the bottom box. Other than that, it has no blemishes.

PCO6 · Nov 6, 2013

ShadowRuleZ said:
350.

That's not a bad price for a fairly rare box. Being a B97 it is taller than a B95 so it's probably even a bit more rare.

I'm a bit surprised by the number of tools he has in it and the lack of drawer liners. It appears to be in good shape though.

lauver · Nov 6, 2013

PCO6,

Do you know the approximate date of the beach catalog you posted above? Just curious about the vintage.

These appear to be well made and versatile cab's and chests. Me likey :thumbup:

Lookin4'67Galaxieconv · Nov 6, 2013

ShadowRuleZ said:
Didn't see a beach specific toolbox thread, but here's one that showed up on the local CL. Haven't seen a dual bank like this. If I had seen this before I got my HF 44 at the same price, this'd be in my garage.

If I was in your situation, I'd buy the Beach and resell the HF.

PCO6 · Nov 6, 2013

zkling said:
Downloaded and saved, much thanks. I love reading tool box literature. Which reminds me....

I managed to find a few more Beach pages I have on file. Enjoy. :beer:

... and a picture of mine.

View media item 35001

nine4gmc · Nov 6, 2013

-Brent- said:
Just posted these in another thread.

The 2-drawer intermediates are new. I needed a bit more space and got a VERY good deal on them. Otherwise, they're NOS boxes from 1984 that sat in a storage unit (never unlocked, nor ere the wheels installed) since they were purchased.

The gray unit was lightly used, as it held tools but was put into the same storage unit and left until I bought them. It was perfect until I spilled PVC primer on the top part of the bottom box. Other than that, it has no blemishes.

PCO6 · Nov 6, 2013

lauver said:
PCO6,

Do you know the approximate date of the beach catalog you posted above? Just curious about the vintage.

These appear to be well made and versatile cab's and chests. Me likey

lauver - The Beach pages are probably from the early to mid 70's.

I should have included some pages I have from Gray catalogues from 1971 & 1980. Can you spot the similarities?

They are basically the same boxes but are finished in a light blue metallic. Gray boxes of this era do come up from time to time but they are not nearly as common as Beach boxes.

PCO6 · Nov 6, 2013

For you guys that are interested in Beach boxes, here's an example of what can be found on Kijiji. I bought this Beach B27 last year for $75. It came with a small Beach B21 2 drawer box with an original tote tray. Both were in very good condition. I bought it from a guy who recently retired from De Havilland. He had used it on the job for over 35 years. When he retired he took it home and used it as his air brush cabinet for the model planes he built.

View media item 35003

zkling · Nov 6, 2013

"I swear officer, I only came up here for the tool box and 5lbs of the good stuff (bacon)" :ninja:

ShadowRuleZ · Nov 7, 2013

Here's mine (again). I forget what I paid, I think it was around 60.

Lookin4'67Galaxieconv said:
If I was in your situation, I'd buy the Beach and resell the HF.

Since they are the same price it'd be a no brainer for me, but logistically it wouldn't be that easy. It's even the taller one like the one I already have!

bobcatdan said:
I found the CL add for the beach, $350 for the box, $900 full of tools. Guys says he wouldn't sell, but hard up for money.

I didn't know post the link because I didn't know if it was okay to post them in this thread.

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