The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!

nine4gmc said:

love that 78 waterloo!! keep those pics coming!!

here are some Snap On body shop cabinets I just picked up and posted in the garage sale thread recently. Does anyone know about when they were made? I looked all over the usual places for date stamps but did not see anything. Also, what can I do about the missing hardware on the one on the floor? It's missing the keyed tumbler assembly and locking bars shown on left of last pic.

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Call your Snap-on guy & order new parts!

Tim, those toolboxes are very cool. Thanks for sharing! Lots of family history I am sure.

nine4gmc said:

I think that larger red chest had a Craftsman Crown Top Logo on it possibly? cool boxes, thanks for sharing.

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Jarhead0408 said:

X2 on the Craftsman Crown Logo.

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Kind of obvious, don't know why it never dawned on me before. Wish I had the badge for it.

Lookin4'67Galaxieconv said:

Offer the guy $250 for the Snap On stack if the metal is straight and the drawers open and close well. And see if you can get him to throw in the rooster.

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That's what I plan on doing. I only noticed the rooster after I posted the picture on here haha.

jeffmoss26 said:

Tim, those toolboxes are very cool. Thanks for sharing! Lots of family history I am sure.

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The Craftsman one sure does. The Beach's were always in the garage, the bottom one hasn't moved in ages, and the one sitting on top likely not either, as I found it on the floor under some jugs of oil. The other two on the end were in the basement sitting in pretty much the same position on the workbench on the right, which I just brought out of the basement a few weeks ago since my mother wants to finish off the space down there; and I never really took much interest in them before since they were mostly only filled with stuff that wasn't of interest to me, electrical and plumbing stuff mostly. All the tools were in those big drawers on the workbench.

Back to the 2 Beach's, in my previous post I mentioned that I planned on using it as my car box until I figured out how bad of shape it was in. Not long after I figured that out I was snooping around on Kijiji and found this: http://qc.kijiji.ca/c-acheter-et-ve...s-Coffre-a-outils-en-acier-W0QQAdIdZ367113210
Ever get the feeling someone up there is laughing at you?

timbitca,
Don't think those "aren't anything special!"
Personally, I'm a sucker for metal hand boxes, even though I already have too many of them. I find all the details really interesting-what kind and how many latches were used? What is the handle made of? How is it mounted?
The Craftsman 'crown' box is really cool. Is that the original color? I also like those Beach boxes. Check out the decorative details on them.

Flatintoone said:

timbitca,
Don't think those "aren't anything special!"
Personally, I'm a sucker for metal hand boxes, even though I already have too many of them. I find all the details really interesting-what kind and how many latches were used? What is the handle made of? How is it mounted?
The Craftsman 'crown' box is really cool. Is that the original color? I also like those Beach boxes. Check out the decorative details on them.

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I guess I kind of worded myself incorrectly. I guess I should have said they aren't quite as impressive as some other peoples collections. I really love the look of the Beach box's and was just wishing that it was in better condition so I could resume use of it (or one, when I found out I had two) they do look very cool with the details on them. If it weren't so far away, I'd go and grab that one on Kijiji to stick in my car, much more character and interest to me than anything made today.

Another reason I want to go take a look at that Snap On box. I had planned to bring all the stuff in the garage with me when I move out and get my own garage (moved out already, don't have a work shop, stupid rentals but it wouldn't feel right to me to bring all of my grandfathers stuff along with me, I'm sure he'd be happy that I would take it and use it, but it just wouldn't feel right, this is their home and it will always be home to me too until the day I die. I'll post more about the property and stuff in an appropriate thread.

Flatintoone said:

timbitca,
Don't think those "aren't anything special!"
Personally, I'm a sucker for metal hand boxes, even though I already have too many of them. I find all the details really interesting-what kind and how many latches were used? What is the handle made of? How is it mounted?
The Craftsman 'crown' box is really cool. Is that the original color? I also like those Beach boxes. Check out the decorative details on them.

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I'm kind of with Flat on this, except I'm attracted more to the hand built ones over the usual factory build carry boxes generally. I'm not talking about something cobbled up in a garage or HS metal shop, but the ones that were a statement to the makers metal working skills.

I have two of them (Both have been posted previously) that are unidentifiable as to source, but have some impressive working features that you might expect from a factory box, as well as some features that you don't see or don't see often, like an edge rolled around a rod for greater strength.

Don't get me wrong on the Factory made carry boxes, I have those too, but it usually take something out of the ordinary to get me to buy it.

Scuderia-F1 said:

Call your Snap-on guy & order new parts!

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are you serious? It's that simple? I do not have an account with Snap On but I did pass a truck today and take down his number. So they will replace missing parts to a cabinet I bought at auction?

I saw this on Craigslist for sale for $400
I like it-What do I have here?
Suggestions? Snap On Gurus please help!

Kra 40" with bulk storage, 26" wide drawers. I'd place it's age in the '96ish area. I can't say for sure, but good chance it has ball bearing slide. For $400 I'd call on it and see if he would go $350.

I'll have to snap some pics of the wall of snap on cabinets at the high school I attend and the 6 wilitons.

nine4gmc said:

are you serious? It's that simple? I do not have an account with Snap On but I did pass a truck today and take down his number. So they will replace missing parts to a cabinet I bought at auction?

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I would just approach him with the fact that I have an old cabinet with some pieces MIA, you sure will have to pay for them since they´re missing. But I don´t think that it will break the bank. I just bought some locks for my cart & side chest. I don´t know the cost since they where thrown in for free because I bought an cordless 18v impact and some other odds and ends.

If you´re lucky the chap turns out to be a good one, and then you have yourself a Snap-on man to do some business with.

Pictures of my Proto boxes, they have served me well for over 30 years. If anyone knows how to remove the drawers please let me know. I would like to refinish the drawer fronts.

DWise said:

Pictures of my Proto boxes, they have served me well for over 30 years. If anyone knows how to remove the drawers please let me know. I would like to refinish the drawer fronts.

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You need a slightly curved strip of metal to slip in behind the slide. (Hacksaw blade with the teeth ground off/smooth or a narrow strip of strapping band) pull the drawer out fully, slide the drawer about an inch or so back in while holding the slide, then slip the curved strip behind the slide, you want the tip of the curved part so it is pushing against the inside of the slide. Once well past the spring clip you see on the outside (probably by 2-3 inches), you can pull back on the drawer and the curved strip will allow the spring clip to compress, and slide over the inside hook on the drawer itself.

Thanks, I tried that but must not have done it right. Do I need to put a strip in both sides of the drawer at the same time?

You can do one side at a time, just be ready to catch the drawer

DWise said:

Thanks, I tried that but must not have done it right. Do I need to put a strip in both sides of the drawer at the same time?

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You can do one side at a time, but you need to push the first one's slide as the second one will stop you at the same point.

I'm finally getting around to cleaning up this box:



I got the surface rust wire wheeled and sanded down. The main case is mostly painted, but I haven't touched the drawers yet. Any tips on how to remove the emblem for paint, then how to remount it? I also need to find new feet. One is missing and the other three are trashed from sitting in mud for who knows how long. Any leads on a source for those?

Dealing with the badges is usually the hardest part of restoring a box or chest for me. If it's not riveted on, you might be able to gently peel it off (careful not to bend or crinkle it) and re-adhere it. I usually mask around them and work. Do you have a picture of the feet...or whats left of them?

M. Blue 240 said:

I'm finally getting around to cleaning up this box:

I got the surface rust wire wheeled and sanded down. The main case is mostly painted, but I haven't touched the drawers yet. Any tips on how to remove the emblem for paint, then how to remount it? I also need to find new feet. One is missing and the other three are trashed from sitting in mud for who knows how long. Any leads on a source for those?

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Can you post pics of the old feet?

softailgarage said:

Dealing with the badges is usually the hardest part of restoring a box or chest for me. If it's not riveted on, you might be able to gently peel it off (careful not to bend or crinkle it) and re-adhere it. I usually mask around them and work. Do you have a picture of the feet...or whats left of them?

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And THIS ^^^^

Outlawmws said:

The Pressteel seem to be, the Plvmb branded versions are pretty rare. I'd love to fine a top and bottom Plvmb box set for the collection..

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x2

I posted this in the Garage sale thread, and realized it's more appropriate here:

I seem to be on a refinishing roll, this week:

This was picked up a month ago to get it's contents. Heavy enough box, but it's been rode pretty hard and put away wet; literally!:



I've no clue who made this box originally, but there was some wrinkle paint on it under all the god-awful silver, and it may have been green, but I would expect there to have been a riveted tag for an SK box...


So after some fairly serious metal (re)forming, and a LOT of derusting (E tank AND a lot of sanding...) Then red primer and finally wasting a full can of Hammertone in bronze, it looks like this:







It's far from perfect, maybe a "5 ft" paint job.

Why go through all this for a box most would just have tossed into the recycle bin?

I have a bunch of 3/4 drive sockets (And a few 1") and my dad's old P&C 3/4 drive rat as well as a breaker, sliding T bar, and 3 extensions. I'm going to line the bottom (in open orientation) with some leftover cork mat, and the "other bottom" (in carry orientation) so they are not beating the paint to **** (again).

I also want to get a few of those "broom hangers" and make it so the extensions at least, get snapped into place. If I can get them the size I need for the rat, breaker and T bar, then those also.

It will need a new handle, and I'm thinking I can get a leather boot lace and with about 6-8 wraps through some D rings, and then some weaving, make a decent carry handle for it.

The last thing I'll do is some "feet" for both orientations, so the paint doesn't get scraped off on concrete. That may be just glued on rubber strips. I'll have to think about that.

OK cork Liner is in, Rubber strips on the two "bottoms" put on w/Contact Cement, and a boot lace handle made up, then loaded up. The long stuff and about 3-4 of the sockets came out of my socket drawer in my main box, so it's considerably lighter, if nothing else. The rest of the sockets needed a home.

Weighs just under 50 Lbs...

My old SK tool box my dad got me, restored, and gave to me for christmas last year. Have before pictures somewhere... also I have the front name plate but haven't gotten it on yet.

I don't think I've posted these here yet.
I just finished up straigtening a LOT of the dents and tweeking it back to square so the top sits correctly on the mid box. I'm very proud of these three boxes. I though I'd never find a mid box. I need some major body work on the top box, then they're off to powdercoat.

Very nice!

Keeping this old thread alive.

Beach tool box I bought after I started working (1981) but before my son was born (he is 19). That should make it to the 'greater than 20 years' vintage.

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For real vintage, this was my father's that spent some time in my first truck. It needs TLC, but I am not sure how far I want to go with restoring it.

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What I don't have is pictures of several metal boxes, about 18x18x18 that my Dad had, that originally contained booze of some nature. These always resided in his workshop and held everything from paperwork to old rusty metal parts. One or two were repurposed for storing my ammo when I was shooting, all deserve TLC. I am adding it to my project list.

Just found this interesting box on kijiji... anyone recognize it?

kijiji ad said:

Cooper Tool Chest

Purchased with Mini Cooper S Vehicle
in 1967 from Coiteux Auto, Montreal

$10.00

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Outlander said:

For real vintage, this was my father's that spent some time in my first truck. It needs TLC, but I am not sure how far I want to go with restoring it.

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M152 Anti-Tank Mine container, dated 1944. Very interesting!

I've got a few old ones that I still use. They just dont seem old to me but I know I bought the first roll cab in 1974 !!! >>>>.

Very nice, I like how they are built in to the benches.

maddawg308 said:

M152 Anti-Tank Mine container, dated 1944. Very interesting!

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I will google that so I can see what was inside

I bought this 1964 KRA 58B a few weeks ago. Yes I have the bug, this is the 5th old Snap On tool box I scrounged up.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/19071370417...T24=&rt=nc&_trksid=p4340.l2557&orig_cvip=true

I am going to have it powdercoated in bronze color (hopefully mettalic bronze if that's possible), and give it to my wife to use as a jewelry box (10 year anniversary present). Is this something an autobody shop or metal restoration shop would do? The lock is also missing the key so maybe a locksmith can get a replacement. There is a slight dent in the top causing the front panel to not hang perfectly lined up for the lock to work, so it also needs that dent straightened, otherwise it is totally straight. There is a slight amount of surface rust on it on the back but the edges on it are all perfect at the bottom and the drawers are really in good shape some showing almost no wear, they slide really nice. Does anyone know where I could get a replacement key? I'm hoping to get the key, have the dent fixed and have the thing powdercoated professionally in bronze color for $500 or less.

I considered trying to strip it of paint and rattle can painting it myself, but after considering how much work that would be, plus the uncertainty of the results, I decided to have it restored professionally.

Cheers guys, you guys have some nice old tool boxes on this thread!

Outlander said:

I will google that so I can see what was inside

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Either the M1, M1A1, or M4 anti-tank mines that the US used in WWII.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1_mine

still using this one too !!! >>>>.

I've just revitalized a fairly rusted 526 (26"w - 8 drawer)Kennedy Machinist's Chest. I paid $20.00 for it. Someone had painted the front and top blue and then later in it's life something round was placed on it while the object was painted green so there was a circle on the lid with green over spray radiating out from it.



It had lots of rust on the bottom outside and inside but it wasn't deep.





The 2 full width bottom drawers were pushed in a bit because the drawer slides were bent and they wouldn't push in easily. There was heavy rust along the top hinge and the front cover was missing.



At the time I figured $20.00 was a good deal and it would be worth picking up. The truth is I'd never even seen one of these in these parts so a beater for $20.00 was a score!

It was not my intention to restore this box to new condition but rather stop the decay and make it serviceable again.

I removed the drawers by pulling out the retainer pins at the front of the drawer sliders. A right angle pick fits nicely into the loop, just pull out, then forward.



Once all the drawers are out it's easy to get at the back retainer pins that hold the sliders to the inside of the box. On reassembly attach both front and rear retainer pins into the sliders then install the sliders into the box followed by the drawers.



Next I drilled out the rivets holding the lid along the hinge, scraped out all the flakey rust I could then poured in a gallon of vinegar everywhere. It collected in the bottom. Next day I wrapped rags all around it that were soaked in vinegar and stuck it in a plastic garbage bag over night. This took another gallon of vinegar.



A few days ago I read further up in this thread about someone who had the foresight to go buy a rubber tub big enough to submerge the whole box, wish I'd have thought of that! I'd done my new lathe bed with the rag method and it worked well but a complete soaking in a tub would have been far more simple and effective. Next day I scraped and wire brushed the remainder of rust off it and sand blasted what rust was left.



I then straightened all the bent drawer faces and sliders.



Then I sanded it and used 1 rattle can of primer to seal all the bare metal.



I found some textured paint to satisfactorily (to me), match the original brown wrinkle paint. I was trying to do this on the cheap so didn't want to order the original paint from Kennedy and wait for it to arrive. What I discovered was this textured paint doesn't give you the coverage of regular paint so I had to drive around and find 2 more cans of matching paint. It is multi coloured with browns and black particles and has a gritty sand like texture which hides the roughness of the previously rusted surfaces. Since I was not doing a full restoration and didn't want to strip the felt from inside the drawers this paint blended well with the wrinkle paint I'd left on the inside of the drawers. If I did this again I would use some hammertone paint because it would be easier to clean throughout the new life of the box.



So far I'm in for:
$20.00 .................Purchase Price
$10.00 .................2 gallons Vinegar
$50.00 .................5 cans of rattle can paint

To reassemble the lid, handles and fixtures I used solid rivets. I had some round headed copper ones that matched the latches nicely.



I clamped a rivet set upside down in the vice so I could place the round head into the round divot of the rivet punch so I could pound on the back side without flattening out the round heads.



The chrome latches and handles were in bad shape with the chrome badly peeling off and rust on full attack.



I sand blasted all the chrome and rust off them and found some bronze paint in my old paint stash which complimented the brown colour. The actual handles were dipped in a can of liquid rubber which gave them a nice feel.



I riveted the lid on and the 2 straps that hold the lid from flipping too far backward and voila! I was done!



Now comes the task of collecting a bunch of tools to fill the drawers with, ah shucks!

It's going to hold measuring tools etc. for my new lathe which is off by itself and away from my main work area.

Just picked up this Snap On KR-537A last week. Has a neat picture on the front panel. Box has a few dents but not too bad considering it is a 1980 model. Was going to do a full restoration on it but now am tempted to use as is or sell it. Too many projects.

That's a nice resurrection 2oolhound; Well done!

My only concern is the shelf its sitting on. I hope those brackets are securely anchored as those boxes get heavy FAST when you start adding tools. Can you add a third bracket to a stud in the middle?

Outlawmws said:

That's a nice resurrection 2oolhound; Well done!

My only concern is the shelf its sitting on. I hope those brackets are securely anchored as those boxes get heavy FAST when you start adding tools. Can you add a third bracket to a stud in the middle?

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Thanks for the compliment and your comments on the shelf are valued! The shelf is not going to stay like that. I'm cutting a longer piece of wood to go right up to the post on the right. I'll definitely look in to adding a more skookum support for it though.

Wow! great restoration, 2oolhound!

DandDMachine said:

Just picked up this Snap On KR-537A last week. Has a neat picture on the front panel. Box has a few dents but not too bad considering it is a 1980 model. Was going to do a full restoration on it but now am tempted to use as is or sell it. Too many projects.

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That's a very nice SO box, how much did you pay for it if I may ask? Just out of curiosity...

2oolhound said:

Thanks for the compliment and your comments on the shelf are valued! The shelf is not going to stay like that. I'm cutting a longer piece of wood to go right up to the post on the right. I'll definitely look in to adding a more skookum support for it though.

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Very nice restoration on that Kennedy! Looks great!