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Restoring my two vintage Blackhawk toolboxes

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y'sguy

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OKAY!, here goes. I've been wanting to do this for several years now and have finally got started.
The top box is a vintage Blackhawk that someone gave me years ago. Unfortunately that eas almost 50years ago and even though I thought I knew who I got it from, I was wrong. So, I'm just glad I have it.
It was originally red but back in about 1975 or so I had it hot tanked (back when those pre-EPA services were available) and turned it to bare metal. Then I sanded and spray bombed it with white Krylon.(as best I remember?) outside at the curb, sometime after college?
"Why white" you ask? , because all my life I grew up around my Dad's Blackhawk rollaraound cab. That model came from the factory in white. It was alway a little different, which is exactly why I liked it. My box would be the same.
Many, many years later after Dad's passing, I inherited his toolbox with many of his other tools. He was a career pilot and certified aviation mechanic as well.
He had repainted his box well into his early 80's and had lost his eye for finish and detail. But nevertheless he did pretty well.
So at his point I will do my best to bring them both back together as a matching set.
Hopefully I won't drag out this project to long.

 
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y'sguy

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I started by removing thdrawers in the mechanics box.
No, actually I started by making a tool so that I could remove the drawers!


I used an old sawzall blade and ground it down to fit in between the guide rails. Removal is a tricky process of holding your mouth just right and some wriggling around. I am pretty good at it now that I have done all the drawers!

 
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y'sguy

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All of the gide rails seem to be in very good shape. They appear to have a thin coat of flat black paint on them (as well as bad overspray). The black does come off with acetone. So, I think I may clean them all up with an acetone bath. Then use a gun blueing method to re-coat them And follow with spraying of some BoeSheild.


I could just strip them bare and use Boeshield, but it seems they should have a coating to protect them against rust? Could still reCoat them with flat black. Will see.

 
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y'sguy

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930dreamer said:
Your off to a good start, is the lower cabinet a Blackhawk also? More pics please.
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Thanks, 930dreamer for your nice comments, Yes, both are Blackhawk. I'll have more pics as I go along. More disassembly, cleaning sanding painting. I have had some repro badges cast for the top box. Also have badges for the bottom that are original. I have repros of those also in the classifieds section.
 
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y'sguy

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Yesterday I spent a good hour, hour and half removing the top surface and the top, front sliding door. The door was quite a puzzle challenge and hopefully I will be able to remember how it goes back together AND be able to reach my hands into the tiny spaces where the mechanism reside:lol_hitti

Was also surprised to find out that Blackhawk used wood planks underneath the workplate surface. OK. I guess that works? Just surprised. Sorry didn't take a pic of that but maybe later.

Small cotter keys and pins hold the hinge doors to the slides. :shocking:


Anyways, got it out. One big drawer (easy) to remove and The bottom Panel door. Haven't looked to see what the puzzle will be there yet? :bounce:
 
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y'sguy

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I'm struggling back and forth as to whether to paint or powder coat all of these pieces. I know the benefits of both. It will probably come down to money although again, it may come out pretty close by the time I do paint and minor body work. We have a good affordable powder coater in this area. :headscrat
 
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y'sguy

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Oldtuleguy said:
Looks like fun! I have always enjoyed a toolbox fixup.
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FJ 432 said:
Awesome. Watching with great interest on one of my favorite.
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Thanks for for dropping by Oldtuleguy & FJ 432! I hope it is awesome and enjoyable? :bounce:

Here's the wooden inserts I mentioned before and some shot of some of the other disassembly. Have some cracks I knew about to weld up and finish. I removed the bottom door this evening and again it was a BEAR. So, I still hope I can return it properly in place after refinishing. Lots of twist and turns in the mechanism that I don't want to scratch on the return trip. :shocking:

View media item 93346
View media item 93347would like to find some nylon inserts for these holes to quiet down the rods handles that pull out and you steer with. VERY squeaky (fingernails on a blackboard squeaky!)

View media item 93348
View media item 93349
View media item 93350​
Here it is in all it's nakedness. The center rack does also unbolt and come out. So…I'm still considering that next step and if it will be beneficial. OKAY! I know it will be but let me sleep on it! :willy_nil

Also noticed that the top surface that I removed is highly polished on the underside and where the vise was bolted on. It looks like it was chrome plated? Seems unlikely, just saying. I'm just going to have to clean mine up and go with it.
 
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y'sguy

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Oldtuleguy said:
Looks like fun! I have always enjoyed a toolbox fixup.
Click to expand...

FJ 432 said:
Awesome. Watching with great interest on one of my favorite.
Click to expand...

Thanks for for dropping by Oldtuleguy & FJ 432! I hope it is awesome and enjoyable? :bounce:

Here's the wooden inserts I mentioned before and some shot of some of the other disassembly. Have some cracks I knew about to weld up and finish. I removed the bottom door this evening and again it was a BEAR. So, I still hope I can return it properly in place after refinishing. Lots of twist and turns in the mechanism that I don't want to scratch on the return trip. :shocking:

View media item 93346
View media item 93347would like to find some nylon inserts for these holes to quiet down the rods handles that pull out and you steer with. VERY squeaky (fingernails on a blackboard squeaky!)

View media item 93348
View media item 93349
View media item 93350​
Here it is in all it's nakedness. The center rack does also unbolt and come out. So…I'm still considering that next step and if it will be beneficial. OKAY! I know it will be but let me sleep on it! :willy_nil

Also noticed that the top surface that I removed is highly polished on the underside and where the vise was bolted on. It looks like it was chrome plated? Seems unlikely, just saying. I'm just going to have to clean mine up and go with it.
 
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thehorse13

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I'm still sour over the 100DS I missed out on a year or so ago. You have yourself two nice boxes that will look fantastic when you're done.

As Don pointed out, I believe the baby bird under the cover is a 55. I say this only because of the round light on the front bumper. I'm not sure if they offered that in 56.

Nice garage full of toys!
 
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y'sguy

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don long said:
Nice old tool boxes there Ysguy
I think I see a 55/56 T bird hiding under the covers too.
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thehorse13 said:
I'm still sour over the 100DS I missed out on a year or so ago. You have yourself two nice boxes that will look fantastic when you're done.

As Don pointed out, I believe the baby bird under the cover is a 55. I say this only because of the round light on the front bumper. I'm not sure if they offered that in 56.

Nice garage full of toys!
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Thank you Don Long & thehorse13, Yes, I feel very fortunate to have these toolboxes, especially in white.
Your keen eyes spotted an old FORD. 1955.Not worth much in today's expert market research of popularity trends of collectors. It has been with me since 1967. I'm just keeping it because no one else wants it. The FOG lamps were a dealer only add-on option. Available in 55 and 56. A pretty rare option.

FYI, one would identify this year from this view by the crossed checkered flags on the nose. 56 has the Thunderbird wings emblem instead.

Here is why FORD added the Crossed Checkered Flags,
The Ford Thunderbird driven by Joe Ferguson settled for good the argument of whether this new American sports car could top 120 mph—Ferguson clocked 124.633, fastest in his class. The Thunderbird also copped the stock U.S. sports car acceleration run (one mile from a standing start) with 84.66 mph. Daytona Beach, Florida. March 07, 1955, Sports Illustrated.:beer:
 
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thehorse13

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My old man has a black 56 baby bird. He's had it since the mid 70s. I forget the name of the town where he found it but it was in a barn in upstate NY. I remember razzing him over the trash pile out in the driveway but to his credit, he did the full restoration. I also tagged along through the entire process learning the proper way to do things vs the not so proper. Skills that are now invaluable to me.

Now back to your boxes. The white ones are like unicorns. Besides the fact that I have to race Twertsy to every decent Blackhawk discovery, finding a setup like yours is something that many of us dream about. I will enjoy this thread for sure.
 
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Provincial

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My brother has a 1957 T-bird. When he was in the Army, I got stuck driving it to his next post every time he moved. Since I am tall enough that my eyes are directly in line with the upper windshield frame, and my knees rub the steering wheel, you can understand why I have a 4-seat Thunderbird!

Nice boxes. My box is missing the chrome trim on the doors.
 
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y'sguy

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thehorse13 said:
My old man has a black 56 baby bird. He's had it since the mid 70s. I forget the name of the town where he found it but it was in a barn in upstate NY. I remember razzing him over the trash pile out in the driveway but to his credit, he did the full restoration. I also tagged along through the entire process learning the proper way to do things vs the not so proper. Skills that are now invaluable to me.

Now back to your boxes. The white ones are like unicorns. Besides the fact that I have to race Twertsy to every decent Blackhawk discovery, finding a setup like yours is something that many of us dream about. I will enjoy this thread for sure.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your kind comments, I too hope it's enjoyable.
My Dad drug this bird home and convinced me to buy it from him. "you can spend this summer fixin' it up, sell it at the end and get that SS Nova you want" Well…I no longer seek a Nova, but I never sold the Bird either. I'll aways be fix'n it up too I guess. My Dad was both a career pilot and an aviation mechanic, so he taught me a lot of valuable skills as well.

The top box was originally red, but I going to match it to the bottom cab, just to be honest. :)

I'm still on the hunt for the missing Lamp or at least a decent replacement. Unfortunately I know what happened to the original. :( I don't want to talk about it.
 
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y'sguy

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Provincial said:
My brother has a 1957 T-bird. When he was in the Army, I got stuck driving it to his next post every time he moved. Since I am tall enough that my eyes are directly in line with the upper windshield frame, and my knees rub the steering wheel, you can understand why I have a 4-seat Thunderbird!

Nice boxes. My box is missing the chrome trim on the doors.
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Thanks, Provincial! I understand about the size restriction. Doesn't effect me much although now that I am over 65 and counting I have more trouble getting in behind the wheel, once there all is good. Not like when I was 16!

It's not a purist car, more of a personal hot rod. Extensive engine work with Isky cam, John Mummert iron heads, Blue Thunder aluminum intake, headers, disc brakes, a Hodgekis suspension kit, AOD overdrive transmission. 292 yblock stroked and bored to 327 ci. 312 crankshaft. balanced, blueprinted. 320hp on the dyno. 9" Ford Tru-Trac with 3.70 gears.
 

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don long

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Thanks for dragging the bird out for us to enjoy
I too had one in my younger years. It was a 57. I got rid of it right after my 62 corvette came into the garage. Decided that I couldn't drive them both.
My Bad It would have fit in my garage Just fine now LOL
 
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y'sguy

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Provincial said:
McCulloch supercharger is next!
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don long said:
Thanks for dragging the bird out for us to enjoy
I too had one in my younger years. It was a 57. I got rid of it right after my 62 corvette came into the garage. Decided that I couldn't drive them both.
My Bad It would have fit in my garage Just fine now LOL
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Provincial-Yes!, I had chances in the past to get superchargers in different states of repair. They've always been chancy at best and always expensive. The blower is not to hard to find, but all the bracketry and accessories I want to be period correct AND those are scarce AND pricey too. So, probably won't ever happen.

Don Long, I'm not surprised to hear you owned a 57! My Dad had a great one he bought in 1965. When he passed I kept it for several years and then sold it to one of his dear friends. One day I picked the friend up at the airport in Tulsa, drove him to my house and he hoped in the car and drove to Norman, OK watched the game, then drove to Houston stayed a week with his Mom and then drove home to Florida.The 57 never missed a beat. My Dad loved that car. It was a National show winner in 1968. Our first restoration. Not as extensive as restorations are today but still, very nice.
We owned somewhere around 10 different birds and restored and sold them back before the 80's.
Thanks for your comments guy's :beer:
 

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y'sguy

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Oldtuleguy said:
Looking good!
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Farmer J. said:
Watching your restoration progress, and enjoyed the interlude with the cars too!
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Lookin4'67Galaxieconv said:
Can't wait to see how these beautiful boxes turn out! :drool:
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Thanks Oldtuleguy! Lots of pressure with you looking over my shoulder.:spit:

Farmer J., thanks for looking in and I hope we didn't stray to far off subject:wtf:

Thank you, Lookin4'67Galaxieconv, Me too! and I hope you find your 67 Galaxie conv. :thumbup:

The sanding and painting part may get off to a slow start. I am not equipped like the legend Don Long so it will take me a moment to get up to speed in that department.
:3gears:
 
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CRTDI

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y'sguy said:
I'm struggling back and forth as to whether to paint or powder coat all of these pieces. I know the benefits of both. It will probably come down to money although again, it may come out pretty close by the time I do paint and minor body work. We have a good affordable powder coater in this area. :headscrat
Click to expand...

My suggestion would be to go with a good automotive type paint and try to duplicate the white color and sheen (gloss level) as close to original as possible.

You're making some nice progress on these boxes. Very interesting to find wood being used under the worktop.

A bottom roller for some inspiration:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-Hawk...228278?hash=item215d5bf4b6:g:22UAAOSwP7ZdCW-z
 
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y'sguy

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CRTDI said:
My suggestion would be to go with a good automotive type paint and try to duplicate the white color and sheen (gloss level) as close to original as possible.

You're making some nice progress on these boxes. Very interesting to find wood being used under the worktop.

A bottom roller for some inspiration:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-Hawk...228278?hash=item215d5bf4b6:g:22UAAOSwP7ZdCW-z
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Thank you CRTDI! And thanks for showing me the one on EBAY. I've been looking for another for years and never seen one there. Actually, barely on GJ.
It will be interesting to follow the sale. I see that it is complete with the light, very nice.

Yes, I have decided to paint it. A good friend hase a great paint booth and good air and heated air for drying (my dinky compressor doesn't handle the sander well). It's been awhile since I prepped something like this and shot it. I would like to get it glossy, so I'll probably add some clear. I may warm up the white just a smidge. It would be nice if I were neighbors with Don Long :bowdown:

I've been stripping overspray off the slides and various parts and some minor derusting. Pretty boring stuff-but has to done.

All the hardware I believe is nickel over steel and brass, very thin. So, if you polish it to much the nickel comes of in a heartbeat. So, I think I'll just be careful and use a lambswool buffer and some compound. May try some vinegar as a test also.

On the one on ebay you can see how the emblem has turned brass, I believe all the nickel is worn off. JMHO. I also noticed one badge is missing. I know where they can get one. :beer:

Thanks again for looking in. I appreciate your advice. :bowdown:
 
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I believe that one reason the lights may have been removed is because the recepticles in its base do not have grounding provisions. I know Mine Safety and Health Administration would make you remove them, and I believe OSHA would too. This would mean that the light would survive only in a non-commercial use area.
 
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y'sguy

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y'sguy said:
Thank you CRTDI! And thanks for showing me the one on EBAY. I've been looking for another for years and never seen one there. Actually, barely on GJ.
It will be interesting to follow the sale. I see that it is complete with the light, very nice.

Yes, I have decided to paint it. A good friend hase a great paint booth and good air and heated air for drying (my dinky compressor doesn't handle the sander well). It's been awhile since I prepped something like this and shot it. I would like to get it glossy, so I'll probably add some clear. I may warm up the white just a smidge. It would be nice if I were neighbors with Don Long :bowdown:

I've been stripping overspray off the slides and various parts and some minor derusting. Pretty boring stuff-but has to done.

All the hardware I believe is nickel over steel and brass, very thin. So, if you polish it to much the nickel comes of in a heartbeat. So, I think I'll just be careful and use a lambswool buffer and some compound. May try some vinegar as a test also.

On the one on ebay you can see how the emblem has turned brass, I believe all the nickel is worn off. JMHO. I also noticed one badge is missing. I know where they can get one. :beer:

Thanks again for looking in. I appreciate your advice. :bowdown:
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Provincial said:
I believe that one reason the lights may have been removed is because the recepticles in its base do not have grounding provisions. I know Mine Safety and Health Administration would make you remove them, and I believe OSHA would too. This would mean that the light would survive only in a non-commercial use area.
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CRTDI-WOW, that one on Ebay disappeared quickly!

Provincial, good point, I did not think of that. I know mine was probably removed earlier just because it was in the way!

I cleaned up a almost all the slide today and yesterday. No pics-B O R I N G J O B. they look good as is so no paint or coating for them. I plan to use BOESheild on them.
 
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y'sguy

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So…It is a slippery slope. Cleaning and using every bit of chemicals and elbow grease I have. No air con in the garage or studio yet, so I've been working haphazardly on this in the late evenings and early mornings. Gets to 80+ quickly. Doing more on some of the details than I thought. OCD takes over and then before you know it.:wtf:


It took a combination of paint stripper, wire brush and greased lightning and Scotchbrite pads to get these things in suitable shape. All the stuff I said to myself I wouldn't do! But it's coming around. Especially like the small oil can holders and the way they came out. I'll need to find some suitable oil cans for those?

:beer:
 
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Stuart in MN

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I wonder if Blackhawk made oil cans? If not, maybe a couple Eagle model 66 oilers would work. :)

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Farmer J.

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y'sguy said:
So…It is a slippery slope. Cleaning and using every bit of chemicals and elbow grease I have. Doing more on some of the details than I thought. OCD takes over and then before you know it.:wtf:
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This is usually the route to a good and satisfying end result. Take as much time as it takes, and do everything to the standard that your satisfied with.
Pleased you made the decision to paint it yourself as afterwards you will be able to look at it and say "I restored my old tool box, and I did the while thing myself, even the paintwork."
Sure, a professional will probably do a perfect job and earn his money but for a hobby project it's nice to have the satisfaction.
It is possible to get a good result without paying a professional, it sometimes takes a lot of work though. Here's some pics I hope inspire you, of my recently completed Land Rover rebuild which was painted DIY by this arthritic old farmer in a wooden livestock barn with a dirt floor.
 

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y'sguy

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Stuart in MN said:
I wonder if Blackhawk made oil cans? If not, maybe a couple Eagle model 66 oilers would work. :)

Thanks Stuart in MN!, something like that has been on my radar. I do have one of that type now. Problem is the diameter is quite small. So it doesn't fit. The cylinder is fine but usually the flared out base prevents it happening. I'll keep looking tho. I wish I could remember what Dad used there.
This shows the the size reference, but this usage is of no particular gain of importance to me?


Farmer J. said:
This is usually the route to a good and satisfying end result. Take as much time as it takes, and do everything to the standard that your satisfied with.
Pleased you made the decision to paint it yourself as afterwards you will be able to look at it and say "I restored my old tool box, and I did the while thing myself, even the paintwork."
Sure, a professional will probably do a perfect job and earn his money but for a hobby project it's nice to have the satisfaction.
It is possible to get a good result without paying a professional, it sometimes takes a lot of work though. Here's some pics I hope inspire you, of my recently completed Land Rover rebuild which was painted DIY by this arthritic old farmer in a wooden livestock barn with a dirt floor.
Click to expand...

WOW, beautiful job on the Defender! by Farmer J. That may be my son's favorite vehicle ever! You did prove yourself on that one. :bowdown:
Thanks for your encouragement, it means a lot.

I am still in the cleaning and detailing mode. It's the cheap part=as in my time and labor! These look better and they function like new, I thought I might have to replace.DMTLTU2.

Click to expand...
 
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y'sguy

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Provincial said:
In my experience, those oil can holders fit the smaller cans with the drawn resevoirs. In otherwords, the resevoir is a simple cup with rounded corners on the bottom, and a uniform diameter to the sides.
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Yes! I believe that was what was in there as I recall. And I think they have a concave bottom to help from tipping.
Thanks, very much Provincial! I don't really have to, or need to put anything in there but…
:lol_hitti
 
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