1960’s Craftsman Tool Box?

[ShadyMtn]

I recently got this tool box and it’s been painted and abused and someone took the emblem off. Looks like it was on the lower drawer front on the right hand side. I’m guessing it’s a old craftsman but if anyone could help me with the age and make I’d greatly appreciate it.
Rod from Kentucky

 

[JoCoSawdust]

It's made by Waterloo who produced boxes for Sears and several other brands. More than likely has a 4-digit date code stamped on the floor of the main compartment near the front left corner.

 

[ShadyMtn]

Thanks for taking a look at it. I got a bunch of projects going so I’ll be a while before I start on it. Someone brushed painted it so I can’t see anything till I strip it down.
Thanks again

 

[bonneyman]

Definitely restore that workhorse. Make it steal-able again!

 

[Oldtuleguy]

It's made by Waterloo who produced boxes for Sears and several other brands. More than likely has a 4-digit date code stamped on the floor of the main compartment near the front left corner.

I have one stamped 760-138

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

That's been abused pretty bad. I can see cleaning it up for use, but definitely wouldn't put a ton of time into it. Lots of better restoration candidates out there.

 

[JoCoSawdust]

I very much agree with Galaxie. Unless there is sentimental value attached to that box, I'd run away from that thing as fast as I could. Having refurbished several tool boxes myself, knowing the amount of time and work involved with doing it right would have me looking for a more appropriate project. To each his own though.

 

[ShadyMtn]

Yeah it was late father in laws so I’m going to get it useable. I’m not looking to get it back in original condition, it’s way to ruff for that. Just decent to put in the garage. He had a Craftsman that he bought new, the bottom part in 77 and the top in 1980 and he was a mechanic and it had seen a lot of use. When he got sick his garage was pretty damp and most of his tools and his box were rusted. I redone the box and got most of the tools in good shape so I’m in no hurry on the little box. Here’s a pic of the craftsman after sanding and paint.

 

[Lassen Forge]

I'd restore it up and use it.... my "work boxes" are a pair of 26" chests with matching top boxes... you have to pull them apart and lube the rails every year or 2 (get extra drawer retainer clips, and if you can extra rails), I put new casters on them (the old ones were shot and didn't like the weight I was subjecting them to), cleaned up the rust issues (I think they all have rust issues eventually, fortunately the sheet metal is heavy duty, so there's a lot of room for forgiveness) and repainted the "chassis's" with what I had on hand (OD Green)... they're ready for another half century of abuse.

Honestly, they're hard to beat, and while they're not as stout as tool truck boxes, they're no slouch... and better, they pop up at garage and estate sales fairly often at far less pecunium ad their more expensive Snap-on brethren...

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

The overspray on those castors is killing me!

 

[ShadyMtn]

Lol I’m far from a professional. The top of the big box was pitted really bad so I covered it in truck bed liner. Figured that would help because that part of a box gets a lot of wear

 

[Lassen Forge]

Lol I’m far from a professional. The top of the big box was pitted really bad so I covered it in truck bed liner. Figured that would help because that part of a box gets a lot of wear

Truck bed liner is a great "cover the sins" application, but make sure you cleaned the rust off first, as it will trap the moisture in there... and as they say, "rust never sleeps".
I have a stainless isert for one of mine, and a wood one for the other... also have an old piece of Marble that fits on a rolling supply cabinet (salvaged from a Sun 504) as well in case I need to do "clean room" kind of stuff, tho it's by far the heavier of the 3...