Bever911's toolbox restoration

[bever911]

Reading everyone else's threads inspired me to restore a toolbox I had. I believe this belonged to my great-grandfather. I need to track that down.

This is what I'm starting with. I removed the craftsman logo, then started cleaning it up to see what I have to work with (the photos are prior to cleaning it up). I'll keep you updated as I go along.

 

[bever911]

A couple questions:

I'd like to paint it the vintage craftsman gray color. I've done some searching but can't find what paint color I need to use to get that effect. Any recommendations?

Also, I haven't found a model number on the box.. Which latches do I need to order for replacements?

Thanks.

 

[jwhcars]

I redid my 35 year old craftsman ten drawer a few years ago. The closest
paint I found was the hammered look paint at Lowes. There is a thread on
here if you want to search for it.

 

[bever911]

I redid my 35 year old craftsman ten drawer a few years ago. The closest
paint I found was the hammered look paint at Lowes. There is a thread on
here if you want to search for it.

Thanks. Your's turned out very nice!

 

[James Aiello]

I would just clean it up real good.. maybe put a satin clear on it. All those marks were made by your great grandfather... thats cool.

Go to a yard sale and buy one to restore.

 

[pfctblu]

Reading everyone else's threads inspired me to restore a toolbox I had. I believe this belonged to my great-grandfather. I need to track that down.

This is what I'm starting with. I removed the craftsman logo, then started cleaning it up to see what I have to work with (the photos are prior to cleaning it up). I'll keep you updated as I go along.

COOL! I just picked up a similar one to put my plumbing stuff in and keep downstairs. The fact that this one has family history is something that would keep me from restoring it and taking the advice someone gave already by just using naval jelly to stop the rust and then clear coating it. Preservation more than restoration.

Im a sucker for the crafty stuff from this era though. Im guessing yours is the same as mine (late 40's model 6512) search to page 28 of the content or page 30 of the pdf).

If you have the restoration bug, you might consider grabbing another one to restore on the cheap: you can fine-tune your restoration skills too and not make any newbie mistakes on this one (because its only original once).

Either way you decide, these are just plain cool, nice to have.