Craftsman 6500 tool box

[Enrich]

Just purchased these two tool boxes. Both are Craftsman 6500. Both have metal (aluminum handle). The logos are different but the construction is very similar. I want to make the minimum changes on both. Just want to keep the rust from growing. I want to use these boxes. One will be for my home took kit, and the other one I'm not sure yet.
I have already many boxes, but these are my two first Craftsman tool boxes. I purchased these in eBay for about $52 each including shipping. I was lucky to find two honest sellers that did a great packing and both boxes arrived without any shipping damage.
I would like if I can get some recommendations about how to maintain these boxes from rusting. Any surface protection? Garage storage vs basement (basement is old and humid). Or better keep them somewhere in the house (my wife won't be very happy with this option).
Thanks!

 

[consti2tion]

I wouldn't store anything in a humid space that I want to keep from rusting. You can wipe any of the rusty surfaces with WD40 periodically. The snap/hasps seem to be the hardest parts to prevent rusting. One is a heritage logo box and the other is a crown logo. The heritage logo is the older of the two dating around the 1949 to early 60's. Crown logo followed in the 1960 to early 70's. As most of us here that like these old boxes I've had several. I usually buy them clean them up and gift them to friends when they buy a house to keep their first home tool kit in if they don't have any tools.

 

[RTM]

Something in that shape, I'd just spray some clear matte finish over the rusty areas, and leave it be. To prevent further damage, don't store it directly on the floor. Either add stick on bumpers, or store it on boards, wooden shelves, etc to prevent further damage.

 

[Enrich]

I wouldn't store anything in a humid space that I want to keep from rusting. You can wipe any of the rusty surfaces with WD40 periodically. The snap/hasps seem to be the hardest parts to prevent rusting. One is a heritage logo box and the other is a crown logo. The heritage logo is the older of the two dating around the 1949 to early 60's. Crown logo followed in the 1960 to early 70's. As most of us here that like these old boxes I've had several. I usually buy them clean them up and gift them to friends when they buy a house to keep their first home tool kit in if they don't have any tools.

I did that with my son, when he purchased his first house. But got him a new Dewalt resin tool box (Made in Israel), at the HD. I put many tools in the box too. Most of the tools US Made, although some made with global materials.

 

[Enrich]

Just purchased these two tool boxes. Both are Craftsman 6500. Both have metal (aluminum handle). The logos are different but the construction is very similar. I want to make the minimum changes on both. Just want to keep the rust from growing. I want to use these boxes. One will be for my home took kit, and the other one I'm not sure yet.
I have already many boxes, but these are my two first Craftsman tool boxes. I purchased these in eBay for about $52 each including shipping. I was lucky to find two honest sellers that did a great packing and both boxes arrived without any shipping damage.
I would like if I can get some recommendations about how to maintain these boxes from rusting. Any surface protection? Garage storage vs basement (basement is old and humid). Or better keep them somewhere in the house (my wife won't be very happy with this option).
Thanks!

The “Crown” box is now almost set. I added some basic tools. Although I need to add a tool box saw that I have, but here.

Just purchased these two tool boxes. Both are Craftsman 6500. Both have metal (aluminum handle). The logos are different but the construction is very similar. I want to make the minimum changes on both. Just want to keep the rust from growing. I want to use these boxes. One will be for my home took kit, and the other one I'm not sure yet.
I have already many boxes, but these are my two first Craftsman tool boxes. I purchased these in eBay for about $52 each including shipping. I was lucky to find two honest sellers that did a great packing and both boxes arrived without any shipping damage.
I would like if I can get some recommendations about how to maintain these boxes from rusting. Any surface protection? Garage storage vs basement (basement is old and humid). Or better keep them somewhere in the house (my wife won't be very happy with this option).
Thanks!

I now added some tools to my new “Crown” 6500. I still need to add a toolbox saw that I don’t have here.

 

[consti2tion]

@Enrich Those resin boxes are very, I bought my dad one of the craftsman variety for his truck. I borrowed it one day and the tools were just all over the place in random tool bags.

Looks like you've got a well rounded tool kit going there. It's pretty neat how much you can fit into these units.

 

[rustyedge1]

Just picked up today a Craftsman # 6500 ( paper ) Craftsman on the latches. Crown logo. Original tray. Couldn't beat the price. 8 bucks...