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Help with restoring my vintage toolbox!

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stumbofarms

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22f6bb4b3d7d36fbaa63bec1748e7c9a.jpg

I have recently acquired a nice vintage Matco Toolbox from an auction. My plans include having it sandblasted and powdercoated as close to original color as possible. Have any of you dealt with this? Any feedback concerning price to restore and amount of time it takes is much appreciated!

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taumac

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I think that box looks pretty damn good the way it sits. How bad is small areas of rust I see. What is your plan for this box? Are you going to use it or you going to flip it.
 
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MarkG

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I think it would go the way of most projects-----you'd end up with a box that looked good and you'll have just as much invested in it as a new one, but you'll like it and think it's worth a fortune. If you tried to sell it, buyers will find out the same thing and just buy new. Sad, but that's the 'way of projects'! You have to do it because you like it, because you'll probably be the only owner unless you price it dirt cheap or give it away. I'd guess that sandblasting and powder-coating together will cost more than you will ever sell it for, let alone make any $$ on the deal. Been there, done that.
 
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thehorse13

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It looks like some elbow grease along with a good cut and buff will shine that box up like new. There is no need whatsoever to strip and powder coat this box. As others have already pointed out, you are going to invest far more than the box is worth.
 
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bodyguy16

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thehorse13 said:
It looks like some elbow grease along with a good cut and buff will shine that box up like new. There is no need whatsoever to strip and powder coat this box. As others have already pointed out, you are going to invest far more than the box is worth.
Click to expand...
+1, i would clean it up first then a little rubbing compound and wax will bring it back to a nice shine. You'd be surprised!
 
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drivesitfar

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Stumbo: unless your drawers are rusted inside really bad i'd tend to agree with all the others that say to just clean it up and use it. maybe soak a rag with WD 40 and wipe down the surface rust. if the drawers are not lined i prefer cork, but there are several other great options. I love those Mac and Proto boxes and don't blame you for buying one.

check out this thread and see the other old tool boxes and some restorations and see how you like them.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=49743

welcome to the forum and ask questions if you have any and we'll try to help if we see them and can.
 
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taumac

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I just happen to see this on CL.
6d99f839416570377095da6ec7ffc1ec.jpg
Seller asking $200 and paint on this seems in better condition then yours. How much you have invested in one you have? I think IMO that $200 to max $250 is most you might get out of it if you decide to sell it with a full on resto. Yes, I've done paint jobs on boxes that I will never see a return but they were more of a freshening up verse a full on resto as your speaking of.
 
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CTyankee

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That's a nice looking box. If it was mine I'd keep it just like it is.

Can't help with your question though...:lol_hitti
 
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zkling

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Without seeing it in person, I'd just leave as is and clean it up a bit with soap, compond and wax. The box should be red, but mac and matco boxes of that era had bad paint fading issues, thus most you see are orangeish.
 
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jn50308401

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stumbofarms said:
22f6bb4b3d7d36fbaa63bec1748e7c9a.jpg

I have recently acquired a nice vintage Matco Toolbox from an auction. My plans include having it sandblasted and powdercoated as close to original color as possible. Have any of you dealt with this? Any feedback concerning price to restore and amount of time it takes is much appreciated!

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Click to expand...

I would (gladly) take the clean it up, compound and wax it route. Even small boxes are a lot of work to strip and get ready for paint.I'm doing 2 Snap on boxes and they have been a huge undertaking to get ready for paint. I'm doing Rustoleum out of the can, and even that is pricey.

Unless you can get a great deal on the powdercoating and stripping it maybe way more than what you paid for the box.

It's a classy looking little box and I would be proud to display it as is.

Good luck and nice box!



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stumbofarms

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The box in my original post is only the top piece. I have a much larger bottom rolling box to match! I will never end up "flipping" or selling this box. I'm the son of a grain farmer and will end up using it for decades to come. That is why I want to restore it entirely. Currently though, the box pictured is degreased and washed. No oil or residue left. I have tried Rubbing Compound but doesn't seem to do much. I also waxed the top and it definitely brought a shine to the paint! PS: I got the box as a gift so I myself have $0 into it. It came with the matching box on bottom with wheels to match, full of nice tools for $450.

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stumbofarms

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See how the drawers are faded and a bit more orange? That's why I want to paint it. Also, if it matters, I have no bills to pay myself so all money is expendable.

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zkling

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What bottom box did you get with it? Should be a MB510 top, they offered a few different bottom box configurations. If you are willing to spend the money and plan on keeping it, powder coat or a full auto paint job is the way to go.
 
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jn50308401

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zkling said:
What bottom box did you get with it? Should be a MB510 top, they offered a few different bottom box configurations. If you are willing to spend the money and plan on keeping it, powder coat or a full auto paint job is the way to go.
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If you're looking for a daily use box I would pony up for a pro auto paint or powder coat like Zkling said.

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Hammer1963

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Looks like a nice box. I worked on several of the dies that made the drawers for those boxes and have one myself. I know from experience that the finish on them was quite thin. Sadly that was the norm at that time for all tool cabinet manufacturers. Personally, I would take the time and effort to make it how you want it. Using automotive primer and paint is your best bet. Yes it will cost a few dollars, but it is something that you can hold on to have in your family for decades to come.

I have a couple of older Snap-on boxes that I am currently working on and hope to have at least one completed soon. Good look and keep us posted!
 
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stumbofarms

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Sorry for the delay. Here's the pictures:

Buffing the front of the drawers
e640f759ef4dffe9065cf023942c32ea.jpg9d4cdd18134de355673d47d34879e935.jpg

Buffing handles: after, no befores, they looked similar, no large difference.
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889ab7df791604ecf9d92c44be6f8188.jpg

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drivesitfar

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SF: faded orange or light red that box should look great. several choices for drawer liners from cork to cutting up an old yoga mat if you want any.

post more pictures as you have time.

good luck
 
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stumbofarms

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I haven't repainted it. Just Rubbing Compound and wax. Paint is nice but the front of the drawers are faded compared to rest of box. It brought it to a shine but I guess I'm satisfied with it considering the cost to get it repainted.

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jn50308401

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stumbofarms said:
I haven't repainted it. Just Rubbing Compound and wax. Paint is nice but the front of the drawers are faded compared to rest of box. It brought it to a shine but I guess I'm satisfied with it considering the cost to get it repainted.

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Click to expand...
Did you get a quote for painting your box? Nice job on the clean up too!

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Bill Ramsey

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A super fine tipped Sharpie will touch up any missing black around the lettering in those handles.
 
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jn50308401

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stumbofarms said:
No, the guy never replied

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Bummer, I just finished my boxes using Rustoleum. They look goodish(im no painter) and will serve me well. I added enamel hardener to the paint so I am hoping the long term durability will be helped.

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