Matco MB9600 Toolbox Refurbishing

[phillis]

Hey guys,

New to this forum, just wanted to share my latest project with fellow enthusiasts. I am not done yet, but I will be uploading progress pics as it comes along. I purchased a used MB9600 Matco box and decided it needed a re-paint, along the way I decided to get all the handles chromed and polished along with powdercoating a few other parts. Pics will be up shortly.

 

[phillis]

Here is the box the day I picked it up

On the truck

Pulled it all apart

 

[phillis]

Stripped down

 

[phillis]

 

[phillis]

Prep work

Painted the bottom to put the wheels back on and stand it up

 

[phillis]

A couple teasers

 

[Link-Belt]

Vary nice so far and well documented

 

[billymade]

OMG, that looks like a MAJOR undertaking! Congrats for having the fortitude, patience and stick to it-ness... to get the job done! Looking forward to the completed pics!

 

[phillis]

Thanks guys

 

[phillis]

More updates. Working on color sanding the main box structure. Here are some progress pictures. Let me know what you guys think.

 

[billymade]

Looks awesome; I like this particular blue MUCH better then the stock one.... can't wait to see it with all the drawers and pulls installed! I don't even want to know how many hours or labor or materials cost you! (then again, if your willing to let us know, how much?) Inquiring minds want to know!

 

[phillis]

Cost=lots and lots of blood sweat and tears. I rather not attempt to add up the cost or else I'll probably cry. But like I tell the gf, ''I have no addictions to drugs,gambling,etc... except for tools and cars'' Luckily she's ok with it and doesn't *****, so in that form I'm blessed

 

[Brian_B_]

Love the new color..but that is a ton of work. Was the original finish in bad shape?

 

[phillis]

Love the new color..but that is a ton of work. Was the original finish in bad shape?

Yeah the original color was in bad shape and the person that had it before me did not take good care of it. The boxes were scratched pretty bad, the color did not shine anymore, and the gold trim looked outdated. I love undertaking these types of projects and I have never painted in my life, so I said let's give it a whirl and see. Plus figuring I plan on keeping this box for 15+years, a few months of labor doesn't seem too bad. I couldn't see myself forking out $12k for a brand new one anyway.

 

[billymade]

So, give us a little background on the: prep process, paint used, color sanding materials, technique etc. and what did or didn't you powdercoat? I'm assuming you didn't have the whole thing done? Info should be helpful for other crazy people that attempt or shouldn't attempt a big project like this! LOL! Maybe you can be the voice of reason; for those considering a redo this size....

 

[Ken81590]

Hat's off to you! I applaud you sir!

 

[phillis]

Hat's off to you! I applaud you sir!

Thanks!!!

 

[cbacres]

What blue is that called?

I'm fixing to paint some of mine and that is a nice shade.

 

[phillis]

So, give us a little background on the: prep process, paint used, color sanding materials, technique etc. and what did or didn't you powdercoat?

The only part I powdercoated was the handle to pull the box. I bought ppg delfleet polyurethane single stage paint. The main box structure took 1 gallon to complete. For primer I used epoxy primer about a half gallon (brand slips my mind). Prep was done with 600 sandpaper bought at harbor freight to knock down the top of paint coat. After knocking down guide coat after guide coat, it was finally ready for paint. I layed down about 4 coats of paint. Most of the techniques I stole off YouTube. I color sanded with 1000 and then buffed with heavy duty rubbing compound and thats where I am at right now. Most of the tools I borrowed from a buddy of mine that runs a body shop. I also have a 70yr old family friend that painted for 45 years, guiding me along the process. Thank God for that.

 

[phillis]

What blue is that called?

I'm fixing to paint some of mine and that is a nice shade.

It's called royal blue. It's a snapon paint code. Here is a pic of the gallon and a pic of the mixing thingy.
*edit* pics aren't working

 

[MarkH]

Respect the work in that. I had to do a few tool chest and cabinet combos a few years back. Think I would rather paint a car, truck, tractor for the time it took.

 

[phillis]

Respect the work in that. I had to do a few tool chest and cabinet combos a few years back. Think I would rather paint a car, truck, tractor for the time it took.

No doubt. It feels like the amount of work it took, I could of painted my car and my patio deck and have time left over to drink some brews. I still have 20 drawers to paint, they're all prepped.

 

[cbacres]

Thanks

 

[phillis]

Here are a couple pictures of the re-chromed handles and the new badge.

 

[phillis]

Here are a few pics of the powdercoated handle and re-chromed end pieces.

 

[twincam00]

lookin good! thats alotta work but itll pay off

 

[larryq]

Looks great. You should be proud. I know I am looking at it.

How are you fitting the gun into that horizontal slot where the top drawer slides? Looks mighty narrow to get full coverage, especially toward the back?

 

[phillis]

lookin good! thats alotta work but itll pay off

Thanks!

 

[phillis]

Looks great. You should be proud. I know I am looking at it.

How are you fitting the gun into that horizontal slot where the top drawer slides? Looks mighty narrow to get full coverage, especially toward the back?

Thanks!!
The inside where there is limited room I just raised the pressure on the gun and it provided enough coverage. The finish is a lil rougher (mainly from overspray) but it will polish up nice after the wetsand.

 

[Bikes&Bowties]

I've done cars but I think I'd be afraid to do a toolbox.. Good job man

 

[phillis]

I've done cars but I think I'd be afraid to do a toolbox.. Good job man

Thanks! I didn't think it was going to be this much work either It'll pay off though (I hope)

 

[phillis]

Small update. Installed the chrome handles on a few finished boxes.

 

[phillis]

Almost done, just gotta throw some glaze on it and put the new Matco badge and handle.

 

[OEXL16B]

That looks like a giant top chest with wheels.

 

[Rico.]

That is absolutely beyond awesome.... Top work Fella... Nice one...

 

[twincam00]

Looks amazing! that new chrome really pops

 

[phillis]

Thanks guys! I'll be updating in the next couple weeks.

 

[phillis]

Here is the updated pics with the new Matco Emblem

 

[yjWrangler]

Wow. Looks awesome but definitely making me think twice about a possible restoration project on a box.

 

[Rico.]

Wow Indeed.... Absolutely amazing how good that box looks, better than new and a work of art.

I am very very impressed. I hope you are beeming with pride, because you deserve to be.