Need help identifying this Snap On tool box

[smartjaw]

Trying to figure out what year/model this thing is. It looks very much like a pit box, and the best I can guess is late '70's. The back side of the tool box has cabinet doors, the 1st end has drawers, the side opposite has drawers, and the other end has a large handle and a hook up for towing it.

I'm looking to restore it, but first I'm going to need some locks, a little straightening for some of the dings, and to know what type strip-and-paint techniques you guys are using. Also, were the drawer handles always plain, or did they always have chrome/trim?

Thanks

 

[crewchief888]

that was affectionately known as the "taco wagon"

model # serial # and date code should be stamped someplace on the back of the box.

those boxes were the sh*t back in day

have fun

 

[Ducky1340]

Seem to remember seeing a box like that when I was an appentice. I would date that box late 70's ish to early to mid 80's. Good luck on the resto.

 

[5MOOSE]

I've been looking for one of those. I was a SNAP-ON dealer in the early 80's

Its a KRA562 if my memory serves me correctly.

Look on the back and there will be a model number and date.

Hope that helps

 

[smartjaw]

Thanks, guys. Believe it or not, between the Taco Cart remark and someone identifying a model number, I'm hot on the trail already.

Looks like this fella has almost the same era box, but he has the cabinet doors on the same side as the drawers (which I would prefer, but my box seems longer).

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=41967

..that and the wheels are different.

My wheel rubber seems to be in better shape than that other box, but it brings up the question: where is everyone finding parts? I'm in MA, and there are a few swap meets, as well as the Brimfield Antique show (have to wait till July 12th for the next one) but I'd like to know what matching top box I could outfit this ****** with. I'm pretty sure the local Snap-On dealer will just chuckle at any request for replacement parts...

 

[crewchief888]

Thanks, guys. Believe it or not, between the Taco Cart remark and someone identifying a model number, I'm hot on the trail already.

Looks like this fella has almost the same era box, but he has the cabinet doors on the same side as the drawers (which I would prefer, but my box seems longer).

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=41967

..that and the wheels are different.

My wheel rubber seems to be in better shape than that other box, but it brings up the question: where is everyone finding parts? I'm in MA, and there are a few swap meets, as well as the Brimfield Antique show (have to wait till July 12th for the next one) but I'd like to know what matching top box I could outfit this ****** with. I'm pretty sure the local Snap-On dealer will just chuckle at any request for replacement parts...

if memory serves me correct there was no "matching" top box. i've seen a little of everything setting on top of them.
most popular seemed to be a SO kr 550 (or 555 ?) a kr 537, or a big ol' MBC.
i think they changed the design and layout of the drawers, and wheels somewhere along the line.

seems like the SO sticker was mid 80's vintage

 

[smartjaw]

Cool. Looks like I've been able to confirm the box with a few of your tips, and via another CraigsList ad as well. This guy was asking significantly more than what I picked up mine for, however. Although, I don't have the chrome drawer handle protectors pictured (link below).

Still no answer on the "where to get parts" question, for items such as this (although, many thanks to those who have contributed thus far - I've got a great start). Ideas? Or do I just shop the antique/flea markets, for things such as drawer handle protectors (the chrome bits) and wheels/handle rubber?

http://www.smartjaw.com/toolbox/Snap On _Taco Wagon_ Tool Box KR562.pdf

Also looking for drawer liner material. I've seen a few guys cutting out shapes in something that looks like thick foam rubber to custom fit each tool, but I'm afraid this result wouldn't make me happy, would take too much time, and wouldn't allow for any flexibility. I remember coating the bottom of my first Craftsman box with little strips of foam rubber, because that's all I had. It has held up for over 18 years, but I hate to think of the mess I've made on the bottom side of those drawers. I was in Sears today, and they had tiny rolls for $24. Harbor Freight is cheap, but I feel like I've sinned each time I enter their store. Alternatives appreciated.

 

[copterdoctor]

the cutting the foam out is called shadowing... it's primarily used to inventory your tools. Especially in safety sensitive shops, ie, aircraft maintenance...
and dude, go to harbor freight and get the rolls of drawer liner. it's not like your snapon box will know the difference. lol
cool box you got there...

 

[sevnd3z28]

That box is really sweet but the truck in your avatar is even sweeter! Any more pics of the old Chev?

 

[Lou's Garage]

I don't believe there was a top box designed for that. It was designed for an industrial setting where it might get towed around a plant to the job. A top box might make it top heavy or slide off during transport. I do believe there were benchtops available as an accessory enabling you to use it as a portable workbench. Nice box. I suspect it's rare too.

If you have an Ikea nearby, they have really heavy duty drawer liner at a reasonable price. Actually, it's more like a mat (no holes). It takes a bit of "training" to get the curl out of it but it stays in place well and is thick enough to protect the drawers from common injuries.

Lou

 

[smartjaw]

That box is really sweet but the truck in your avatar is even sweeter! Any more pics of the old Chev?

It's dirty around the edges...then again, I've always been like that.

http://smartjaw.com/trucktruck/index.html

 

[smartjaw]

I don't believe there was a top box designed for that. It was designed for an industrial setting where it might get towed around a plant to the job. A top box might make it top heavy or slide off during transport. I do believe there were benchtops available as an accessory enabling you to use it as a portable workbench. Nice box. I suspect it's rare too.

If you have an Ikea nearby, they have really heavy duty drawer liner at a reasonable price. Actually, it's more like a mat (no holes). It takes a bit of "training" to get the curl out of it but it stays in place well and is thick enough to protect the drawers from common injuries.

Lou

Yeah, that was the reason for picking up a pit box (witness: my shallow reasoning) at least it would give me plenty of work surface. Couldn't just buy a nice new (flimsy) roller cart at the local Snears....I had to make it a project.

Thanks for the tips.