Couple questions.....
1. Do I just wipe it down and lube up the slides and use it as is, or repaint?
2. Box has regular sliders, can they be "upgraded" to ball bearing?
3. Approximate value as is and or repainted?
1. What kind of condition is it in? For it's age, you'd expect some paint loss and surface rust. The main reason to repaint is you've got some serious, widespread rust going on that is going to continue to deteriorate if left unpainted, or if you're stripping a previous (bad) repaint job. On original boxes (this appears to be one), most light rust can be cleaned up and sealed with wax or even clearcoat. Outside of that, it's personal preference to repaint. I'd recommend you clean it thoroughly, lube the slides, and put it to work. Then you can make a much more informed decision about whether you want to put the effort and $$ into repaint.
2. I don't think you'll find a replacement part for the slider that's ball bearing. Anything is do-able with enough money and effort, and upgrading to BB can be done by completely replacing the channels and sliders. But why go to that effort if the current setup works? Again, suggest you clean and lube the slides and you'll likely be amazed at how much better they work. I like and use a wax product called Door Ease.
3. Depends on the Supply & Demand in your area. Several hundred, for sure. But if it's in reasonably good shape already, and you do an only-average rattle can repaint, good chance you'll actually
reduce it's sale value. (yes there are some GJ'ers that have done stupendous work with rattle cans, but IMO they're the exception). Most vintage box people (me included) want/like the original patina, or at the very least we want to repaint it ourselves. If you just want to flip it, your best return on (time) investment is to clean, wax, and lube it with new drawer liner, OR simply sell as-is.
Just my opinion.
Great boxes! I hope you'll plan to put them to work and enjoy them. Keep us posted.
