Old craftsman box

[Nascar4401]

Found this on local craigs list..... I have a newer box this size but thinking of getting this one for storing household tools...Do you all think its worth the money? http://desmoines.craigslist.org/tls/3687850421.html

 

[Bull]

IMO, those are the best Craftsman boxes of all time. What does $150 get you in a new Craftsman box, tissue paper thin steel?

I'd try to negotiate with the guy a little, but ultimately if I needed more storage that would be worth $150 to me, yes.

 

[lowbucktruck]

Get it! Listen to Bull... those grey and red Craftsman boxes are built solid and tough. The new Craftsman toolboxes are thin tin in comparison.

That's a good deal.

 

[upndown]

I agree with Bull, Cool older box! Not a big sticker fan but diggin the old patina! A little elbow grease and she's good to go..

 

[77thor]

I agree. Go for it.

 

[mopar66]

I agree with the rest I always try to talk someone down on price. But would pay $150 for that box no problem.

 

[bobss396]

I agree with the rest I always try to talk someone down on price. But would pay $150 for that box no problem.

If it can be grabbed (if someone else hasn't yet..) for $125, all the better. My similar box-stack is from 1980 and all red, that has to be from around 1975 or earlier. Sure as heck solid as they come.

Bob

 

[Nascar4401]

Thanks guys ! Called and left a message , waiting for a reply.

 

[mtwaterguy]

I have that top box sitting on a lower with all drawer design. Purchased new in '79. It's always been a home shop box, but has served me well. Hopefully one of the grandsons will end up with it. If I was to sell it, $150 would be well below asking price.

 

[Zrexxer]

If you deduct $5 for every ugly sticker he plastered on it, you should be able to buy it for $100!

 

[NUTTSGT]

I'd be taking a Ben Franklin with me to go look at it, a couple Andrew Jacksons, a Hamilton and a few Mr Lincolns. Offer the $100 first and see if he takes it, slowly move up from there.

 

[nine4gmc]

I'd be all over that, FAST. You probably missed it already though...

 

[marty_p]

I'd be all over that, FAST

What Bill said...

 

[Mavawreck]

Been looking for that and would be willing to pay twice that if I had to for a clean example. That top box alone would pull $150+ all day on ebay if you gave it a thorough bath.

 

[Nascar4401]

Well I got it for 130 and it was a mile from my home. Here it is in my garage with a pic of a small snap on girlie calender from 1988 stuck to the side of it, Great selling point. !! I would like to take the stickers off but am afraid of ruining the patina making it look blotchy.

 

[nine4gmc]

<-- jealous... good score!

 

[Nascar4401]

Also he was the original owner bought in 72 with original keys and locks.

 

[Bull]

Excellent score!

If you want the patina, then I say keep the stickers since they are part of it.

Otherwise, you can remove them, clay bar the paint, then polish, then wax and have a great looking "refreshed" box with original paint.

 

[Zeke]

I have that top box sitting on a lower with all drawer design. Purchased new in '79. It's always been a home shop box, but has served me well. Hopefully one of the grandsons will end up with it. If I was to sell it, $150 would be well below asking price.

+1. I have the lower with all drawers. Bought about 1975 and still going strong.

 

[marty_p]

Congrats, Boss -- you're now the 4th lucky guy on this thread owning a stack like that!

 

[topp64]

Nice find, and a great price too. Wish I would have checked CL one or two days ago, it probably would be in my garage instead of yours.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Good job! If I ever find a box like that locally, I am buying it for sure!

 

[Nascar4401]

Maybe next winter I'll restore it.
Does any one know the paint code of the gray color? Also can you still buy the slides?

 

[NUTTSGT]

A mile from your place, did you happen to know the guy or did he look familar ?


Congrats on the purchase.

 

[Bull]

Some jealous member gave this one star! lol.

The Rustoleum Hammered Gray is a pretty close match to the original gray color. I can't comment on the red, but if you take a clean drawer (not dirty one) to Sherwin Williams or similar, they can match it.

 

[Nascar4401]

Thanks, Bull!

 

[Nascar4401]

A mile from your place, did you happen to know the guy or did he look familar ?


Congrats on the purchase.

Never seen him before......

 

[nine4gmc]

<-- jealous... good score!

Some jealous member gave this one star! lol.

Wasn't me guys, I love when people post old boxes!!

 

[sawin]

+1. I have the lower with all drawers. Bought about 1975 and still going strong.

Make mine exactly DIDDO!

Drawers on mine are not ball bearing, but are very serviceable for a home box.

I've taken them all out to clean and lube only once, and they still work just fine.

 

[Nascar4401]

anyone know the purpose of these rods in lid. Shop rags ? also any one have ideas on removing the aluminum trim on drawers. ?

 

[Bull]

I believe the metal rods are there to secure papers behind them, like manuals, notes, magazines etc. At least, that's what I use them for and they work great!

I lever took my drawer trim off when I thoroughly cleaned and lubed my top box of this style. Why do you want to remove it?

 

[Zeke]

Make mine exactly DIDDO!

Drawers on mine are not ball bearing, but are very serviceable for a home box.

I've taken them all out to clean and lube only once, and they still work just fine.

Whatever lube I'm using is not optimal. But, the slides work OK.

Ball bearing slides on much lesser boxes seem so nice.

 

[sawin]

If my memory serves...(ha! I don't trust it -why should you?)...The trim pieces on the drawers slide off, perhaps sideways?

As for the wires, I'm with Bull.

 

[onewaydave]

Ditto on a great find and a good price.

Use acetone to remove the stickers. Won't hurt the paint. Wax afterward to prevent rust. The aluminum handle trim slides to the left or right. Use a block of wood and tap it off with a hammer.

Compare, but I think the slides are what Cman has always used. Use bearing grease after cleaning the gunk out and they'll work fine.

Save the calendar.

Dave.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I believe the metal rods are there to secure papers behind them, like manuals, notes, magazines etc. At least, that's what I use them for and they work great!

I never had a box that had them in it but I've seen many that do. I was always told thats what they were for.

Use acetone to remove the stickers. Won't hurt the paint. Wax afterward to prevent rust. The aluminum handle trim slides to the left or right. Use a block of wood and tap it off with a hammer.

Dave.

I took mine the same way, tapped with a block of wood, left or right.

 

[wornoutoldman]

Love those old boxes. Here's my "75. I'm the second owner was a freebie!

 

[Bob-B]

Those are great old boxes! My 1st new box was a 6 drawer version like wornoutoldman's above.
I bought it in '72 when I went to work for my dad. I'd keep drawings and other papers behind the rods on the lid.

Years later I sold it for the same price I paid for it when I upgraded.

Now I wish I still had it for extra storage.

 

[Nascar4401]

I believe the metal rods are there to secure papers behind them, like manuals, notes, magazines etc. At least, that's what I use them for and they work great!

I lever took my drawer trim off when I thoroughly cleaned and lubed my top box of this style. Why do you want to remove it?

When and if I restore it I want to remove trim for sandblasting.....thanks for the info on the rods, makes sense!

 

[Nascar4401]

Love those old boxes. Here's my "75. I'm the second owner was a freebie!

Nice!! Are your side shelves 1975 also???

 

[Bull]

You might want to consider giving the original paint a super-duper rejuvenation. IMO, saved original paint is better than no-soul-in-a-can new spray bombs, even if color-matched!

This is assuming that the original paint on any vintage box is not absolutely trashed, of course.