Original restoration or customize?

[OCD Tendencies]

Hi Folks,

I usually like things as original as possible for vintage stuff. My question is how rare is the Craftsman machinist top box seen below. It was made in 1965. I have another one just like it that I did restore to as new as original as I could.

I have a request to paint the box blue and gray,(blue drawers) and while I think it will look very cool, I’m uncertain, and feel it’s sacrilege haha. Bottom line, I control the decision, what say you all?

A restoration will happen so to all those patina fans, sorry, I got no love for that .

 

[ZipSnafu]

Welcome to GJ. Depending on the blue... blue and grey would look great but I'm kind of a OE type guy and would try and keep it original. Not really for value but just because that is how it was.

 

[b-boy]

I'd keep it the way God intended. Otherwise, it may end up looking like one of these -
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-100...Ball-bearing-Steel-Tool-Chest-Blue/1000319801

 

[larry_g]

In my opinion you do as you want. Your box, your rules. That box is of little real value so what ever you do is OK. Me, I've done some restorations and no more. You still end up with something that was a set of compromises to begin with to make a market position. Improve and make better wherever I can.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[gunguy]

For what it's worth, my general rule is that if it has any family or sentimental historical value, I take steps to prevent any further deterioration. For example, if it was a box that once belonged to my dad, every dent, every scratch has a story. I would give it a careful cleaning then lube any hinges and drawer slides and put it in service adding my own history to it.

If you bring it back to like new condition, then it looks 1 of the 100,000 made. Plus, if it has any real collector value, you've probably destroyed it. It can only be original once.

In the end, do what you want; it's yours.

Jim

 

[OCD Tendencies]

Thanks all. The Cowboys fan will probably be getting his box. As someone above said, there are hundreds of thousands of these boxes out there, it’s not like I’m destroying anything of value, I’m giving life and appreciation to the box. Should be good. Ill post update pics