Restoration? - Vintage MAC MB75 Roll Cab

[dahigdon]

I'm 30 and i've never owned anything other than a plastic tool box... So, I've been looking for a quality rolling box for my garage, as I have accumulated plenty of tools over the years. I've been looking at everything from 2k Snap On boxes to $400 Harbor Freight boxes. However, I saw this thing at a garage sale for $130... and I fell in love with it. This box has some character. It's old, beat up and dirty... but it felt like a better quality box than most everything else I had looked us thus far. It was mostly full of junk, but had a few decent tools such as a really nice feeling Proto 3/8" ratchet.. quite a few large MAC wrenches, various Snap-On sockets, S K sockets, MAC sockets etc...


The drawer slides are filled with grime and sawdust, but they still roll surprisingly well. The locks are sticky, but I found the key buried in the box and they work. There are a few dings, a lot of paint chipping and some surface rust, but nothing that I would consider major...

I will probably be having kids in the next 5 years, and this is something I could see passing onto them when i kick the bucket. I'd love to clean this thing up at the very least...

I don't know the first thing about how to clean something like this without destroying it... Anyone have any guidance?

 

[SILVERPLATE]

I think you made a nice score and worth restoring.

 

[FJ 432]

First off nice score. I love that box and I would have snatched that up for 130. It has plenty of character. I have restored a number of boxes so may I suggest to you a plan?

First, get it home and clean it. I use dawn dish detergent and water in a spray bottle and for stubborn grease I use simple green ( be careful as this can lift paint).

After cleaning I use a paint polish (Turtle Wax, Mequire's or similar) to bring out the paint luster and finally I wax it. I would grease the slides, clean the casters and step back and take a honest assessment of what you have. I think it may turn out well as it sits.

If restoring still makes sense to you understand this is not easy.

If you lived close to Denver I would double your money just for the box if you care to sell it. I believe it's that special of a roller. Good luck.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Nice find. You did well. Please update your profile to include your state if not also your city.

 

[dahigdon]

First off nice score. I love that box and I would have snatched that up for 130. It has plenty of character. I have restored a number of boxes so may I suggest to you a plan?

First, get it home and clean it. I use dawn dish detergent and water in a spray bottle and for stubborn grease I use simple green ( be careful as this can lift paint).

After cleaning I use a paint polish (Turtle Wax, Mequire's or similar) to bring out the paint luster and finally I wax it. I would grease the slides, clean the casters and step back and take a honest assessment of what you have. I think it may turn out well as it sits.

If restoring still makes sense to you understand this is not easy.

If you lived close to Denver I would double your money just for the box if you care to sell it. I believe it's that special of a roller. Good luck.

I will give this a try! I'm excited to see how it looks all cleaned up.

 

[dahigdon]

So here it is after a deep cleaning. The paint is in rough shape, but the box functions great. Going to pick up some foam tomorrow and cut some liners.