Restoring my S & K wrench box

[Ran58]

I‘m trying to restore my S & K wratchet wrench box. I remember going with my Dad to the Western Auto store when I was 10 years old to purchase this. (I’m now 65). The box had gotten rusty and most of the paint had fallen off. It was originally a green color. I think the color that would most approach the original color would be the hammered verde green. Problem is it appears that this is no longer available, so I’m trying g to come up with the next “best” color.

1. Anyone have any suggestions for a color?
2. If I use the rustoleum spray paint, should I also prime the box first or is this not necessary?
3. is there any way to improve the looks of the latch? It has some rust on it. How to get the rust off without damaging the Crom?

thanks for any help you can offer

 

[d42jeep]

It might be helpful to see an interior picture of the box that would help with showing the original color and tag logo. I’ve done many of the earlier wrinkle finish boxes but never attempted to repaint the hammertone newer green color.
-Don

 

[bonneyman]

Paint it an age-appropriate cover.

I've done S-K socket boxes before, always try and repaint them a color close to what it was originally.
Here's some older and newer boxes I've done.
P.S. I edited the pics to show both B4 and after shots. It shows how even a box 3/4 in the grave can be brought back - if you have the patience!

 

[RTM]

3. is there any way to improve the looks of the latch? It has some rust on it. How to get the rust off without damaging the Crom?

I would start with a Sandflex block, then switch to a dremel mounted 3m radial bristle disc. Go gentle with all of them.

 

[four.cycle]

see next post

 

[Ran58]

Another photo

It might be helpful to see an interior picture of the box that would help with showing the original color and tag logo. I’ve done many of the earlier wrinkle finish boxes but never attempted to repaint the hammertone newer green color.
-Don

Don
That top photo looks identical to the box I’m talking about. I can’t post a pick of the original color because I have already sanded the old paint off. Is that top photo the original paint or did you repaint it that color? If you repainted it, what color is that.

thanks

 

[yhprum]

Here is a post where he mixed green and gold for a close match on post #11

Painted Projects

A local GJ member graciously sold me a bank of drawers that needed refinishing, it was of interest as it was the sister of one I already had. I now have 48 drawers to work with. It was sprayed with my $12 gun from Princess Auto using dollar store paint. This is the final result, pic #1+2. This...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Ran58]

Here’s a pic f the box showing the inside and logo

 

[four.cycle]

turns out I do NOT have a 15-inch box, only the smaller one and a couple other oddballs.

 

[Ran58]

turns out I do NOT have a 15-inch box, only the smaller one and a couple other oddballs.

Four.cycle
Did you repaint those or are those originals?

 

[four.cycle]

those are all original.
I don't have pieces to fill them. - they're just extra boxes.

 

[FJ 432]

My suggestion would be to go to a Sherwin Williams store and have them mix up a quart of enamel to the color of your choice.

 

[d42jeep]

That box is likely earlier that the hammertone paint.
This is likely slightly earlier than your set.
Wrinkle finish green is what you should be putting on your box if you want it to be as original as possible.
-Don

 

[d42jeep]

Does this look like the contents of your box?
-Don
Or maybe this?

 

[Ran58]

Don
The top set above (1/2 drive) is the exact set I have. Can you recommend a paint for it. Is there a particular wrinkle finish green?

thanks

 

[d42jeep]

Vintage S-K Tools

Don, I've looked at your set several times and it always seems your box appears to be wider than mine. My box is 17" x 3 1/2" x 1 3/4" deep. Is it just my eyes playing tricks on me? Harry (Gary)

www.garagejournal.com

I discuss it here in the S-K thread. I only attempt doing it on hot days. You should have no shortage of those in GA. VHT wrinkle black over coated with the green after the black dries thoroughly

 

[Ran58]

Ok thank you Don. I’m going to try that.

 

[bobg03]

I‘m trying to restore my S & K wratchet wrench box. I remember going with my Dad to the Western Auto store when I was 10 years old to purchase this. (I’m now 65). The box had gotten rusty and most of the paint had fallen off. It was originally a green color. I think the color that would most approach the original color would be the hammered verde green. Problem is it appears that this is no longer available, so I’m trying g to come up with the next “best” color.

1. Anyone have any suggestions for a color?
2. If I use the rustoleum spray paint, should I also prime the box first or is this not necessary?
3. is there any way to improve the looks of the latch? It has some rust on it. How to get the rust off without damaging the Crom?

thanks for any help you can offer

No practical advice that you haven't received other than the gift of patience.

We're the same age, thanks for the great memories of my Dad taking me for purchase of the same item. He made me wait til I was almost 12 years old tho. I have some older SK but nothing from my youth, in fact I am missing my youth too...

 

[d42jeep]

Here are a couple more similar sets.
-Don

 

[Ran58]

Don
You must be an S & K collector.