Should I restore Dad's old Snap-on cabinets?

[El Barto]

Ok, here are the details. My father, a retired mechanic, passed away last month. As a mechanic, he acquired quite a bit of tools and MOST was Snap-on, some were Craftsman. These were “vintage” bought from the 60’s through the 80’s. I live in Southern California and my Dad lived in Tennessee so didn’t get to see him as much as I liked.

When I went to Tennessee for his funeral, I was hoping that I could ship back his tools but I found out that they had “disappeared”. He wasn’t physically able to keep tabs on them, so I’m sure they walked away a little at a time.

One thing that was still there was his toolbox. I didn’t get the model, but it is a Snap-on and the base looks similar to the KRA2407PBO and it had I think 2 top boxes similar to KRA2404PBO. I know he bought these in the 70’s. They are in the neighbor’s garage now, but before they were exposed to the elements and some of the drawers were open so the bottoms of the drawers are rusted, maybe all the way through.

My question is: Is it worth it to try to restore them? I would have to ship them from Tennessee to California so what would be the best way to package and ship them?

Although I’d kind like to have something of Dad’s, I’m also realistic and understand that what I want may cost too much.

Any advice is appreciated.

 

[FJ 432]

I think everyone will chime in and say get them. Depending on the condition would answer the question of whether or not to restore them.

I restore boxes and it isn't easy. I hope you find them in decent shape... then the answer is easy.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Yes, next question.

 

[El Barto]

Ok, so far the consensus is yes.

As for the condition, the outsides are pretty good considering 40 years of use. No dents and the paint is mostly intact. The only problem area seem to be the top row of drawers.

 

[Toolman12]

Sorry to hear about your dad. Shipping can be very expensive but if they are in decent shape it might be worth shipping and restoring them if it is just for resale then i would say no but if for sentimental reasons then go ahead and have fun remembering your dad as you work on them. dedicate the rebuild to your dad and post pics of the restoration

 

[Brian_B_]

Get them. You will regret later in life if you don't. As far as restoring...that depends on condition.

Both my parents are still with us (thankfully), but if I lose my dad the one thing I will want of his is the tool box. I have a very small {beat to death} tool box that was my grandfathers. Dented, rusted, handle missing, lid warped and will barely open, but it means the world to me.

 

[Davefr]

Sorry about the loss of your dad. If you're into tools I think it would be worth the effort to ship and restore the box since it'll remind you of your dad. Rust on the drawer bottoms isn't that big a deal assuming the rest of the box can be cleaned up.

If the entire box is a rusted basket case then restoration can be a major messy project.

 

[nine4gmc]

sorry to hear about your father, now try to get those boxes before you end up hating yourself.

 

[snapmom]

I have my pops boxes, (1950s) they have his name on them, just gave them a good cleaning, fixed some of the dents, replaced a couple of slides. I use them, and get to think of him everytime I open a drawer.

 

[crewchief888]

even tho it's 3/4's of the way across the country
i'd probably drive there and bring them back.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Go get 'em.

 

[softailgarage]

Get them, you'll regret it if you dont. As far as the restore goes, even if the rust goes thru there are ways of fixing it. I restore boxes and have had to use bondo or metal putty to fill in. The metal putty is best, it can be sanded, painted, drilled, tapped, etc.. Shipping cost will be high and you might want to consider driving and picking up. Either way, I wouldn't let somebody hold on to them, that might be where the tools went.

 

[3dkustoms]

I will have to agree with everyone, go get them or have them shipped because later in life you will be glad you did. Maybe even get to pass them on to next generation of your family. My father is still with me but I highly value my grandfather's small craftsman box, I know it will never be used but everytime I walk past his box it brings back memories.

 

[tomshep]

Yes, yes and YES!!!

Tom

 

[7.62]

I can't even guess what the shipping would cost, but I suspect you won't regret restoring them. I know I wouldn't.

 

[rsanter]

Step one is to get them and post pix
Step two would be to take them apart and pressure wash them
At this point they will look better than when you first got them so you need to look and see if they really need restored of if they are good enough as is.
Only restore if they really need it

Bob

 

[bestatv]

I would make a road trip .The whole time I'm driving I would be thinking of my father.DO It!

 

[El Barto]

Thanks for all the replies.

I decided to get them sent out to me. I asked my sister to pick them up from the neighbor and then we can work on the shipping part. I think I can get them sent to me by FedEx Ground for a couple of hundred but if any of you know a good, reasonable shipping method let me know.

Flying or driving to them and bringing them back is a bit impratical. I live in California and the boxes are in Tennessee (near Jackson) so just the airline ticket alone will be $400 -$700 easily. Add truck rental and gas and that would make shipping cheaper.

Thanks for everyone's input. I'll keep you all informed and hopefully will be able to post pictures when I can.

 

[reddog289]

I would get them no matter what it took. My Father passed when I was 13. I can say he didn't have much of anything, Yet I treasure his small tool set. I myself have got the box and will have to restore it myself.
By anymeans get the cabinets before they too disapear.