Snap On 1971 KR 531 redo

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

I found this one last summer for $60. I hadn't seen a three drawer box in this style and thought it was really cool. And it was as straight as any 42 year old toolbox you're going to find. So, of course I had to buy it and redo it. It even has the original tote that came with it.

Used the standard Rustoleum Sunrise Red. Took awhile to do b/c I was giving it at least three days between coats. Technically, you can do two days, but I think three at a minimum is better.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Taking down to bare metal is nice, but really not necessary, in my opinion. This one ain't going to Barrett Jackson.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Sprayed three coats of paint on box and drawers, wet sanding after primer coat and every coat of paint with 1000 grit paper. I've found this works best for stuff I've done. Added the stickers to spice it up a bit. Painted the Snap On logo plate with the metallic silver paint, then sprayed it black, wiping the parts that needed to stay silver immediately off. Messed around with it a bit touching it up, and by no means is it perfect, but it's okay to me. Cleaned the drawer slides with some used evaporust I had sitting around, and after lubing them and putting the drawers back in, they slide like new. Locking mechanism is original, key is as well.

I replaced the stainless piece that runs the width of the box and is about 5" high. Took the old one off, it was only glued on in one spot. Had to use a strong magnet to grab hold of it and pull it off. Then I got a piece of scrap from a local metal shop that's always been cool when I've come by looking for a small piece of something. Trimmed it with my shear, lined it up with the holes on the old piece, and everything came out fine, fits like a glove. Got a bonding agent from Big Lots which worked perfectly. Very pleased with how it came out.

 

[toddacimer]

Looks good but I'd never put stickers on a box that looks that nice, especially with fresh paint

 

[zkling]

Very nice job (as usual). That is a neat box. Nine4 posted one a while back just like that. Although they are "only" 3 drawers, I think the full depth makes up for that.

Looks like you have a pretty high dress code for the shop. Button down and kahis?

What all vintage boxes are you up to now?

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Very nice job (as usual). That is a neat box. Nine4 posted one a while back just like that. Although they are "only" 3 drawers, I think the full depth makes up for that.

Looks like you have a pretty high dress code for the shop. Button down and kahis?

What all vintage boxes are you up to now?

You got me! ha ha! Was still wearing my work clothes.

 

[nine4gmc]

Nice job, that thing came out great!!

 

[Murphy4570]

Looks nice save for the stickers. I put tons of stickers on my old Craftsman box....on my Snap-On? Not a single one. Miles of shiny red paint and chrome drawer trim on that puppy are all it needs.

 

[spacedoutbob]

Very Nice Restoration. I have a KR533 and KR537 along with a KR541 and KR547 on top of a KR562 Taco Wagon. I have never owned a KR531. Where do you find deals like that? Here in California, I have never found Vintage Boxes at great prices like that. Congratulations.

Bob

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

I understand not wanting to put stickers on it, but I have plenty of plain boxes. I decided to put the stickers on after I painted it.

I'm happy I went ahead and did it.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Very Nice Restoration. I have a KR533 and KR537 along with a KR541 and KR547 on top of a KR562 Taco Wagon. I have never owned a KR531. Where do you find deals like that? Here in California, I have never found Vintage Boxes at great prices like that. Congratulations.

Bob

Any pics of that Taco Wagon? That's one I'd like to own, though not too sure I could justify the space it would take!

I had never seen a 531 before I found this one on CL.

 

[jeffmoss26]

That is freaking awesome!!

 

[bullitt67]

OUTSTANDING job!!

 

[Todd.Brock]

Nice job as always!!! Nice choice of stickers. Just a little "character", period accurate, an not too many of them. I like it!

 

[jakemac]

I WANT one. I just can't pay for the nameplate.

 

[jmcolumbus]

hello. i am new to this group. i joined only because of your post about the kr 531 box. very little about them online. i just got on, decent condition, got it for real cheap. however, the little lever to hold the lid up is a bit bent up, and not quite sure if it is broken. there is a little metal tab on the inside of the box that is separate from the rest of the folding arm. i think it is snapped off, but cannot find any good pictures or diagrams of this. could you send me a few close ups of the one on yours please? would be greatly appreciated. if it is snapped off, how would i go about fixing it? looks like i would need to grind off both rivets, and straighten it, and then weld it. basically bought to resell. no key for the lock either, but i know i can order those, or so i was told. thanks

 

[michiganman18]

Looks good. Not a fan of stickers myself. But looks good

 

[chisel]

Picked this one up a few months ago.
Looks to have been re-painted years ago, complete with vintage stickers.
Belonged to seller's deceased brother.

 

[a52-830]

what "metallic silver paint" did you use for the emblem plates? that is one of the last things i need to do for the box i am cleaning up/restoring, and i haven't decided how to deal with it yet.

yours look great, so i am interested in how you did it.

 

[toolsRme]

Great restoration job!


I did one about 5 years ago after inheriting a Snap-on box from my Dad. This one was not rusted, but the paint was in rough shape so I had it Powder Coated by a pro. He was pretty talented and he matched the original Snap-on colors exactly. In fact, the draw dividers (top pull out draw) were not refinished and remain in the original condition. Not on purpose, but I forgot to bring them along. When I got the box back, they matched so perfectly I could not tell the difference.

I have many drill bits and this has become my dedicated drill bit box. I get great pleasure making use of this inherited box!

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Picked this one up a few months ago.
Looks to have been re-painted years ago, complete with vintage stickers.
Belonged to seller's deceased brother.

That is nice! Great stickers, got to love the KISS one on the front!