Snap On Chest Rebuild

[menace2u]

Not sure I needed this but............. was looking for a heavy duty (moveable) table for some stuff and this came up on Craigslist - and it was 2 miles from my house.

Its a KR1000A (I think from the 80s or so) and has two side cabinets as shown in pics. I had hoped to only freshen it up with some paint but its in pretty bad condition with many deep scratches into the metal and lots of bent and dented sheet metal throughout. So time to rebuild - looks like my Xmas break will be busy. Luckily, almost all of the drawer slides are good and were replaced (look new) but a few will need to be replaced and they are the most expensive piece of the game according to my local Snap On dealer who I just met last week.

Basically, just dis-assembled the whole thing and its going out to my friend who has a sand-blasting business tomorrow. Then onto some welding repairs, body work, and fresh paint.

Here is the side cabinet coming apart:

Here is the plethora of drawers (he is going to have fun blasting all of these):

Here is the shell - all mechanicals and drawer slides, locks, etc.. are removed now:

Everything came apart with these few tools plus a drill to get out the rivets holding a few of the drawer slides in place:

I did sand down the one side cabinet with my DA air sander but the drawers would take some time and alot of that would be hand sanding. So I decided to just get them blasted since I need to do some welding repairs and would have primed over the older paint anyway. So if I'm priming I may as well start from scratch.

Any ideas on paint colors? I kind of like the Snap On Orange color. But the red is original and is nice as well.

Only other items I should need to replace will be the locks and the drawer handles. I am hoping to keep the parts in under $500. We'll see.

AndrewT

 

[Uncle Buck]

I will be interested in your progress with this. Thank you for this thread.

 

[Bolster]

Watching with interest...

 

[wrenchr]

Please keep us posted....

 

[justinmc]

That should be a great project. Can't wait to see how it goes. Can we ask how much it cost you? Just curious

 

[voidifused]

Should come out nice What did you pay for the hole lot when you picked it up?

 

[Blwnsln]

buddy of mine is doing this same box, snap on guy even warrented the slides and a few other parts, its got the nice locking compartment on the top, not sure what its called

 

[Merkava_4]

PPG Ditzler Powder Coat Resin #AR320 - Snap-On Red

PPG Ditzler Wet Spray Paint #73504 - Snap-On Red

PPG Ditzler Wet Spray Paint #902979 - Snap-On Candy Apple Red

PPG Ditzler Wet Spray Paint #19026 - Snap-On Royal Blue

PPG Ditzler Wet Spray Paint #906121 - Snap-On Electric Orange

PPG Ditzler Wet Spray Paint #51797 - Snap-On Cranberry

 

[mkdive]

Cant go wrong with blue IMHO

 

[billymade]

I just had a Snap-On service cart sand blasted that I am in the process of redoing; just from my experience: make sure they use a fine media to blast it with. The guy that did mine was using very corse, untreated sand and required me to do allot of heavy sanding and in my case, I don't think it really helped anything anyway; this guy was used to doing commercial stuff and had very corse sand/mixed stuff not fine media from a body shop supply house. This begs the question; is sand blasting overrated when in the course of prep you are going to have the DA the whole thing anyway? My service cart had paint that sanded off quickly and didn't seem to be that thick; I think it is 80s vintage and for all I know they may have not used powder coating or electrostatic processes back then anyhow! I would assume a professional sandblasting company with fine media would do a better job then my experience. Anyway, I am looking forward to viewing your progress; that is about the same box I would like to have or newer! Good luck and keep us posted as things process!

 

[bchee]

Not sure I needed this but............. was looking for a heavy duty (moveable) table for some stuff and this came up on Craigslist - and it was 2 miles from my house.

Any ideas on paint colors? I kind of like the Snap On Orange color. But the red is original and is nice as well.

AndrewT

I'm not sure you needed it either - looks like you got lots of storage space in the background

But if I could find a deal 2 miles from my house I wouldn't pass it up either.

I recommend yellow but I'm sure I'm in the minority here

 

[tatra]

nissan taupe with red accents is my choice........will try to find link to pic.............crawler ,ya there?.............

 

[Frank Elson]

That looks like a heck of a project, can't wait to see the finished result.

 

[Merkava_4]

I don't think I'd blast it - I wouldn't want the blast media in between the double walls. I'd just take my finish sander and scuff up the large flat areas with 220 grit and then do the the rest by hand. Afterwards, I'd wipe it down with lacquer thinner and then shoot the Ditzler red on it.

 

[nissan_crawler]

Luckily, almost all of the drawer slides are good and were replaced (look new) but a few will need to be replaced and they are the most expensive piece of the game according to my local Snap On dealer who I just met last week.

Ahroo? What about that little thing called WARRANTY

 

[pirana]

I blasted & painted a box recently myself. I'd recommend #5 or sugar sand to blast. The insides don't look that bad on the OP's box so I wouldn't blast inside or, like the other poster said, you'll have hell getting the sand out where it gets trapped between the panels etc.

 

[menace2u]

Thanks for all the great posts. I am amazed at the interest in this small project. I'll keep updating as progress is made.

To answer some questions - I paid $1000 for the set of boxes. Maybe I overpaid compared with some of the raging deals I have seen posted here but its a solid box and not too far gone that some TLC and paint can't make it look and work like a new box. Anyone know what the Kr1000A alone sold for new?

I agree with all the thoughts posted on blasting. I had been thinking about this last night and its actually one reason I did not go get them blasted yesterday - not sure its needed. I think (as others said) it may not really make sense to blast the boxes since there are so many nooks and crevices for stuff to get into. I can get that pretty well by DA sander and by hand. Maybe only blast the drawers only. Its warm here today so I may try to see if I can get outside some and work on the drawers and see how it goes.

On warranty - I called Snap On when I was considering purchasing this and they told me the drawer slides and some other items would be warrantied. But I needed to go thru my local dealer (truck guy). So I bought the box and then scheduled a meet up with the dealer when his truck was in my town. He told me they only warranty to the original purchaser. I got a catalog and price list but have not bought any of the items I need to replace yet.

Does anyone here know if this is BS or does Snap On really only limit their lifetime warranty to the original purchaser? I guess I should read their website and catalog closer on this item.

For warranty items - I would only expect them to replace the 2-3 drawer slides that are bad. Everything else is not a warranty issue (locks were missing or needed keys, trim channel was mangled from abuse, etc...).

Thx Again.

AndrewT

 

[menace2u]

PPG Ditzler Powder Coat Resin #AR320 - Snap-On Red

PPG Ditzler Wet Spray Paint #73504 - Snap-On Red

PPG Ditzler Wet Spray Paint #902979 - Snap-On Candy Apple Red

PPG Ditzler Wet Spray Paint #19026 - Snap-On Royal Blue

PPG Ditzler Wet Spray Paint #906121 - Snap-On Electric Orange

PPG Ditzler Wet Spray Paint #51797 - Snap-On Cranberry

Thx - this is good info. I had looked up the orange code and I thought it was #90621 and not #906121. Can you confirm this code or let me know where you found it? I want to make sure I have the right one in case I go that route.

AndrewT

 

[billymade]

Sounds like BS to me; Deafautotech bought a used box and had a bunch of stuff on it warranty; then again, he bought a bunch of stuff from his dealer and has a good relationship with him. I think I would contact Snap-On Customer Service and see if what he is saying is true (I don't think it is but it maybe another case of a "goodwill" gesture from a good dealer; contact corporate to find out definitive answer):
U.S. Internet Customer Service by phone*
Call our toll free number at 877-762-7664
Monday - Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Central Time
*U.S. Customers only

http://buy1.snapon.com/snapon-store/customer.asp

 

[Uncle Buck]

Warranty is only good for original purchaser, that is where the date code on hand tools could actually screw a young guy. Fourty year old ratchet, twenty year old guy. See!

 

[zuspiel]

Nice box! Looking forward to seeing it finished.

 

[menace2u]

Well - some good news hopefully. I called back the Snap On Customer Service hotline listed here (same one I used before I bought the box) and explained the situation. They told me they would definitely replace the 2 sets of drawer slides and the person I spoke with emailed my dealer's Business mgr with my info and needs. She said my dealer should be able to process the warranty exchange for me for free. And to call back if there were any issues.

If this works out I will be really impressed (and happy). And probably buy more Snap On stuff!!! We'll see how it goes as I am supposed to meet with my dealer today to pick up some stuff I ordered last week.

AndrewT

 

[Blwnsln]

Ive never heard of them denying anyone for warranty, there usually real good about stuff like that, like I was saying in another post a friend of mine purchased that same box and our snap on guy has warranted most of the slides...it makes no sence for them to deny warranty to you all that does is piss you off and ultimatly you wont want to purchase more tools off them, so if they just warrant the 3 slides and keep you happy im sure there going to increase there sales wuth you, and belive me Ive heard this from multiple snap on guys/managers.

 

[tatra]

here's the colour i was talkin about
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=313677&highlight=nissan+taupe#post313677

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

I did sand down the one side cabinet with my DA air sander but the drawers would take some time and alot of that would be hand sanding. So I decided to just get them blasted since I need to do some welding repairs and would have primed over the older paint anyway. So if I'm priming I may as well start from scratch.

Any ideas on paint colors? I kind of like the Snap On Orange color. But the red is original and is nice as well.

I'd DA the box, bead blast the drawers, and go with Snap On Orange.

Can't go wrong there!

 

[menace2u]

I'd DA the box, bead blast the drawers, and go with Snap On Orange.

Can't go wrong there!

Agreed. I saw my SO dealer today and he had an orange roller chest in the truck on a return. It was very nice. I think Orange is the leading color! But I am a week or so away from shooting paint so who knows.

That Nissan Taupe is very nice. If I went white then I would go with Land Rover Alpine White since my two Rovers are that color. But white is boring and that Orange is hard to deny.

He also confirmed free warranty replacement on the 2 sets of drawer slides. So that saves me $250+ from my $500 budget. Nice!!

Going down to the garage to set up the portable sanding booth I am assembling. Hopefully the exhaust fan/system I rigged will work out.

AndrewT

 

[justinmc]

Hey why not doing the Rover white with some Rover green accents and maybe a Rover badge on it. I can probably get you a Rover badge fairly cheap

That or do the body in white with that plasticy "gray" color on the drawer faces with chrome accents.

 

[menace2u]

That or do the body in white with that plasticy "gray" color on the drawer faces with chrome accents.

I like this idea. Hmmmmm - too many decisions.

I also though of spraying it with the color I painted the garage walls. Its a light-gray and very easy to look at. Plus it would blend in well and go nicely with the new chrome trim pieces and (hopefully) stainless steel top I want to put on.

Here is a pic of the wall color on the wall where the chest will be:

AndrewT

 

[kartracer55]

RHINO LINE IT!

No, but seriously, a white toolbox seems like a major headache, At least if your going to be doing dirty jobs ya know? You will be a slave to cleaning it way too often.

 

[billymade]

Hey, glad to hear snapon did end up honoring their warranty! Looking forward to the end result of your restoration!

 

[Stanger]

No, but seriously, a white toolbox seems like a major headache, At least if your going to be doing dirty jobs ya know? You will be a slave to cleaning it way too often.

White doesn't show dirt or scratches nearly as bad as dark colors. Black is the worst.

 

[krusty the clown]

White doesn't show dirt or scratches nearly as bad as dark colors. Black is the worst.

thats correct, with black you would have to wax it more often

 

[three arms]

I came into a road box that resides on a roll around that I fabricated out of industrial electrical boxes. It has more issues that the ones I'm seeing, here, and I guess it must be a personal thing but I would never sandblast it and recoat it. It's like an old 1918 Indian motorcycle in the Barber Museum that has never been 'restorered', and is all the more valuable because of that. Like some rods I've seen that are too nice to drive, a box that is flawless in my mind would be too nice to use. Form follows function. I know that there are those who think otherwise but I hope to speak for the few of us who see what a friend of mine calls 'the beauty' of it. But then and again, if I had the time and money, who knows. I might take the same route, and am glad to see others share how they're doing it just in case I fall and bump my head.

 

[Frank Elson]

for a Land Rover colour it has to be Deep Bronze Green. I sort of hope I find a box tatty enough to repaint, so I have an excuse ...

 

[JimmyM]

instead of sand blasting everything is there anyone in your area or not to awfull far away that will or can do chemical striping? such as what they use to do body parts like fenders, doors, hoods, etc in a tank (dip and strip) then primer and paint the color of your choice, neat project I'll be watching for the finished product

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

I came into a road box that resides on a roll around that I fabricated out of industrial electrical boxes. It has more issues that the ones I'm seeing, here, and I guess it must be a personal thing but I would never sandblast it and recoat it. It's like an old 1918 Indian motorcycle in the Barber Museum that has never been 'restorered', and is all the more valuable because of that.

If it was a vintage piece in decent shape, then it makes sense to leave it alone. But you saw the pics...other than being a quality toolbox, there's nothing historic or vintage about it, and it doesn't look great, right now it just looks beat up. It will look much better restored.

Like some rods I've seen that are too nice to drive, a box that is flawless in my mind would be too nice to use. Form follows function.

I get that...but by that reasoning, no one would ever buy a new toolbox, would they?

 

[Deafautotech]

Sounds like BS to me; Deafautotech bought a used box and had a bunch of stuff on it warranty; then again, he bought a bunch of stuff from his dealer and has a good relationship with him. I think I would contact Snap-On Customer Service and see if what he is saying is true (I don't think it is but it maybe another case of a "goodwill" gesture from a good dealer; contact corporate to find out definitive answer):
U.S. Internet Customer Service by phone*
Call our toll free number at 877-762-7664
Monday - Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Central Time
*U.S. Customers only

http://buy1.snapon.com/snapon-store/customer.asp

Ahem. that true is i bought snap on toolboxes as used and my snap on guy did warranty on my used snap on toolboxes as many bad slides, bent caster, and worn top lid shocks(it is ordered but wait for arrive)... i has a good relationship with my snap on guy. he always will take extra mile to help me or order the tool what i need for at my work.

i own KRl1203 and KRL1003. the KRL1203 top chest was his other customer before the customer sold it. the KRl1003 was from other tech that my snap on guy bought to sell me. i paid 1,500 dollars for KRl1003... it is older model but strong and still have lifetime warranty on slides, shocks, casters, and etc... if i have problem then my snap on guy will take care it... that why i am try to keep that way with my snap on guy to keep business with him...

 

[menace2u]

Well - more work than I expected but things are finally coming together. Got the drawers cleaned and all sanded down and ready for some minor putty work to make them all even. Also got to do some hammer and dolly work to even out some of the sheet metal. I am a beginner at this type of body work so this was a great way to learn and I started to get the hang of it after a while. The cleaning of the old grease and then removal of very old duct tape throughout the drawers took alot of time - that tape needed adhesive remover than had to clean again in between to remove the adhesive remover. All the while my new PC compressor had issues (starter switch) and then the parts washer decided to die - took me a few weeks to get everything fixed.

I used a PC electric random orbital sander for most of the work. Hand sanding on the rest. I still need a part for the compressor motor so I didn't want to use it with the air DA sander.

Built a paint and sanding booth in may garage to help with the dust and such. Its working very well for a novice job like this. Its a 10' x 10' canopy from which I hung vinyl painters tarps. I used painter's cloth for the floor and will put a new layer over the existing floor before paint. I MacGyvered a vent fan which has also worked very well. Its a side blowing fan and I connected an air duct vent adaptor to the output then ran a 6" dryer vent hose to it and out the window. On the inside of the tent, I put 2 air filters taped together over the fan inlet and then sealed that whole assembly to the tarps. The front filter gathers all the heavy dust. Just replaced it and there was almost no red paint dust on the second filter. There is no red dust at all coming out of the output. With a good painter's respirator/mask, I think this will also work fine for painting since I will not be spraying alot.

Will post updated pics soon.

AndrewT

 

[mkdive]

sounds like alot of work. Can't wait to see the pictures!

 

[fourfeathers]

Cool! I love the KR1000A 's, and have 2 of them. They used to sell for $4500.
Make sure that your detents are good, or replace them while the slides are out. I paid $800 for one, and $760 ish for the other. One is good, the other is fair. I'd say you did pretty well, with the side cabs included. You gotta figure liners, and top mat too. As for the alum trim, do they sell a "double wide" piece to put the cab and the box together, instead of 2 pieces? Keep us posted!