Snap On KA300E -: Restoration :-

[The Rider]

Some of you may remember I recently picked up a used & abused Snap On KRA roller cabinet from a garage sale:

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GUZKCOn8IAIfoh6FCOMW1_vvRPCTbebiLDpPDhDHnT8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_e3uekzfhOgM/THKfY6_JyGI/AAAAAAAAAeE/ForoG2uMjIE/s800/DSC_0569.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/leegheaton/SnapOn?authkey=Gv1sRgCMLR35fiqNroUQ&feat=embedwebsite">snap-on</a></td></tr></table>

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It was pretty ugly. I think it had been left out in the rain.

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FkXXUVxUg8Bxi7u8o7CX8fvvRPCTbebiLDpPDhDHnT8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_e3uekzfhOgM/THKgm1D_UUI/AAAAAAAAAeo/o1AX1H5FazA/s800/DSC_0578.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/leegheaton/SnapOn?authkey=Gv1sRgCMLR35fiqNroUQ&feat=embedwebsite">snap-on</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bz5158-3SFZ33axq6itNmfvvRPCTbebiLDpPDhDHnT8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_e3uekzfhOgM/THKguKMd45I/AAAAAAAAAew/QBY7g8dmEhA/s800/DSC_0580.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/leegheaton/SnapOn?authkey=Gv1sRgCMLR35fiqNroUQ&feat=embedwebsite">snap-on</a></td></tr></table>

I removed the shelves and scrubbed the wheels before leaving the caster hardware to soak in vinegar to remove the rust.

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gDgS3qM6c5u3DL4oSVgOQvvvRPCTbebiLDpPDhDHnT8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_e3uekzfhOgM/TI-Q3PMyT1I/AAAAAAAAAg8/qTK6GNi7u7Y/s800/IMGP3901.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/leegheaton/SnapOn?authkey=Gv1sRgCMLR35fiqNroUQ&feat=embedwebsite">snap-on</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Kmb0qIRN2KSxY8wDq1wqP_vvRPCTbebiLDpPDhDHnT8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_e3uekzfhOgM/TI-Q3Wuoj-I/AAAAAAAAAhA/JWESzr5F_dg/s800/IMGP3900.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/leegheaton/SnapOn?authkey=Gv1sRgCMLR35fiqNroUQ&feat=embedwebsite">snap-on</a></td></tr></table>

I then stripped the outside of the box down to the bare metal using an angle grinder with an abrasive wheel.

Four coats of primer with wetsanding at 500grit between coats were next. I did the top separately to minimise overspray.

I laid down a single coat of self etching primer over the entire box and then two coats of high fill primer on the front. There was quite a bit of pitting from rust and this would be the most visible area. The high fill primer took care of it to some extent but not entirely. A skim coat of Bondo would have been a better solution but I didn't have any and wasn't bothered enough to go and get some! The rest of the box was primed using auto primer.

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/r2TCyoUUOq6qsygGxkZtpvvvRPCTbebiLDpPDhDHnT8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_e3uekzfhOgM/TKInu1pLr0I/AAAAAAAAAiU/H0eenm6p56A/s800/so%20roller%201.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/leegheaton/SnapOn?authkey=Gv1sRgCMLR35fiqNroUQ&feat=embedwebsite">snap-on</a></td></tr></table>

Topcoat was six coats of Rustoleum "Sunrise Red", with a 1000 grit wet sand after the first three coats were dry.

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KnxXfhklRMHd8rM0swe7I_vvRPCTbebiLDpPDhDHnT8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_e3uekzfhOgM/TKInvHxw09I/AAAAAAAAAic/lDZ71IhQf7U/s800/so%20roller%203.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/leegheaton/SnapOn?authkey=Gv1sRgCMLR35fiqNroUQ&feat=embedwebsite">snap-on</a></td></tr></table>

Only the pulls & front faces of the drawers were painted (here you can see primer overspray on the underside).

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_L8dN-7qMyMu2CmN0pzGkfvvRPCTbebiLDpPDhDHnT8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_e3uekzfhOgM/TKInvRDBnwI/AAAAAAAAAig/qZweewZ-2x8/s800/so%20roller%204.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/leegheaton/SnapOn?authkey=Gv1sRgCMLR35fiqNroUQ&feat=embedwebsite">snap-on</a></td></tr></table>

I cut vinyl carpet runner from Lowes to provide a protective surface for the top and inside floor of the box.

Here's the equipment used for paint removal, priming & painting. In total I used six cans on red.

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_NXHybyvp0yoaOuhV265kPvvRPCTbebiLDpPDhDHnT8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_e3uekzfhOgM/TKInvCRRDYI/AAAAAAAAAiY/HVZgyS1D7DY/s800/so%20roller%202.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/leegheaton/SnapOn?authkey=Gv1sRgCMLR35fiqNroUQ&feat=embedwebsite">snap-on</a></td></tr></table>

And here is the end result:

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/t_gSrRA1vlMbKtdKht6vcfvvRPCTbebiLDpPDhDHnT8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_e3uekzfhOgM/TKInvqaK13I/AAAAAAAAAik/1yQYTGFZWgw/s800/so%20roller%205.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/leegheaton/SnapOn?authkey=Gv1sRgCMLR35fiqNroUQ&feat=embedwebsite">snap-on</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XmgmOzuLoDZWn4_FSRTdVvvvRPCTbebiLDpPDhDHnT8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_e3uekzfhOgM/TKIoC-EFExI/AAAAAAAAAis/BdG8SW9Xreg/s800/so%20roller%207.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/leegheaton/SnapOn?authkey=Gv1sRgCMLR35fiqNroUQ&feat=embedwebsite">snap-on</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/flXbolb4DTmyLSNghsFEgvvvRPCTbebiLDpPDhDHnT8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_e3uekzfhOgM/TKIoDBo5XQI/AAAAAAAAAiw/PzwwItQfOQQ/s800/so%20roller%208.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/leegheaton/SnapOn?authkey=Gv1sRgCMLR35fiqNroUQ&feat=embedwebsite">snap-on</a></td></tr></table>

The tambour looks nice but is a pain to keep clean. This shot of the box taken in bright sunlight shows a combination of paint dust and ultra fine overspray on the front that you can't even see in flourescent light but is clearly visible in the pics. Time to bust out the WD40 & wire wool to buff that out!

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xrAXgFnnhaTrgxUs-WmsPfvvRPCTbebiLDpPDhDHnT8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_e3uekzfhOgM/TKIoDPi3dOI/AAAAAAAAAi0/nLTnM6MMEwo/s800/so%20roller%209.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/leegheaton/SnapOn?authkey=Gv1sRgCMLR35fiqNroUQ&feat=embedwebsite">snap-on</a></td></tr></table>

I'm pleased with how it all turned out.

It took less time than I expected and it certainly looks presentable. I am generally in favour or preserving patina but in this case the box was so far gone it was an eyesore in my garage and needed attention.

The paint is flat, shiny and almost blemish free, but is fairly soft. I'm not sure how this would hold up over time but as this is not my "daily driver", use will be fairly limited.

Several of the drawers & runners had seen some action so had to be helped back into shape with the judicious application of vise, pliers & ballpeen.

One runner missing it's retainer tab will have to be returned to SO for a replacement.

All runners & drawer slides were lubed with white lithium spray before reinserting.

Now this is out of the way I'm currently working on the matching top box...

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/enFxZEZqK_zShrjcuP0JBfvvRPCTbebiLDpPDhDHnT8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_e3uekzfhOgM/THKeYqWmPsI/AAAAAAAAAds/gztSXoDrsbY/s800/DSC_0564.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/leegheaton/SnapOn?authkey=Gv1sRgCMLR35fiqNroUQ&feat=embedwebsite">snap-on</a></td></tr></table>

 

[jpoe]

Nice work!

 

[mrholeshot]

Very nice!!! bravo!!

 

[shotgunfatcat]

Sweet job, I just started on a snap-on box, but I didn't take pics, oh well.

 

[hguerrero]

really nice work...look forward to seeing the matching box.

 

[Theloniousmonk]

that is beautiful! reminds me of a british firetruck

 

[Packard V8]

Nice work. I have the identical top and bottom. How much would you charge to refinish mine? ;>)

jack vines

 

[Davefr]

Supurb work!!

 

[The Rider]

Nice work. I have the identical top and bottom. How much would you charge to refinish mine? ;>)

jack vines

I'm easily pleased.

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8B9McMWTRvcx7sATx1YPIg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_e3uekzfhOgM/TKJFw80LQ5I/AAAAAAAAAjA/ZvsKqnF3PqU/s800/pub.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">

 

[stricht8]

Very nice job. Is Sunshine Red a good match for Snap On red?

 

[redman43]

That is VERY beautiful. Nice work.

 

[FoMoCoPower]

nice,makes me want to redo mine now

 

[mooman]

Looks great!!
What did you do to the rolling door? Just clean it real good?

 

[Motorhead Extraordinaire]

Really nice job on that Snap-On box. I just gave one of those boxes to a friend, not as tattered but still rough. Hopefully This will inspire him to do his box over.

Joe Germann
www.MotorheadExtraordinaire.com

 

[The Rider]

Very nice job. Is Sunshine Red a good match for Snap On red?

Not really. SO Red is more orange. It's close enough that I was able to leave the drawer insides SO red without it looking terrible but it's far from being an exact match. I'm sure there are SO purists shuddering at the pictures!

Sunshine Red is actually much closer to Craftsman Red but it's cheap, goes on easily and is widely available!

Looks great!!
What did you do to the rolling door? Just clean it real good?

Scrubbing brush + Simple Green took off most of the gunk. I then used a Green ScotchBrite pad + mineral spirits for what was left.

 

[TheGrooveking]

Beautiful job! I'll drop a dozen or so of my roller cabs by at your place since you seem to have the process down pat and since you hae the supplies ready for use.

TheGrooveking

 

[Randy_che]

Dizzam, nice job!

The paint will harden up in a couple of weeks as it fully cures out.