Toolbox Resto Advice ?

[expatriated]

Guys,

See the attached toolbox pics. I inherited it from my grandfather and I know it's just a simple Craftsman but it means the world to me.

I'd like to restore it. I don't have access to a sandblaster, pro paint sprayer, all that stuff. So, I was thinking of having someone restore it professionally. I'd like to get it back to as new as possible. There's quite a bit of rust in the bottom but the metal integrity is still there. I'd really like to pass it on to my grandkids one day.

There is also some weird sour smell in it. Like some wet rags mildewed or something inside of it.

Anyone on the board do this sort of thing?

Where does one take a box to be restored locally (if it's done at all)? A paint shop?

Ballpark cost involved?

Anything else you think I need to know about before doing it.

Thanks!

 

[NoNN37]

I inherited it from my grandfather and I know it's just a simple Craftsman but it means the world to me.

just leave it as is and take care of it and it'll last a long time. IMO its not worth the time to redo. Its solid and Straight. Just clean it up with some CLR and wipe it down with some WD40. Ive seen worse that have lasted forever. Plus youll just be covering up its significance and history; those paint splatters are a result of his hardwork and dedication... man im so drunk right now. enough internet for tonite.


PS. the stink is probably from the plastic handles ont he screwdrivers.

 

[d.mcfarland]

The toughest part of the restoration would be getting a matching paint. There are some that are close but as far as I know, nothing exact.

 

[Packard V8]

X2 on costing way more that it would be worth to restore. I'd guess it is one of those made by Parks. Steel wool and WD40 will make it look better.

jack vines

 

[Geurt]

I vouch for the steel wool and WD40 method. That box came with a nice patina. That box now has character unlike any other (over)restored boxes. Just give it a good scrubbin', afterwards some wax and a fine cork liner!

 

[Scout Driver]

I vouch for the steel wool and WD40 method. That box came with a nice patina. That box now has character unlike any other (over)restored boxes. Just give it a good scrubbin', afterwards some wax and a fine cork liner!

This right here! ^^^^^ Keep the character.

Scott

 

[expatriated]

Hmmmm.

Well, you guys have about talked me out of a resto. Let me stew on it some more.

Re: the smell. Those old screwdrivers stink that much? Man, that's awful!

 

[G_P]

Yep. When the handles on those screwdriver start to stink it gets nasty!

I've opened some boxes at yardsales that smelled like there was a dead animal covered in puke inside!

sent from the toilet via tapatalk 2.

 

[dandan111]

I would clean all that rust off the bottom. It may need a little paint in their,I wouldn't go overboard. Just brush a little rustoleum on the bad spots. The rest will look good with some wd40.

 

[purpurite]

Hmmmm.

Well, you guys have about talked me out of a resto. Let me stew on it some more.

Re: the smell. Those old screwdrivers stink that much? Man, that's awful!

Try this, clean it all out with SimpleGreen or other bio-degreaser, then once it is completely dry, fill up a small nylon stocking with about a cup of ground fresh coffee. Knot it off, and take the new coffee bag and drop it in the bottom of the took box and close it all up.

Coffee is porous, like baking soda, but has enough shape to fill in a nylon stocking without making a huge dusty mess. It will soak up bad odors in a day or two, and will eliminate the need for chemicals like Fabreeze and other sprays that just cover up odors and don't get rid of them.

This trick has worked on a spilled gas can in a car trunk, among other things, and it very much does work.


I love that tool box, I have one identical to it that was the tool kit I used to bring with me to the kart track when I was racing as a kid. It now holds jumper cables that I haven't used in decades. LOL.

 

[FJ 432]

I restored a tool box similar. It's your box... do with as you will.

Sand it to bare metal with an orbital sander on the larger areas and I use a metal paint stripper that you can find at Home Depot to get the tight spots. I had mine powder coated in 2 colors and it cost me $1-125.00 to have that done.

 

[expatriated]

I restored a tool box similar. It's your box... do with as you will.

Sand it to bare metal with an orbital sander on the larger areas and I use a metal paint stripper that you can find at Home Depot to get the tight spots. I had mine powder coated in 2 colors and it cost me $1-125.00 to have that done.

Right now I'm going with the scrubbing with WD40.

Do you have any pics of yours, before and after?

Where did you get it done? An auto paint shop?

 

[bobemmerich]

I agree with multiple points here...
1) It's YOUR box to do as you wish-Agreed
2) Leave it as is, it shows patina and signs of his work-Also agree
I will tell you what I would do if it were mine. I would leave it. It's a heirloom. Restoring it would be nice, but it would lose that character.
That's what I would do if it were MINE. It's YOURS, so do what makes you happy. Either way, it's a cool piece.

 

[expatriated]

Bob, I agree with you. I like both decisions.

I don't mind keeping it as is, I just want to keep that rust from spreading on the bottom and destroying the box.

Closer inspection inside revealed a lot of rust, some flaking. I scrubbed it with WD40 and steel wool and I'll hit the inside bottom part with rustoleum to stop that. And then a cork liner like I have in my Hazet box.

As far as the outside, I hit it with WD40 and steel wool. Now, if I just coat it with a good wax, that will prevent the bare metal parts from rusting? I live in Indiana, not on the shore.

Thanks for all the help guys! You guys rock.