Vintage Proto Top Box

[NP16]

So I’ve been looking for a top box to add to rolling chest but didn’t want to pay an arm and a leg for one. I picked up an old proto box off of Craigslist for 15 bucks and while I was doing some research, I couldn’t seem to find any like it. It’s date stamped 7-81 and is fully functional.

 

[Rileysan]

So I’ve been looking for a top box to add to rolling chest but didn’t want to pay an arm and a leg for one. I picked up an old proto box off of Craigslist for 15 bucks and while I was doing some research, I couldn’t seem to find any like it. It’s date stamped 7-81 and is fully functional.

Welcome to the forum! You did very well for $15. The box you have is made by Waterloo for Proto. I can't say how well the Proto branded boxes sold, or for how much, but that design is relatively common. Here's a thread talking about all the re-sellers that Waterloo made tool boxes for.

Brian

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=214566

 

[NP16]

Welcome to the forum! You did very well for $15. The box you have is made by Waterloo for Proto. I can't say how well the Proto branded boxes sold, or for how much, but that design is relatively common. Here's a thread talking about all the re-sellers that Waterloo made tool boxes for.

Brian

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=214566

Brian,

Thanks so much for the info! I have a Waterloo rolling box that I plan on putting this on top of as some secondary storage once I get it all cleaned up and possibly re-painted. I’ll have to post a pic when it’s all done too.

Nate

 

[Rileysan]

Brian,

Thanks so much for the info! I have a Waterloo rolling box that I plan on putting this on top of as some secondary storage once I get it all cleaned up and possibly re-painted. I’ll have to post a pic when it’s all done too.

Nate

My pleasure! Looking forward to seeing the finished project!

Brian

 

[jabberwoki]

Nice pick Nate, looking forward to seeing it restored.

 

[NP16]

And here is the finished product. I sandblasted the outside and then smoothed the finish with some 400 grit sandpaper. Just used spray cans to spray it. The handles all cleaned up fine with the sandblaster and some steel wool.

 

[Packard V8]

Nicely done.

jack vines

 

[captain14]

Nice. Now what’s the next project to do?

 

[NP16]

Nice. Now what’s the next project to do?

Nicely done.

jack vines

Thanks guys. Honestly the next project is to find enough tools to fill that one up so I need another box for my overflow.

 

[Rileysan]

Beautiful work! That chest will serve you well and look good doing it!

Brian

 

[NP16]

Beautiful work! That chest will serve you well and look good doing it!

Brian

Thank you sir