Vintage Snap-on Box

[1point3liter]

Hey guys.
I've been lurking for quite awhile, but haven't posted.

I have an old Snap-on box that has a lot of patina from being used over the years. I need to pull it away from the wall to try and determine exactly how old it is, but i'm guessing 1930's - maybe as new as the 50's.

My question is this. I'm thinking about selling it and would like to know if it makes sense to sell it as-is or spend a few bucks to clean it up.

I can snap some pics tonight if you guys are interested in seeing it.
From what I've read, a lot of people like old snap-on boxes.

 

[Murphy4570]

Would need to see photos.

Some people use the word "patina" correctly. Others call a pile of rust "patina".

It's all in the details.

 

[1point3liter]

haha. yea... i understand.

no rust. it's heavily used.

 

[timbitca]

Threads like this without pictures should be illegal!

 

[FJ 432]

What color is it? The older stuff would be other than red...I think.

 

[1point3liter]

I should have known better than to post without pics. heh
I'll snap some for you guys when i get home in a few.

 

[snapmom]

Red started in 1938, but gray did not go out untill sometimes after the war.

 

[MoToys]

So where are the pictures?

 

[1point3liter]

alright, so a little more "wear" than I remembered... heh

please excuse the mess. I'm short on available space right now so the top box is sitting on top of a craftsman box.

 

[1point3liter]

i also have the removeable tool tray for the top box.

 

[timbitca]

Nice boxes! Doesn't look like much rust, so it should be restorable!

 

[Man of Many Vices]

You must have been reading my mind about the upcoming debate, "restore vs. leave the damned thing alone."

I apply the "time, place and manner" rule. Do I have the time, where will it be located, and how will it be used?

I was restoration crazy when first afflicted with the tool, anvil and vise addiction. I lavished each acquisition with the attention of a new sweetheart.

Living the charmed life that I do, old tools, boxes, vises, and anvils began to stick to me as if I was a giant magnet. Money leaks out of the holes in my pockets. Now I got so damned much of everything that I don't have time for anything; no place to put it; and so much clutter that I can't even find what I need to do a simple honey-do project.

The solution? If you can enjoy it as is (after a little clean up), put her to work for you, possibly storing vintage, or special tools that you don't use every day. Take the considerable amount of time and money you would have spent to restore this box to search for and buy another cleaner good used vintage (or not) Snap-on, Mac, Cornwell, Matco or other fine box to match your tool preference. Use this box or rollaway for your daily tools.

One thing about patina. Once its gone, it takes forever to get it back.

In my opinion, nothing looks worse than a wonderful old box or machine tool, bicycle or other painted object that wasn't prepped properly. The old chips, dings and dents look as much out of place under that glossy new paint as a great-grandmother all made up with mascara and cheekbone highlighers.

(The above sentiments do not apply to a skillfully executed restoration, which adds value, utility and decades more serviceable life to the box, and makes it a joy to own and use. Many wonderful examples have been displayed on these threads.)

...Where's my medicine, dammit?

Dan
Indio, CA

 

[FJ 432]

Red started in 1938, but gray did not go out untill sometimes after the war.

Thanks for the lesson, I had no idea red was possible that early.


Love the boxes. My vote would be to restore given the condition. I don't disagree with the argument above and is why I have a combination of restored and unrestored boxes.

Does the top box have a front cover and the photo just happens to show it tucked under the lid?

Does the bottom box have a cover?

 

[1point3liter]

Yes, the bottom has a cover, i'm pretty sure the cover for the top is in the lid.

I'd realy like to find it a new home as i'm trying to consolidate stuff i'm moving to my new garage.

As much as I hate to break up the set, I may just sell the bottom box and keep the top one as it sits nicely on top of my other tool boxes and i really like the drawer layout. The top is physically in good shape, just the finish is mostly worn off. What you see is AFTER a good cleaning. lol

What's you guy's opinion on stripping it down and having it powder coated?

Any idea what the bottom box is worth? I may put it up in the forsale section or maybe list it on craigslist.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

What's you guy's opinion on stripping it down and having it powder coated?

I like that one the way it is. Looks very cool.

Any idea what the bottom box is worth? I may put it up in the forsale section or maybe list it on craigslist.

$75 maybe. It's old and it's cool, but there isn't much storage in it if someone wants to use it. The only way you'll get more is if someone is SO crazy and they want to restore it...and even then...