Vintage Stack On Military Toolbox Resto

[GregsRetroGarage]

I was driving home and look what I found awaiting the trash truck in my neighborhood...a Stack on Rolling Toolbox! Nice! I knocked on the door and the old gent that answered said he was cleaning out the garage and it was time for the old rolling toolbox from his military days to go. Everything functions as it should...even has the original key. This box is currently 4 different colors on the outside so I plan on sanding and repainting. The inside is mint! Original silver color. Great trash picking find! Anyways....suggestions for outside color? I am leaving the inside alone since it is in nice shape. Does anyone know how old this box might be? Any info would be appreciated! I am glad I lucked across this treasure and plan on keeping for many years to come. TIA for any info!

 

[RStewart]

Sweet. Nice save. Paint it something shiny.

 

[misterbill]

Great story. Can't comment on the provenance of the box but, if it were mine, I'd just clean it and shoot it with a clear matte finish.

Bill

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Someone else just found one within the last 3 months. If you scroll through the Toolboxes of GJ thread you may find it there. I can't remember if it was a solo look what I found thread like this or someone reported it there, but it's definitely the same box. I commented then on the awesome design of the doors. The built-in shelves on the one side, and the pegboard on the other.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I found it. This one was a Simonsen. EDIT: and called a Tool Caddy. But they sure look identical. First pic on the left here:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6347461&postcount=1

 

[LevalleSr]

Great box. Got mine while active duty Air Force @ Alconbury England from the military reutilization sale for $25 over 20 years ago an still in use. Portable box for aircraft mechanics on the flight line. Made by stack-on and retailed for about $400 new.

 

[nine4gmc]

Nice!

 

[GregsRetroGarage]

I found it. This one was a Simonsen. EDIT: and called a Tool Caddy. But they sure look identical. First pic on the left here:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6347461&postcount=1

Awesome! Thanks for the info! I sent that guy a message to see if he has any info on it. Thanks again!

 

[GregsRetroGarage]

Great box. Got mine while active duty Air Force @ Alconbury England from the military reutilization sale for $25 over 20 years ago an still in use. Portable box for aircraft mechanics on the flight line. Made by stack-on and retailed for about $400 new.

Now that is interesting and thanks for the info! I will continue doing my research on it.

 

[GregsRetroGarage]

Great story. Can't comment on the provenance of the box but, if it were mine, I'd just clean it and shoot it with a clear matte finish.

Bill

I might just do that. Seems as though the last time it was painted with black paint the prep was not that great as you can run your hand down the side and the black paint starts flaking off. I might just sand the loose paint off and then hit it with some clear matte finish. Thanks for the notion!

 

[crazymonkey2465]

Nice save! I kinda like the patina it has


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[GregsRetroGarage]

I finally made a decision on the the old military cabinet. I decided to sand down the cabinet and reshoot with a matte clear. I tested a portion and it came out nice! I will update as I move along.

 

[Phill1960]

nice box, why not just do it a military grey or green ?
old landrover green matt finish would suit it very well, especially being an English box.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

nice box, why not just do it a military grey or green ?
old landrover green matt finish would suit it very well, especially being an English box.

It's an American box made by an American company (Stack-On) for the US Air Force some time after the 1970's. If you're referring to LeValle's story, I am guessing he was active duty US Air Force at Alconbury. The USAF has had a presence there since 1942. The other identical box I linked upthread was also made by an American company (Simonsen) and may be older. Simonsen has been supplying boxes to the US military since WWII. Same box.

I want one!

Greg,

I lean toward preservation rather than restoration, but I look forward to seeing your results. If you want a fresh coat of paint that looks old or distressed, PM me. I've done that on several boxes that were beyond preservation. Good luck and definitely post pics.

 

[captain14]

How deep are the three pullout drawers? Deep enough to shadow wrenches/ screwdrivers?

I know most airplane tool boxes have this so all the tools can be accounted for after the task is completed.

 

[juddeide]

I just picked up the same AF Stack On and I got the top too!!! I thought I would post some picks so you can see the original paint color. Mine even has the foam pads in door shelves.

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

I learned everything I know about these boxes just from reading this thread. I picked one up a few years back at a nearby swap meet. It was the jet graphics on the door that sold it even though they are a little rough. The $50 price seemed reasonable enough so I hauled it home. I didn't even suspect it may have been Air Force despite those jets. Mine is a Stack On as well. It didn't fit in too well with my other boxes so it's doing service in the 'craft room' holding mostly paint and supplies. I originally thought it may have been owner modified with the handle and heavy rear wheels. Good to find out it's legit. I've got the pegboard on one side and assumed it was on both by the paint pattern. I think it's always been blue. A couple pics of it as found and now buried in stuff. Ed.

 

[mritchie77]

There is one of these for sale in San Antonio, TX right now if anyone is looking for one down here.