what to do with dads box

[Tim37]

My dad was a machinist for around for about 45 years any way the other day I dug out his old roll around and cleaned it up I am putting ball bearing slides on it and I'm thinking about replacing the casters. By big question is the finish I can't decide if I want to leave it alone or refinish it.

What would y'all do?

 

[taumac]

I would refinish it. I've have heard they sell the crinkle brown paint but it is expensive. . I think rustoleum hammered paint that might be close. I would first clean it up and get it all working first. You can always paint it down the road if change your mind.

 

[skcj213]

Leave it alone. Your dad worked hard for a living and every scratch, scuff and ding was put there by him. Clean it up, maybe put a little wax on it, and enjoy.

 

[pendragon1998]

I would clean it and see where that puts you. A clean and wax would be my first preference. But rust is not patina, it is damage, and if there is extensive rust, I would consider refinshing it.

 

[BajaScout]

What do you think your dad would like best? My dad would have liked to see it looking like it did when new.

For sure put a picture of your dad on the box somewhere.

 

[cbacres]

I agree, leave it.
I have my Dads Kennady top box, brown crinkle paint. It just sits there, pretty much with the stuff he had in it the last time he touched it. Every so often I just open it and look at the stuff again, close it back until next time..

 

[volleyball]

You have to decide whether new looking or beat up or in between brings you the most memories.
Did the box really mean that much to him? I was just discussing with someone who lost a family member and they were hanging onto almost all their old stuff. Unless it was cherished by the deceased or that is how you best remember them, then feel free to let it go if holding on is burdening you.

 

[snapmom]

Clean it an use it. It is a old used box, just keep it that way, and you can put your old used tools in a old used box just like your pop did, when you pick up that tool that he used a smile will come across your face..
.

 

[taumac]

I agree, leave it.

I have my Dads Kennady top box, brown crinkle paint. It just sits there, pretty much with the stuff he had in it the last time he touched it. Every so often I just open it and look at the stuff again, close it back until next time..

That's great way to remember your father.

 

[SCscoutguy]

I would leave the paint the way it is. Like others have said every scratch and ding on it is in some way related to your dad. I have my grandfathers Craftsman tool box from the 30's with paint marks and scuffs all over it and have left it that way because in a way I still have a connection to my grandfather every time I see them.

 

[taumac]

You have to decide whether new looking or beat up or in between brings you the most memories..

I totally agree. The OP needs to decide how his father would have liked it and best way to cherish memories of his dad. Maybe his father talked about fixing that box up someday? Maybe his father thought "it's just a toolbox" or was it a source of pride with him? What does that box mean to you?

 

[pendragon1998]

Looking back at your photo on my computer instead of my phone, I think it would be just fine to clean it up a little and give it a few coats of wax. I think I see a little light rust on the top that might come up with some superfine steel wool and oil rubbing. Maybe consider fitting a nice reclaimed lumber (so it doesn't look glaringly new) top to it.

 

[Tim37]

I was leaning in the leave it direction so I think y'all are right its gonna stay beat up atleast for now.

I will probably use this box thats why I put the new slides in it. I have left his main chest that has a bunch of personal stuff in it alone the roll cabinet was just that he used it as we would use a cart.