What year/model is this vintage SO box?

[redline380]

I could probably buy this off my buddy for around $100 and am wondering if anyone can date it for me, as well giving me an estimate of its value. It is in decent shap for its age, but there is some rust and paint issues. all the drawers are in decent shape and still roll. maybe it would be a good candidate for a restore?

 

[Steevo]

Late 1970's

 

[crewchief888]

model, SN and date code are stamped on the back

 

[toddacimer]

I would definitely bring it home for $100

 

[rusty65]

Yeah 100 bucks is a steal it may not be the biggest box in the world but it will for sure last the long haul with a little care.

 

[redline380]

ok just checked. its a kra-380 made in 81. should i look into restoring it?

 

[ianguilly]

Yes.

 

[redline380]

well i do have access to a blaster, but its rather large. takes 3 100 pound bags of silica to fill it up and is ran off one of those tow behind IR compressors. too powerful to blast it with? silica sand the right blast medium?

 

[briandrex]

well i do have access to a blaster, but its rather large. takes 3 100 pound bags of silica to fill it up and is ran off one of those tow behind IR compressors. too powerful to blast it with? silica sand the right blast medium?

Blasting with a larger sandblast pot and tow behind compressor is not to powerful. I've done my toolbox restores two different ways. First one I soda blasted with a harbor freight small soda blaster. This was done outside of my garage and worked with a 3/8 air hose line and dewalt standup compressor. Was just enough to get the job done and once I blew everything off there was not grit left on the slide rails of my box.

My second box was sandblasted by some of my guys at my shop. They used a tow behind compressor and large blast pot. Was very fast and cleaned everything up. Largest problem was sand was hard to get out of the slide rails for the drawers and even now I sometime feel a little bit and have to clean them out again.

Bottom line is either way will work but make sure you get rid of all of the corrosion/rust and clean up all of the abrasive grit before priming. Take you time and use small coats of paint and your box will look better than new! One last thing is do not use abrasive blasting media with silica. This can lead to silicosis and other lung diseases. Whatever you do wear at least a half face respirator or better yet a full face on which will also protect your face and eyes. Supplied air hood would be the best but not always necessary.

Brian

 

[crewchief888]

1st thing i'd do is remove the drawers and stop at a car wash with it, give it a good cleaning inside and out with HOT water and degreaser.

then decide if a "restoration" is really what you want, or just a good cleaning and waxing.

 

[Gregger Rod & Custom]

1st thing i'd do is remove the drawers and stop at a car wash with it, give it a good cleaning inside and out with HOT water and degreaser.

then decide if a "restoration" is really what you want, or just a good cleaning and waxing.

I Agree! IF the paint is Original, clean and wax it.

But I'm a guy that prefers 'that battle scared look of experience' over shiny new things.

Gregger