Why Buy New?

[gmt830]

I’ve been lurking here a while after coming over from the HAMB. I don’t really post much but after seeing some really nice tool boxes out in various shops and on here I started getting jealous. Don’t get me wrong I have a really nice roll cab I picked up in the early 90’s while attending McPherson College. It came out of the Cessna aircraft plant and I stumbled on it at one of the many surplus yards in Wichita KS. I simply out grew it with the passing of my father and me inheriting all of his stuff. I needed more space. I have been looking at the new Snap-on and MAC boxes and see that used they are not hardly bringing half price. I get to wondering why in the world anyone would finance a new box with so many clean used examples out there. I am starting to realized that the 70’s thru 80’s stuff is even more out of favor and just about dirt cheap in comparison. So I figure I can score some really nice tool store by adding some older chests and cabinets. I may not be able to sport a leisure suit everyday and get away with it but these are tool boxes so I should be ok.

 

[gmt830]

Dads box was ok and consisted of an old 60’s or 70’s Craftsman roll cab with a Snap-on top chest. Add to what I already had I ended up with a pile of mismatched sticker covered eyesores. They all have plenty of character but I’m not that sentimental. So I figured it was time to clean it up and get organized. That’s a tall order in my garage as I ended up with all the leftovers from my parent’s estate. Slowly but surely I will get the workspace back and when I do I want it right. So I started with this 800.00 e-bay purchase.

 

[gmt830]

I know I paid too much and I was disappointed when I saw it in person. Being a man of my word I regretfully paid the guy. The top box was fine not too beat up and original. The bottom was a different story with a bad rattle can paint job nice and thick with overspray all over the stainless. All and all it matched my other rollcab and I just really like the top box. What do I do, I ditch the oldman’s snap-on and up grade it to another matching top box from Craigslist. This one was 250.00 and well kept. I’ll sell dads road chest and square up with the wife. To answer the question about the top box from an earlier thread. A guy wanted to know what the black applicate was on the small door to the right. People were speculating masonite or some sort of vaneer. The would use plastic or some cheap material today but that black leather looking patch is actually stamped stainless steel painted black. I had to destroy it to remove it because of the adheasive.

 

[Zebu Fellenz]

I think the primary reason is credit. For many people it's easier to afford a couple bucks every week than a few thousand all at once on a used box. The allure of shiny & new is also pretty strong...

Nothing wrong with buying used and letting someone else eat the depreciation!

 

[gmt830]

So I start to strip it with chemical and get almost finished when I finally decide to dig out the sand blaster. The liquid stripper was fine just time consuming and expensive not to mention the fumes were taking a toll on my liver. I’m trying to save that for beer and liquor. There are just too many nooks and crannies to be able to chemically strip it. That stripper has too many places to hide just waiting to creep out later and destroy the new finish. The wife was not too happy about the 300lbs of sand I put on the lawn but she’s just gonna kill the grass with one of those cheap pools for the kids.

 

[amolaver]

if it does the job and makes 'ya happy, all is good. who gives a brown nugget what anyone else thinks?

buying new, and especially financed, is EASY - don't need to save up, its bright and shiny and you know no one else - other than the fifty guys building, packing, shipping, freight, etc) had their dirty hands on it

there is truth to the 'time is money' adage, and if you need or want a box now (or close to now), there is no guarantee you're going to find what you want on CL / auctions / estate sales / etc in a day/week/month or even year. highly unlikely i'm going to find a yellow 56" single bank for sale used anytime soon, so if thats what i want... even ignoring color, finding the drawer layout you want used can be difficult. sometimes you need something fit a specific space or need...

that said - you got any lines on some good 56" single banks, preferably yellow?

ahm

 

[gmt830]

So now I got to figure on the color. Red is ok but it’s just ok. I see Snap on and MAC breaking away to keep interest. They are painting these wild colors not really a fan of wild colors but I do want something different and who doesn’t like the Mustangs. I’m not a Mustang nut but I always think back to the 1970 429SCJ Twister Special I saw at auction in the late 80’s believe it or not it was paired with a Twister Torino and the pair sold at the Jim Lake auction in Tulsa for less than 10 grand. It made me sick to my stomach. Now that car would bring crazy money. Anyway I decided on my paint scheme.

 

[Roots]

I think the primary reason is credit. For many people it's easier to afford a couple bucks every week than a few thousand all at once on a used box. The allure of shiny & new is also pretty strong...

Nothing wrong with buying used and letting someone else eat the depreciation!

I agree, or at least believe, the primary reason is credit... and being shiny

FWIW though, there's often promotions and/or discounts on new tool boxes. Combine that with, depending on your profession and tax situation, being able to write a portion of it off... and quite often used boxes, particularly Snap-On's, hold enough of their value that they're not so advantageous over new ones.

 

[gmt830]

So I have the roll cab in color and all of the drawers done for the top box. The box itself need some touch up with the sander but I did finish the bottom and got the top jammed with primer. Now I ‘m dreading the thought of starting the second bank of boxes.

 

[gmt830]

I agree credit is easy I myself have gotten bit but 5 to 10 grand for a tool box? I think alot of it has to do with style or just bragging rights. To each his own I got the time and inclination to save a few bucks. Not being critical I just don't feel the need to swing the biggest thing in the shop

 

[Packard V8]

Lookin' good!

Now I ‘m dreading the thought of starting the second bank of boxes.

Now you understand why very few ever restore a second box. I absolutely, positively know I won't go there.

Too bad the EPA put all the dip-strip operations out of busines. That would have been ideal for something as difficult to strip as a tool cabinet. Properly done and neutralized, the metal came out cleaner than new and held paint wonderfully

jack vines

 

[gmt830]

I do what I set out to and get them all done I just keep wondering how I get myself into these projects. I alway start out in high gear then reality takes hold and leaves beat and bruised. It may hurt but I do have a good time once its done

 

[balane]

Too bad the EPA put all the dip-strip operations out of busines. That would have been ideal for something as difficult to strip as a tool cabinet. Properly done and neutralized, the metal came out cleaner than new and held paint wonderfully

jack vines

Jack, I wasn't aware of this until a few years ago when I went looking and couldn't find any. Do you know about when this happened and if any type of commercial alternatives to large item paint stripping are still available? Thanks.

 

[240sxguy]

A trip to someone with a media blaster would make short work of that box.

 

[jjjrmx5]

I think the primary reason is credit. For many people it's easier to afford a couple bucks every week than a few thousand all at once on a used box. The allure of shiny & new is also pretty strong...

Yep.
100% correct.

Depending upon your location, used boxes may be slim to none and those available may be priced near new truck prices.

Some folks want a unique color or config, thus used will not get them what they need.

Add in the very good deals most trucks offer if buying new and financing, it's all a matter of what you want and who has it.

If just looking for a 41" or 56" roll cab to hold tools with little or no desire for a certain color, than yes, there are deals to be had. If you want a 56" snap-on cab covered in dyed green aardvark skin with embalmed panda *****'s as your drawer pull ends, then yes, it's not a used box type of deal.

 

[balane]

Don't forget that many truck guys give very generous trade-in values on your old box.

 

[Outlawmws]

I think you are doing a great job on your boxes so far. Give yourself a break ,and then go back to the second box. You are getting exactly what you want, and the added feeling of accomplishment.

 

[FordF1]

Cash talks for anyone. You can get alot of boxes for almost halfprice of list off the truck as well. You also get to pick what box you want and the colour.

 

[wornoutoldman]

That looks teriffic! I assume that was painted with a HVLP gun? What paint did you use? Something with some chemical resistance?

 

[gmt830]

All good comments thanks. The paint I am using is a two part PPG product with a good etching primer. It flows out really nice and I think durability wise will fit the bill better than a base clear. Yes, I am shooting it with a finishline HVLP gun. The media blast route would be ok but I alrady have a 150lb capacity pressure pot so I didn't really consider having it professionally blasted due to cost. Its not a Duesenburg so sand works just fine. I'm still trying to source the ardvark skin locally but I'm not having much luck.

 

[Vettedrmr]

I'm with 'ya. I just recently picked up an old Matco toolbox with a bunch of decent, but cheapo, tools for $725. Talked to my Dad about it (he's got a sports car shop I'm going to start working at late this year), and he said it looked like a pretty good deal.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=141416

I've been cleaning things up, but I was looking for something structural that would hold enough tools and be portable between car bays, beauty is down the list of priorities.

That said, I think your refinishing looks great!

Have a good one,
Mike

 

[gmt830]

Thanks for the compliment Mike Its been along time since I've shot anything substantial. I used to work in the trade many years ago and when the wife then kids came along I had to get a different line of work so I still have my refinishing and metal fab tools. when I was young I spent a fortune on tools and many have seen some hard labor while others have collected dust but I rarely have to farm out work unless I don't have the time. I have never regretted not selling

 

[Sh1thead]

After just purchasing a new krl 1033 with ss top and riser i can easily answer the op's question ... because i wanted it. Why do people buy brand new cars and trucks knowing that models with 30- 40k on the odometer that sell for 2/3 the price will serve them just as well ... because they wanted it. Btw i got my ss top and riser free with purchse of the roller.

 

[crewchief888]

i've bought most of my toolboxes new,
with the exception of the smaller boxes i started with and traded in on bigger boxes, i always got what i paid for the boxes on trade.
i still have the sets of boxes i bought new in '86, and '93.

IMHO
the mechanic "market" got flooded a few years ago with kids going to tech schools, and buying the biggest box they could find, triny to look like the "top dog" in a shop
way too many of them are layed off & out of work, or too lazy to work, or dont want to "pay their dues", and work for a few years at less than top wages.

so you see 2-3 year old boxes selling for pennies on the dollar.

back when in '86 when i bought my 1st set of big truck brand boxes,
$2200 was a lot of money when you're making $6.50/hr, financing made it easy to do.
i think i got my moneys worth out of that set of boxes, when i'm dead and gone, the kid probably will too.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Looks awesome!

 

[gmt830]

I ended up getting a little more done yesterday. I am still waiting on graphics and installing a new lockset. I am trying to find replacement locks at a reasonable price. I still don't like the way the top hinges.

 

[losabio]

It's coming out good! I really like the little bank of drawers behind the door on the top chest. It sort of reminds me of the old school Coke machines where you'd have to open the little glass door to get your bottle.

 

[gmt830]

Your right. I hadn't thought of that but I do have a thing for old coke machines too. Thats probably why I really like this top box.

 

[Vettedrmr]

Wow, those are coming out fantastic. Only criticism I have are your photos; c'mon man, we want to see what those boxes REALLY look like!

I think I can see what you're saying about the top hinges; looks like there isn't anything to keep them from going over-center, unless the hinges are designed to let the top flip all the way over and hang vertically.

I bet that yellow really grabs the eyeballs in bright sunlight!

Y'all have a good one,
Mike

 

[Plumber Crack Kid]

I ended up getting a little more done yesterday. I am still waiting on graphics and installing a new lockset. I am trying to find replacement locks at a reasonable price. I still don't like the way the top hinges.

That does look fantastic.

As per why new, I agree. I'm looking for a used box that will integrate into a redesigned garage and found this site in the process. At least in Northern California, there are a half dozen nearly new boxes for half price (and no sales tax) within an hours drive, and twice that within two hours. And most are not red or black.

As much as I'd like to buy a new box, for someone who isn't in the auto tech industry and isn't justifying the box as part of my livelihood, the prices are jaw dropping. And as long as folks have the attitude that they'll buy a big new box because they can easily finance it, I think it'll be easy to find used ones on the secondary market.

 

[crewchief888]

It's coming out good! I really like the little bank of drawers behind the door on the top chest. It sort of reminds me of the old school Coke machines where you'd have to open the little glass door to get your bottle.

Your right. I hadn't thought of that but I do have a thing for old coke machines too. Thats probably why I really like this top box.

i have 2 sets of those boxes, one older set i picked up free in a trade, and another set i bought new in '94.
i've never used either set as "working" boxes, they hold garage tools.
i hate the bank of narrow drawers, so much wasted space, that coulda been made into wider drawers.
some people love em, i simply tolerate them

BTW
boxes are lookin' good

 

[tjmonsen5]

Awesome job! Give Snap-on customer service a call, they should still make the locks for that box. 877-762-7664

 

[PCO6]

Great job gmt830. I have a similar Snap-on combination. I bought the top chest used in 1969 when I worked part time in my Dad's gas station during high school. The Snap-on dealer that serviced our garage said he'd keep an eye out for a used box for me and he came through. I bought the matching roller cabinet in 2011. Both are in good working shape and I look forward to restoring them in the next year or so. I'll use your photos and write up as inspiration.

 

[gmt830]

I really appreciate all the comments. I ended up buying two of the top boxes. I really like the style. Once I get these finished I'm moving to the other roller and top. I want to span the two banks with my side box and the double door cabinet overhead. I cant decide if I want to continue on with same Twister theme or go with a new theme on the second bank. I think I'll stay with the grabber orange just to keep it matched but I would like to do a Super bee or Buick GSX theme on another set. The actual cars are priced way out of my market nowdays but It's nice to dream. I would call Snap on for replacements but I don't want to pay their markup on the same lockset I can get from another retailer for less. To Crewchief's point the small boxes on the side function great small items but they could stand to be a bit wider. I just like they way they break up the face of the box. I really like snap on's of stainless steel and and the black on the small door.

 

[PCO6]

... I really like snap on's of stainless steel and and the black on the small door.

I like the stainless steel trim too. My trim peices are in fair condition but have about 45 years worth of small dents in them. I know I will be able to remove them and if I can't fix them I'm sure a chrome shop can. Does anyone know if replacements are available? ... either from Snap-on or stock material I could fabricate them from? I'm talking about the outer box trim not the horizantal drawer pull trim.

 

[gmt830]

You could beat them flat and take them to a local fab shop. You would pay more in labor than material but it would be the finishing touch and probably cost less than if you sourced them through SO

 

[barcalo]

The only thing I am not a fan of is the paint color. The concept of getting used boxes and making them your own I appreciate very much. I also give you some credit for the quality of the work. They appear brand new from the pictures. Cool to see somebody do these up nice. I may be doing over an old Craftsman soon, and I like this for inspiration.

 

[PCO6]

... probably cost less than if you sourced them through SO

AGREE! I planned to make a try at repairing the dents and polishing the SS trim when done. I'll only take them to a shop if I have to.

 

[demonspeed]

Another reason why some techs (including me) buy new is the student discounts available at trade schools. I went to Wyotech and bought all my snap on stuff for 50% off retail while in school, which helps a lot. I could probably trade my box in to my dealer tommorrow for what I paid for it, and its been used for 5 years.

 

[gmt830]

Another reason why some techs (including me) buy new is the student discounts available at trade schools. I went to Wyotech and bought all my snap on stuff for 50% off retail while in school, which helps a lot. I could probably trade my box in to my dealer tommorrow for what I paid for it, and its been used for 5 years.

I agree I went to McPherson college and the rep offered the same discount at the time. I respect the reputation but at 50% and still making a profit it goes to show what the mark up really is. I just bought a fridge and the wife found a mismarket model 200 less than list she said we have to jump on this. We got to the sears and they did honor the price the clerk messed up during check out and caused the delivery date to be pushed out two days from promised. I declined the deal and was ready to move on then he came back and offered another model for the same price. It was 600 0ver the model we were going to buy. 800.00 total savings is crazy and he didn't bat an eye. Great deal for me but says alot about what I consider price gouging. I just want a fair deal at a fair price. Most doctors and lawyers I know just barter services.