Question on KR Series Chest Refurb

[Nightshift]

Guys, I'm new here and have a question I'm hoping someone can help with. I have an '87 KR 650 / KR 655 chest shown here in it's original 24 yr old paint that is looking a little tired and I though I would give it a fresh coat of paint to make it look good for the next 25 years. I think I'm just gonna paint it Rustoleum Red that others here have done after a good degreasing and light sanding. The aluminum vertical edge trim will come off easily once I drill out the few pop rivets that hold the pieces on. But I need to know what tool you use to remove the aluminum trim from the finger rails on each of the drawers? I tried sliding it off with a screwdriver but it will only move about an inch or so (in either direction) before it hits something in behind and stops. I can see there must be a couple little dimples pressed in the drawer finger rail that "snap" the alum. trim in place and hold it there. Has anyone got these trim pieces off without damaging them? I am not likely the thoughts of trying to tape up 19 drawers. Appreciate any tips you can offer. Bill

[snapmom]

There are some guys on the Garagejournal.com who have restored this type of box.

[JoshuaG]

I used a chisel and hammer to carefully hammer that aluminum trim off. It is just press fitted on. Once you get about 1/3rd of it off, you can use the bit hanging off to pull it off the rest of the way with your hand.

[Nightshift]

I used a chisel and hammer to carefully hammer that aluminum trim off. It is just press fitted on. Once you get about 1/3rd of it off, you can use the bit hanging off to pull it off the rest of the way with your hand.

Thanks. Someone else suggested something similar, and that's what I did. Got them all off without any problems. They have been on there since new (1987) so they had a bit of rust which took a little bit of persuation to get them started. Bill

[sierra]

Very NICE set of boxes! Just wondering how refurb is coming? Be careful when removing end caps on roll cab handle, sometimes they can split apart. Very hard to find. You have the same handle that I have. I lost my original handle and was lucky to find one with all hardware pieces from someone on this forum.

[JoshuaG]

If you need to replace any of the chromed plastic end caps that slide into the boxed aluminum trim on the sides of the box, Snap-On still sells them, along with new rivets to secure them. They do not sell the aluminum trim though, to the best of my knowledge.

Good luck with your restoration!

[Nightshift]

Sierra, yes, I was careful pulling off those handle end caps. They are still in good shape considering the age of my chest.

Good to know about the chromed plastic end caps Joshua ... mine are all there, but a couple are cracked, so I may ask my SO dealer to get me some new ones when I see him in a couple days.

My boxes are completely dismantled at the moment with all the drawers out etc. Thursday last week everything got sanded, wiped down with thinners and primed. Friday it all got painted. Everything looks new now. Putting it all back together today. Cheers, Bill

[Nightshift]

Just reading some old forum links and realized I forgot to post a pic of my refurbed SO KR650/655 chest. Even refinished the insides of the drawers. Everything is like new ... including 2 new drawer roller slides and a full set of drawer detents. Cheers, Bill