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Gentlemen,
I recently stumbled upon this forum as I researched information on what I believe to be an old Snap On Tool Box. My grandfather was a diesel mechanic after WW2 and taught me everything I know about working on cars. Recently, I was able to inherit many of his tools but they suffer from disrepair before his death.
What can you tell me about this toolbox? What would be the best way to go about restoring it? It definitely needs some new paint because their is some significant rust and deep scratches.
I have searched for a date code but cannot find one. Any information would help me retain a great memory of better times with a hero of mine.
Thanks in advance,
sjames
The top box seems to be a KR-58 (made from 1948-1990). It is a very popular box
The bottom seems to be KR-352 (made from 1953-1958). This is a much narrower range and I think that dates the set. I would think – mid 1950s. You might get a little closer with the handle variations in the catalogs, but there is no date stamped in these boxes.
It looks like you are missing casters – that is an easy replacement.
As for restoring the boxes. There are a number of ways.
Stripping these boxes. I would drill out the tags – You can rivet them back in after you finish. The stripping can be chemical, sand paper, wire brush or sand blasting. I like sand blasting the best, but it is a big piece. It is likely you don’t have a blaster. After this, I would sand down as much as you can with an electric sanded then use furniture stripped (Home Depot) to get the areas you cannot get to with a sander. Once you have it free of rust, smooth and as flat as you can, use automotive body filler to fill in any dents and sand it down with 300 grit. When you feel it is really smooth and there is no flaw in it, paint it with Rustoleum red. I think you will now see the areas that are not as good as you thought. Let that cure hard, and re-sand it, refill it and repaint it.
Then put the labels back on (pop riveter) and you got it.
You could also send it to a sand blast service, then paint it with automotive finish
Just my thoughts - Still, as it is - it is a great set with a personal story - Outstanding!!
Frank,
Thanks for the help! The date info parallels what I know about my grandfather's work.
I took the boxes completely apart today and degreased/cleaned everything. The paint is in pretty poor shape and their is some significant rust in a few areas.
As far as the restoring info, I believe that I'm going to approach some local paint/body places to see if they will sandblast, prime, and repaint with the appropriate snap on paint color for a reasonable price. I have done all of the above before but don't have access to the tools anymore. I appreciate the advice on drilling out the tags.
All in all, you've confirmed what I originally suspected and gave me some more specific information. I will post some photos when I get the set restored. Thanks again for your help!
Just my opinion, but I really would leave it that way and give it a good cleaning with oil and rugs.
I have always liked that "road worn" look of old sets. There is somehow much more life, stories and history in them.
After repaint they usually start to look like some recent boxes made in far east. If you want a set that looks new,
buy one. Does this all sound too romantic ?
OK, shoot me...
jayjay,
You know that has crossed my mind before...it is in pretty rough shape though. The rust needs to be stopped and I think the best way is getting in completely free of rust/paint and starting fresh. Truth be told, the restored box will still be an image of excellent American manufacturing.
I'm contacting a guy today to see what it would cost and I will make a call from there. Thanks for the thoughts.
i am restoring the same upper box and i see mine is painted the same red colors dark and orange. i am suscribing to this thread
i have paint from dupont and it was 68.00 for three cans of snap on red. i am looking for all rivits, 1 piano hinge, and colors for the snap on logo on the front of the box. mine is from florida and is quite rusty but restorable, i can post pics.
mybuick,
Thanks for posting. As I look at your box compared to mine, ours are slightly different. I have a few small drawers where you have one but they are almost the same. I'm still looking to get mine blasted and painted soon. I will keep every one posted.
