ANOTHER Craftsman box restoration

[bonneyman]

Somebody stop me! I snagged another Craftsman box (prolly late 60's) for $5. Rusty, damaged clasps, no inner tray. Plastic handle but I might make a metal wire one to replace it. The Mrs. is about to disown me, but - with comparable rusty boxes marked for $20 and up - this one was a bargain. Maybe I should set up a table on the front sidewalk and see if I can sell a few?

[hickory n Steel]

That would be a good idea.
Maybe rehab a table worth and set up regular to sell them ?

When I was a kid there was a guy on the way to my elementary school who would repair old rods and reels and every other weekend he'd set the dozen or so racks worth up in his yard and sell them.

[Uncle Buck]

I am all for rehabbing old boxes and have  few waiting too. However, I would pass on that one. With the missing top tray and damaged hdw it would cost too much to put it back in good shape unless you have a twin box to rob for the tray and hdw.

That is just my opinion.

[Lookin4_67GalaxieConv]

I am all for rehabbing old boxes and have  few waiting too. However, I would pass on that one. With the missing top tray and damaged hdw it would cost too much to put it back in good shape unless you have a twin box to rob for the tray and hdw.

That is just my opinion.

Agreed.  If you've got the motivation to do it, sure, otherwise looks like a lot of work.

[Uncle Buck]

For me the missing top tray and hdw is what makes that one a not worth the effort box.

[bonneyman]

I don't see trays individually very often but I have seen them. Probably just keep it in the back of my mind and see what pops up. For now, I need a box to hold a bunch of full wrench rolls - not small individual pieces. So the missing tray wasn't a deal killer. I'll have to grind off the rivets and remove the hardware for prep and painting the box, and while the paint is drying I can work on those pieces and gently straighten them out.
The plastic handle bothers me. As much as I load up these boxes I'd much rather have a steel handle. So I'm thinking of modifying a metal handle I have in my junk bin. Perhaps slap a piece of fuel hose on it for comfort.
I'd really like a red box to go with the silver and blues boxes I already have. We'll see how the paint comes out.

[fatfillup]

Given you have a specific use for the box and the fact that you enjoy doing them, makes sense.

I normally sell those in decent condition with tray for $15 or so, maybe $20.  Bottom likely bit rusty and some paint missing around the bottom edge and used but still decent.  Hardware intact.

Have one in all but pristine condition for $27. 
Got that one at a sale.  One earlier went for $15 or so and was semi rough.  Mine came up and I think I paid $7.

I would have passed too, but enjoy the redo!

[bonneyman]

Removed the hardware today, as I had a little time. The bent pieces on the clasps straightened out without too much hassle, though the chrome on all the pieces is in bad shape. Going to wirewheel and sand them before a coat of high temp silver.
Box has a few dents and so will need some hammering, but not too bad.

[bonneyman]

OK, finally got the Craftsman box done today. Fatigue has really drained me, can't do much of anything without getting weak in the legs.
You guys were right. This box was a bit too far gone. I didn't realize the extent of the rust on the inside bottom. Coupled with the outside bottom, sanding both smooth would have left the metal too thin. It's thin as it is, so will be relegated to light duty. They say you shouldn't beat a dead horse. Well, this dead stead was beaten 3 times past the grave and it still didn't come out right. But I've done my best. I've got some white drawer liner that will make the inside presentable. It will hold my Proto screwdriver collection.

Here she is plus a family pic of my 6500 boxes.

[goodfellow]

What a cool bunch of vintage boxes George. Great work my man! Very well done.


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[fatfillup]

Turned out nice for what it is

I assume the next one will be painted white

[Lookin4_67GalaxieConv]

Great job, George, turning lemons into lemonade!  Very presentable!

[hickory n Steel]

That came out pretty good all things considered.
The barn roof Craftsman box I picked up last year was probably not quite as bad, but bad enough that I decided to just make use of it as is.


Just a thought here, have you ever considered turning one of these into a small I've chest ?
I'm not sure how easy it would be to do, but it sure would be damn cool.

[Uncle Buck]

What a cool bunch of vintage boxes George. Great work my man! Very well done.


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This ^ Exceptional work, well done! I like! 👍

[bonneyman]

Howdy, y'all! You may remember this rust bucket of a box I restored. I got the box in March, but it lacked a tray. Well lo and behold, I found a tray for sale on the GJ classifieds! He listed the dimensions, so I went out and checked my box, and it was the correct one. What are the odds?

I paid $5 plus shipping, and my box without a tray meets a tray without a box. I brought the two orphans together, and now they're complete.

[goodfellow]

You have a knack for this stuff George -- well done!

[bonneyman]

Thanks Ray! It really was alot of luck coming across that tray in the classifieds. I really thought the chances of finding a lone tray would be slim. So glad to complete the box!

[Uncle Buck]

 

Sweet!

[bonneyman]

Sweet!

Yeah, I love it when a plan comes together.