Modern Vespa

I just bought an old beat up snap on tool box and I'm going to try to restore it. I'm having trouble with the locking mechanism. Anyone restored or any experience of snap on tool chests?

Does Snap-On have dealers in UK? Best bet would be to check with them and see if the parts are still available. Just watch you wallet if you get on one of those trucks as they are very proud of their stuff and charge accordingly!

Yeah loads of dealers here. I'm going to restore it. Looks like it only needs a repair to one of the drawer runners. It was locked but I got into it and found the key!

yes you can get replacement parts from snap-on. also have found parts on eBay as well.

I have that box if you need a picture or two let me know. The lock locks on the back of the draws.

John

Thanks for the replies guys. John, do you know the model number?

Go check out http://www.garagejournal.com. Lots of examples and advice on restoring old Snap-On boxes.

Might I recommend this fine thread while you're there?

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=170180

The Scooter Workshop of our esteemed host. Quite a nice build!

-brian

Ill see if I can find it, I got it off a friend 15 years ago.

John

Kudos for you for rehabbing it. I hate to see good quality stuff thrown away. Good luck and pics please when your done.

Will do. I'll take some pics. It needs a wee bit of work but not too bad for £40

+1 to brian_m. I have found great information on that website. My Snap-On addiction has resulted in my not being allowed on the truck unless I am accompanied by an adult. I picked up a couple of center 3-drawer boxes on Craigslist for $100, dismantled, cleaned, lubed and waxed. Good luck with yours.

People don't throw Snap On tool boxes out, they get handed down.

WEB that's good. Most everything just gets thrown away. DUCATI i choked on my coffee with the adult comment. Thanks for making my day.

I've a little experience with that brand. My first box back in 88 was dropped face down by the dealer himself, needless to say I got a deal. My current boxes have Hawaiian Rust, kinda nice patina.
Snap-on used different reds over the years.

Best bet take it apart and have it media blasted then powder coated

I was going to spray it to be honest. Plan on rubbing it down with my sander. Few coats of timer then paint.

For $200 or less you can get them powder coated and it would be nicer and last longer and be more durable. I was a painter in a body shop for 12 years and I started powder coating a year ago and I love the stuff. Wish I changed up years ago

polishing compound and wax will surprise you.

John

And you can join the sect in Not So Modern that loves a patina! Here is one of my $50 finds after an hour of polish and wax.

too bad you don't have a before.

Before

Pic2,

Just got a flyer from the SO man this week has a "recreation" of that box. For $1,115, it could be yours WOW!!! They were barely $200 new 30 years ago or so.

Pic3

Done

Done2

Done3

Sweet. Now you have to fill it up. 8)

There's a new SnapOn roll away under the pile. Happened at a friends local shop when the lift failed at the floor mount. Car on the rack twisted and fell on the tool box. Crushed it. Fortunately, all was insured.

Is that the garage that Brown Beret7 takes his car to?? 😉

Is that an embossed pattern on the bottom?

An auto shop adjacent to the space center. Took quite awhile to cut and pry the tool box drawers open. The top chest was knocked off the base. Under the car pan caked. Tools ok, but diagnostic equipment was toast. Those SnapOn drawers are tough.

The SnapOn guy had a big day replacing all that stuff. Close to 20K.

Rkcoker, it's a self adhesive vinyl padded sheet