Painting Snap-On box

[njj502]

I recently inherited a KRL1003 Snap-On box. It's in need of some major TLC, 20 years of shop service and now 4 years of sitting has done it no good. I'm leaning more toward complete paint & I'd like to use a durable, easy to spray single stage paint that isn't overly expensive. I'm guessing I'll need to prime it all as there's some major sanding/prep work to do. What's everyone thoughts? What color should I do? I'd like to do something trick & I'm thinking something like a dark cherry metallic with metallic black pulls on the drawers. Thought about black with yellow pulls but Black is just too much of a pain to prep for, clean, etc etc etc...... What's ya'll thoughts?

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[Dougw]

I think you'll probably be wasting your time. Never have seen a repaint of those things, using a single stage paint, that was worth a hoot. If you don't plan on using it you'll be fine.

[Dave Strong]

That looks new enough its probably powder coated, what about a single stage polyurathane like Interlux, don't think you will get metalic. If its a home box it should be ok, they don't get the abuse like they do in a shop.

Dave

[rchevelle71]

Personally, if you wanted to do it right, have it blasted, prime and paint with urethane base/clear, or re powder coat it, that is a very expensive, box, and worth a few hundred bones to make it look nice. Otherwise its not worth the time, just use it as is.

[rock]

Leave it alone and fill it with tools.
Rock

[njj502]

It's not powdercoated now and will be used for home use so I don't need an industrial coating. Was hoping for a good repaint and I realize it's not a cheap box. This is a second one for me and I'd like to touch it up before I fill it with tools......

[njj502]

Just talked with Pat at our local paint shop and he recommended painting the entire cab and touching up all the drawers. I think this is the route I'll go. Sounds like $125 will take me all the way!

[Eagle 20]

If it rusted out anywhere they are warranty for life and you can just get a exchange unit!

[njj502]

It's got some bits of rust but nothing that is perforated or anything. It's just some surface rust on the drawers where the paint had worn off. I have total faith in Snap-On, they sent me almost $500 in parts for just the one box.

[njj502]

I've decided to make this a little photo resto so here goes. Disclaimer - I decided not to go all out and fix this thing to 100% new. The huge gash in the back would have taken a ton of time to fix right and I wasn't going to spend 10 hours filling and grinding... I'm on a time schedule to get some totes back to someone.... :rolleyes:

What I started with...

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Note the huge dent in the back. It's about 3/4"-1" deep.

[njj502]

At this point I've pounded a few of the dents out and pulled some of the twisted sheet metal at top. I only used a 2x4 and a couple ball peen hammers to knock out dents. :thumbsup:
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Now that some dents are rid of/reduced I put some primer on. I used duplicolor filler primer. It worked really well filling in the minor scratches and things so that the little dents left over stand out like a sore thumb! :rolleyes:
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[Sonik]

You sir.....have too much time on your hands. You should spend your time more efficiently, like helping me pull my powerhead and swap in my ridgeback thats coming here shortly....OR coughing up that side box you said you had laying around that would compliment my bottom box nicely. :D

Looks good though.....want to see the finished product so keep at it. :thumbsup:

[njj502]

First paint mixed for the new gun. Pat at Born made me a killer deal on an intro gun that will do me fine for years!!
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First couple coats laid on. Pretty color. Very similar to Snap On Red but less orange. I'm not planning on painting the entire drawers or the inside of the cab so I was happy it's close but different.
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Really glad I had the air turned way down... orange peeled the crap out of the second coat... :(

[njj502]

Here's what I got left to do..... a whole bunch of sanding, priming and painting.... It's not going to be perfect but It'll be better than a kick in the nuts!

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[Capt.Insane-o]

old snap box + some grunt work = win

new $5,000 snap on tool box = not so much win

[b2theill]

can not beat most snap-on hand tools. well worth the restore compaired to what a new box would cost. best of luck.

[njj502]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the positivity! Jeff..... I'm keeping the side cabs, making them into rolling hardware cabinets. What, you said your coming over and giving me your powerhead?? Lynn, you are too right man. All said and done I have over $20K in Snap On storage(new cost) in my garage. It's sick what new vs. 15-20 yrs old is even if it's in perfect shape. The one I started with is 24 years old and we gave $1200-1500 for it 12 years ago. It's $5400 today new and I think I still would get about $1000 for it...