The Roadside Toolbox

@Moriarity that is a fantastic idea! We've got several vintage suitcases taking up space. Now I can put at least a couple to good use!

 

Man, Mark, that is an awesome idea! Way better than the brown bucket I carry in the trunk of mine. LOL

I'm a sucker for old Craftsman toolboxes and buy them any time I find them cheap. They get heavy fast though. @straykatkustoms put me onto the old aluminum Simonsen tackle boxes for my One Shot and brushes. Some of them even have a flying eyeball of sorts embossed on the side. That red bullet one looks a lot like an old vacuum cleaner.....hmmmm......

 

Lots of miles with one of these in the trunk ...

 

I use an old doctors leather hand bag, I know pretty much which tools I need to take the car apart so no need to carry anything more.

 

The Blackhawk bullet one really looks cool. Of course the only ones I found online were very expensive, at least for my pockets. The old suitcase idea is a great one though.

 

I used a bag like this and Inside I have separate tool rolls for wrenches, pliers and a socket set. Other stuff like screwdrivers and small spare parts are kept in Klein zippered pouches.


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I use a thick nylon bag (from Harbor Freight, cheap!) shaped like that Klein Tools bag. Unlike a hard sided box, it doesn't slide around much, and is less likely to ding up the vehicle if it does move around a bit. It also fits in odd places under car seats and behind truck seats, it sort of shapes-to-fit. I move it with me from vehicle to vehicle as I go. Also lightweight and comfortable to carry when I spend hours in the junkyards.

The hard metal boxes stay in the shop.

 

I have graduated to using blow molded boxes from other tools as mobile tool boxes. They are thin and flat, easy to slip under a seat or stand up in a small area. You can buy tool sets from several different places that have basic socket and wrench sets, from cheap import stuff to the high dollar brands. Most of the time those and a few screwdrivers will get you by on the side of the road.

 

The wooden Black and Decker case that Ryan posted matches one I have from my grandfathers valve grinding machine. The box held the hand held grinder (to face the seats in the heads), had three drawers to hold the different size stones and guides. It certainly got it's fair share of use when I was a young pup just starting out.

 

What a timely article! just last night my wife surprised me with an early Christmas present that she picked up at an antique flea market this past Monday. the old decal on the inside says Globe Tool Boxes; and she even got me an old Ford wrench to go with it. Pictures to follow.

 

Globe tool box

 

Those old doctors, or "Gladstone" bags are versatile. They come in different sizes and turn up at most swap meets if you look. We managed to get a complete moped engine in one (partly dismantled) and took it as air cabin baggage back in the days before x-rays. Probably couldn't do it now.
Garpo

 

It’s plastic but my road tool box carry’s a ton of tools in pre fit pop in slots. The two doors/lids flip open and carry even more.

It’s roughly 2 1/2 inches tall and 22x22 if I were guessing. I typically strap it to my spare tire or lay it flat on the floor. Been using it for the last 17 years

-I’ll take a photo even though it’s not vintage when I get a chance. Maybe something vintage does the same thing and I can upgrade

 

Man, I'm diggin' that plastic, "marbleized" green tackle box. Looks like something from those folks, "Pearlcraft" that do those cool-ass steering wheels Down Under.

 

I hauled around a Kennedy machinist box for years but it's too damned heavy! I've since graduated to a military surplus O.D. green tool bag. It's much quieter too.

 

I use an old tackle box I picked up at an auction. I wanted to put a tool roll in it but couldn't find one I liked. So instead I wrapped the wrenches in microfiber cloths. Keeps them from clicking around and the cloths are useful to have when doing a repair

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I had this in my 35 international and my 39 ford. I picked up this WW2 bomb box at garage sale years ago for $10..Room enough for jug of antifreeze ,oil tools,spare wiring and fuses,small floor jack ,rags what ever I needed. Had a lot of guys try and buy it.

 

This is what I use. I keep one eye open for older/cooler/nicer tool boxes. I also like old suitcases but I still use them for clothes.


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I have several old toolboxes that I could send your way for a fair price if interested. Some are a bit rusty and patina'd. Most all are about the size of the red one above. I think that I have about 4 or 5 of them. PM me and I'll send you photos?

 

I use both the vintage suit case and toolbox.

 

I use a tackle box and the old family picnic basket in the wagon.

 

Yes it is heavy, but so am I. I even have the keys, and it locks.

 

Will keep my eyes open. I did see one recently, but do not remember where. Maybe it will come to me.

 

Uncle had these (with spare / extra parts) in addition to an over packed Craftsman box in his '37. Dove Gray, like everything else.

 

I use this one, which has no hasp or lock...a plumbers tool box?

 

Decided to try my hand at pinstriping and lettering for my $1.50 estate sale box. Still have a long way to go but pretty happy with the result.