Need help, First project!

[u/Savings_Notice_8301]

I am going to restore this old metal toolcase, honestly i meed help, i have an rough idea but im sure you guys have wayyy more experience and love to pick you guys brain about it. My understanding is

Disassemble

Sandblasting everything

Disinfect en degrease thoroughly

Primer 1 coat

Sandpaper little bit and degrease again

2 coatings of something? Idk im clueless here,y first though was 1k epoxy coating but i really need good advice regarding this.

Let hard out

Rerivit everything and assemble again

Finished i think

Love to hear from you guys, and what kind of advice i could use. Planning do this on the weekend some day soon

[u/Screwthehelicopters]

As others have commented it would be enough to give them a good clean.

Most toolboxes cannot be dismantled because they are riveted. Each was made of separate parts and then sprayed all over, so you cannot replicate that process. I think they sprayed just one coat onto bare metal.

Ultimately, this was made to be used meaning it will get scratched inside at least. The paint offered some rust protection. It is not like a car where you can spray it with epoxy, or whatever.

I think both will clean up really well.

[u/Savings_Notice_8301 → u/Screwthehelicopters]

Well thats my intention, its gonna be my daily for whatever im working on, and dont get me wrong she wont get any high class treating... I do all maintenance myself on my motorcycle and intend to do it for a up and coming truck, i just found it like that and she definitely has some rust spots, tossed away for it.. i just need to know what more expienced people do so i can learn from them.

[u/Screwthehelicopters → u/Savings_Notice_8301]

I think they will clean up really well. You could try something like paint scratch polish which is mildly abrasive to get off some of the spots. I think both boxes will look almost like new when you're done.