dug out of the barn today,all folded metal with recessed handle,and riveted on latch /hinges..missing tote tray...thinking about trying to restore ?...any tips?

Never seen one like that.  What size is it?  Looks too large to be a truck or tractor tool box.  After sanding or wire wheel you could treat the rust with Ospho or other rust converter.
Al

Quote from: international3414 on June 09, 2019, 04:19:26 PM
dug out of the barn today,all folded metal with recessed handle,and riveted on latch /hinges..missing tote tray...thinking about trying to restore ?...any tips?

Nice HD box-never seen one that heavy of construction!   Might be able to clean most of the rust up by immersion into a apple cider vinegar bath/soaking if you have a bird seed(8gallon size) bucket and several gallons of vinegar??   Depends a lot on the depth & severity of the rust inclusions!   Trial & error method usually works best, however the 12volt battery immersion method might yield better(Slower) results??

Looks just like the box my Porta Power came in. It's a Blackhawk that I bought from a Snap-On dealer in 1974. Same light gray/off white paint color and it had paper name labels on it.

Given the apparent thickness/gauge of the metal in the box, those strap hinges are kind of overkill - although really nice, classy overkill.

It kinds of looks like the tool box we made back in metals shop class. Looks like a quality box.