Trunk conversion to whiskey storage

[Jono]

My wife's grandfather was in WWI and we inherited his officers trunk.
It is a VERY heavy wooden trunk that opens to reveal drawers and a place to
keep your uniform on the inside top lid. Basically, it is in need of restoration...the exterior paint has spill and stains, a few edge boards need replacing due to some garage storage water exposure etc.
Q: Has anyone restored a trunk like piece of furniture before? I can envision
square whiskey slots on the inside.

[ebo]

Are you planning on doing the work yourself? It shouldn't be that difficult to replace a couple of boards and convert it for whiskey storage.

I am a professional Cabinetmaker. If you post some pics, maybe I can help get you going in the right direction.

[smokinjoe]

Are you planning on doing the work yourself? It shouldn't be that difficult to replace a couple of boards and convert it for whiskey storage.

I am a professional Cabinetmaker. If you post some pics, maybe I can help get you going in the right direction.

The number 1,792nd reason why I love SB.Com. The people. Good on you, Ebo.

[Jono]

Thanks Ebo....will do soon!

[Jono]

I have "tried" to attach some photos....I had to resize...hopefully this will work:

The trunk inside measures are 34.5" wide x 18.5" deep, 13.5" height

[Jono]

I also have some concern over the rusted metal.....

[Jono]

My wife's older brother...who is a huge military history buff...did not want the trunk...amazing....in fact, he was ready to throw it out when we were cleaning up my late mother-in-law's house. I would never get rid of such family history...so my son....the trunk owner's great grandson will inherit it...modified with his father's whiskey! Hopefully, it will prove to be a very valuable antique for two reasons!

This trunk is a beast...it has to weigh over 100+ lbs empty...

I am going to assume lead paint.....will preserve the name decal....but the old paint will have to go...will see what the wood looks like after stripping.

[ebo]

It looks to be in fairly good shape for it's age. From what I can see in the pics, it looks to be made of Pine, Hemlock or Fur.

I don't see any rot, just some water stain. The rusted hardware can be replaced... there are a few companies that specialize in authentic reproduction hardware:
http://www.ballandball-us.com/

http://www.lookintheattic.com/dhardw...FVRM5Qod_WnkKw

http://www.antique-hardware.com/

Te easiest way to make storage for whiskey bottles would be to build a separate unit that fits inside the existing trunk.

Do you have access to woodworking tools?

[Jono]

Re tools...some but not a complete woodworking shop by any means. I like the idea of building an insert that would just occupy the interior....maybe even a pre-made rack...something like this:

http://www.wineracksamerica.com/Wood...cks/index.html

Of course, I might have to make adjustments for the space.
The item above is: 27 5/8"(h) x 17 5/16"(w) x 11 1/4"(d)....not a bad fit.

First step will be to carefully strip the old paint.....after I see what the wood looks like underneath I would have to decide on a finish.
I suppose the old hardware could simply be painted over with Rustoleum or similar.....saving the orginal, rustic look.
Otherwise, I will examine the replacement hardware for a better finshed job.
I am thinking of putting some casters on the bottom...maybe placing the trunk on a frame with the casters.

[Stu]

As to the metal: If it is iron hardware (which it appears to be) Take it off of the trunk, put it on an electric wire wheel until it is down to bare metal (Completely rust free - but some pits will remain): get some good cold blue at a local gun shop (I like Birchwood Casey's Paste), follow the directions and blue the metal (Degreasing with acetone is a very important step - I usually wear cotton gloves to ensure that I don't get oil from my skin on the degreased metal). The pits will give away the age, but it's an antique that you want to restore, not new merchandise. I've done this to several antique tools and have been very satisfied with the results. If it's copper or brass hardware, a lot of elbow grease and polishing Will restore it beautifully. Good Luck. Let us see a picture of the finished product.

Stu