New guy sharing a wagon build

I stumbled across this site while looking for ideas for my sons Radio Flyer build. Figured I would share what I came up with, maybe answer some questions to help others out who are looking to do this. Once I get everything copy/pasted over here I will even do a breakdown on how much everything cost and where to buy it

[B]Picked this up for $20 off my buddy tonight:[/B]

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[B]10mins after getting home I had this:[/B]

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[B]The factory paint was bubbling and peeling off so we went to work stripping it. Since it's his wagon, he got to put in work on it[/B]

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[B] Once we had gotten all the paint we could get off it was time to bust out the aircraft stripper. Took it to a local car wash and blasted that s*** off:[/B]

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[B]I have a buddy that powder coats so instead of paint, we're gonna go that route. I asked my son what color he wanted it and he replied Green. He didn't specify which green so we chose this:[/B]

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Got the tub back from the sandblaster today, no more rust!! Also mocked up the rear wheels just to get an idea of what I am working with. I will need a full size pickup truck to haul this thing to the track. The one good thing is the bottom of the pan will sit about 3-5 inches off the ground.

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Picked up a set of matching shifter kart wheels/tires as well as showing the color the wagon is going

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[B]In order to make the wheels work I had to buy some hubs. I picked up 4 from bmikarts.com ($12 each) [/B]

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[B]The wagon is back from the powder coater and I absolutely love the color. I will snap a couple more pics later today and post them up on here. I can't wait to see my little guys reaction to it being done. [/B]

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So I have been going back and forth on how I was going to build the front suspension. I wanted to keep it some what simple, yet make sure it worked 100%. Leave it to my dad to be here 10 minutes and come up with an idea that uses the stock stuff.

I went to Home Depot the other day to grab the stuff to make front and rear axles, 5/8 all thread is what I got. I also picked up these long bolts that I was going to keep the wheel on with as a big lug nut. Well those are now being used as part of the axle. I'll show you what I mean..

[B]This is the piece I picked up from Home Depot (4 of them actually)[/B] [URL=http://s793.photobucket.com/user/guy_from_nerk/media/1011648_10151796929716907_821617905_n_zps1baedf45.jpg.html][/URL]

[B]This is the stock front suspension, where my finger is pointing to is the portion that is to be cut off[/B] [URL=http://s793.photobucket.com/user/guy_from_nerk/media/574501_10151796928986907_1494773080_n_zps39cfd792.jpg.html][/URL]

[B]Here it is after it has been cut down[/B] [URL=http://s793.photobucket.com/user/guy_from_nerk/media/539677_10151796938256907_1409862796_n_zps44c902e1.jpg.html][/URL]

[B]Now take the long nut and put it over the portion of the stock axle you cut down[/B] [URL=http://s793.photobucket.com/user/guy_from_nerk/media/1002887_10151796938441907_249100463_n_zps928b3c2e.jpg.html][/URL]

[B]After you weld this on, you can then thread the all thread into it and secure the wheel with a jam nut on either side[/B] [URL=http://s793.photobucket.com/user/guy_from_nerk/media/1184851_10151796939541907_1765235451_n_zpsee78351f.jpg.html][/URL]

All the parts that were either bare or beat up looking got powder coated satin black today. They turned out awesome, I am hoping to have everything back together tonight so my kid can finally start enjoying it. I am still debating on using a 6v battery and wiring up some sort of lighting on this thing. Plus I have a few more little things to do before I call it complete

I used 3/4 square tubing welded to a plate that bolts into the stock location of the old suspension, cut it aobut 3" in front of the wagon. I took a piece of 1/2" square tube and ran it from the swivel part, drilled a hole and put a pin to allow the wheels to turn. After that I then put the piece of 1/2" square tubing inside the 3/4" tube and drilled a hole through both to put a pin. This will work as a hitch, to allow the front end to be pulled off, placed in the tub and be easy to haul

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I got it just about 99% of the way complete and was able to take the kid for a walk around the neighborhood in it

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I mounted up a set of CBR 1000rr side marker lights today.

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I extended and painted the handle, being 6'6 can have it's disadvantages sometimes. Pic quality sucks, blame my IPhone, I do

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I decided it was time to install some lights. I picked up a rechargeable 6v battery and charger as well as some LED neon lights. The LED's were real easy to install since they are thing strips and have 3m tape on the backside of them. In order to keep the wagon clean looking and conceal the battery I cam up with an idea. I made a template of the front part of the tub on the wagon, transfered that to cardboard and eventually to some plywood. I am going to hide the battery inside a box that doubles as a cup holder. My dad gave me a jeep top that he had laying around, I am going to use it to wrap the box in to keep it waterproof.

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that is cool, but you forgot to do something with thr handle though to make it look cool as the rest of the setup.

That's awesome. BTW - we all know you're on Craigslist right now looking for a 'Busa motor to drop into that thing.

kazoospec wrote: That's awesome. BTW - we all know you're on Craigslist right now looking for a 'Busa motor to drop into that thing.

Funny you say that, I actually just picked a wagon up that has an axle on it ;)

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ckosacranoid wrote: that is cool, but you forgot to do something with thr handle though to make it look cool as the rest of the setup.

I actually have a B&M shift knob sitting here that I may end up putting on it.

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Wagon: $20 (friend had it) Sandblasting: $30 Powder Coating: $50 Hubs: $61 (www.bmikarts.com) Wheels: $50 (friend hookup) 1/2" & 3/4" Square Tubing: $27 (Tractor Supply Company) 5/8 all thread for axle: $9 (Lowes) Misc Nuts/Bolts/Pins: $20 6v Battery w/charger: $20 (Walmart) Underbody LED Neon Lights: $20 (Autozone) Total: 310 ish. Having a happy kid: Priceless

The next one I build will be cheaper as I have most the materials left over already and will be going to either paint or go through a different powder coater.

That absolutely RULES!!! Nice work!

Every time I go to the local swap meets, there are dudes that have these crazy and elaborate wagons. I've always wanted to build one.

well done (and welcome aboard)

Thanks!! I have been wanting to build one for a while, but wanted a hot rod look since we drag race and he goes to the racetrack with us.

Awesome build, sir. I want to do something like that sooner or later for my kid, it's on my neverending list of projects. All the cheap wagons are non-existent here though.

Where are you located? I have bought 4 in the last month and have yet to pay over $20 for any of them. In fact I am supposed to go pick up 3 more priced from $10-15 each. You just gotta keep looking, try craigslist, that's where I have had the best luck, that and just driving around and randomly spotting them, stopping and offering cash.

That. Is. AWESOME!!!

daddybuiltracing wrote: Where are you located? I have bought 4 in the last month and have yet to pay over $20 for any of them. In fact I am supposed to go pick up 3 more priced from $10-15 each. You just gotta keep looking, try craigslist, that's where I have had the best luck, that and just driving around and randomly spotting them, stopping and offering cash.

Minneapolis, MN. Everything is worth its weight on gold.

Gotcha, that's crazy. You can buy em new for $79 at Wal Mart haha

Looks awesome!