Hot Rod Radio Flyer

I think I had a kid 2.75 years ago so I could justify doing some things that would otherwise be creepy. And I had to sell the Miata in my profile pic to afford the second kid I have on the way, so now I really need something to tinker on. All kids need a wagon, right? So how could I turn this:

to this:

First off, wheels:

They had bead lock screws in them, so I Loctite'd them into place and cut them off. I still have leakage problems, though, on the rear wheels, so I gotta fix that.

Front crossmember: Gotta make it a focal point. Lots of drawing and cutting, then welding each half together (thanks, GRM tech tips!) so they were perfectly symmetrical.

Frame rails: A little hot rod Ford styling here.

More mock-up:

Coil-overs:

Got the front end pretty much designed and mocked up.

Here's my dad's latest project: He's rebuilding the gas pump that was on the farm he grew up on. Built in 1938 or so, and sat outside for over 60 years. He also has the older pump (not a visible pump, though) already somewhat restored. Both pumps will sit on the island outside his garage mahal. (3900 sq ft heated, drywalled garage that matches the tudor style of his house--these pics were taken in that garage.)

The smaller drill press wouldn't drill 5/8" holes, so we used the bigger drill press. This drill was already old when used by my grandfather in the early 1940's or so. Still works great. It's been electrified, though. Look in the background of this pic for the line-driven lathe, built in the very early 1900's. The line shaft was in my great-grandfather's shop many decades ago, run by steam. It is now driven by the large electric motor and truck transmission in the corner of the shop, which was also assembled by my great-grandfather.

This is awesome.

Pretty much done here. Still gotta grind off the ugly welds, paint and dress it up. I'll probably paint the frame black and the shocks yellow. I'll also do chrome fasteners. I'll paint the wheels white and put a red pinstripe on the wheel lip. I'll also put the red hub caps back on the end of the axles. If anyone has any neat ideas, I may incorporate them, although I'm pretty much done here. These can get crazy complicated!

I spent hours designing this and lots of time running around acquiring parts. I ran out of mad money and had to dip into savings, which made my wife really mad. I stuck my hand in the vertical belt sander, and cut the bridge of my nose with a face shield (ouch!) I didn't tell my wife how much I spent doing this, and I'm not even done yet. Here's what makes it worth every penny and every minute:

badass

Well done dad.

Very Cool.

I want the line shaft tools as well.

That's awesome. My boy is due in November and I've already been looking at making a '30s racecar styled pedal car!

Wow, that's fantastic. Nice work!

Got it painted, except for a few details. Kid loves it! Dad thinks it's pretty cool, too.

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That kid doesn't know how lucky he is!

Nice job!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IV7Jn8X2sg&feature=youtu.be

Found your next project!

The wagon is too cool.

Very, very cool! I see completed builds like this rolling around the swap meets around here. I've always wanted to do one myself. You get X-infinity Dad Points for doing it too.

Somewhat related: I pulled my old Radio Flyer out of the hill it was buried in for 20+ years recently and it is rusty but mostly there, except for the suspension bits and "floor". I so want to do a Rat Wagon build on it, if I ever finish my other projects.

Very Cool!! Nice job!!

Can't wait to see what you come up with in 14 years!!!