Restore a Radio Flyer Wagon

Have an old Radio Flyer Wagon sitting in your garage gathering dust? It only takes a few easy steps to make any wagon ready to conquer the hills or the sandy beaches of the coast.

Step 1: Disassemble the Wagon

Take off all of the main components to the wagon including the drive system, side brackets, and wheels. Gather materials including screwdrivers, sandpaper, spray paint, wood finish, as well as other miscellaneous tools.

Step 2: Sand Parts

Use Sandpaper to make the wood smooth before applying the finish coat.

Steel Wool can be used for the rusted metal parts to prepare the drive system for painting.

Step 3: Paint and Finish

Once the parts have been cleaned and sanded they are ready to be painted. Rustoleum is preferred for the metal parts on the wagon to avoid future rusting. A wood finish can be applied to the deck for an updated look and feel. Be sure to use painters tape to avoid panting unwanted pieces.

Step 4: Assemble and Enjoy

Now start to assemble the wagon when the parts are dried and ready. Don't forget to pump the tires and lube the moving parts. Done!

Comments

[Bernardmvb]

I am at the point of painting and putting back together my daughters old Radio Flyer Town & Country to give to her daughter. To keep the most true finish on the lower bed, would you suggest a clear shellac or an amber tinted shellac?

[johninav]

Your steering axle looks l a little different than mine. It has normal washers vs the funny looking ones on yours. Is this to stop the axle from going 90 degrees?
Reason I ask is I put some Harbor Freight 10 in wheels on mine, and the front wheels rub when going close to 90 degrees.

[matthew.vitale.21]

Can you be a little more precise on what all tools you need.

[kgregg2]

Nice. I recently restored one of these, but I couldn't find new wheels. I had to get lawn mower wheels at Home Depot. Do you know where I can get wagon wheels?

Kris.

[thezapman]

nicely done. here is one i have restored with a custom frame and one totally made by hand as well.

[thezapman]

number 1

[No_Limits]

That looks sweet! Nicely done

[thezapman]

number 2

[tukas]

Great thing about these wagons is that even when the kids get bigger, you can get SOOO much use out of the wagons if you go camping or picnicking or even to a parade. Do NOT underestimate the power of the Radial Flyer!!!

[No_Limits]

Definitely! One of the best investments for sure.

[neo71665]

I went crazy on my sons. After one year it started rusting even being stored inside the shed. I sandblasted and powercoated all the metal parts, replaced all the hardware with stainless steel, and used bedliner on the inside of the box. Seven years ago and still looks new.

[thezapman]

thats the way to do it!