Rat Rod Wagon Overhaul! Radio Flyer Go Kart Build

The Rat Rod Wagon is one of our oldest projects. We built this project from a Radio Flyer wagon tub, a Briggs and Stratton 5 horse engine, and scrap metal. It was originally designed for the weight of a five year old, but when we finished the build, we realized that it was way too fast. In today's video, we're redoing the steering for better handling at speed, and to better support the weight of an adult. We also paint the frame and body to stop the rusting process.
Thanks for Watching!
Facebook: goo.gl/VR6mh2
Instagram: bit.ly/3T8njaF
----------------GO POWER SPORTS PARTS IN TODAY'S VIDEO---------------
Springer spindles: bit.ly/2sowOv3
Tie rods: bit.ly/3bpJjYe
Go Power Sports: bit.ly/3QKyODE
NEW MERCH: www.cars-camera...
Equipment we use: www.amazon.com...
The following video features activities performed in controlled environments by knowledgeable persons. DO NOT attempt to duplicate, re-create, or perform the same or similar activities at home, as personal injury or property damage may result. CARS AND CAMERAS, the persons shown in this video and ANY CONTRIBUTOR, ARE NOT LIABLE FOR ANY such injury or damage. ALL CARSANDCAMERAS CONTENT IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY.

Cars and Cameras makes no representation about the sufficiency of any safety precautions and equipment used in this video.

[@ollilehtonen6764]

Would love to see an "adult" version. A Cammed V-twin with a custom built Flyer Wagon body. Basically the exact same thing as the OG but in a larger scale.

[@JOHNJ0HN9111]

Issac is one of those kinds of guys who leaves a classic car the way it is... all rust and stuff... there are those guys who replaces parts and make it better... why Issac is that guy who loves OG cars and stuff he makes by hand...

[@Billo-07]

Theres 2 guys , function>form, form>function.

[@Dan_Kornfeld]

It’s time to build a two adult sized tandem. Or even better, an inline tandem (Maverick & Goose, Top Gun style)! Keep doing what you do!

[@KWhite75]

better still bring back the SPIDERBOX!

[@DracolegacyOfficial]

definition of tandem is 2 things, 1 in front of the other. youre thinking side by side or tandem

[@benbaribault424]

i very much like the top gun idea LOL

[@richardc6091]

Ok now who do you think would be Maverick?

[@bumpedhishead636]

I know everyone says to go bigger, go faster, more power - BUT - this is really all you need to have buckets of fun. I haven't seen John smile this big on any of your big-power builds. Stay gold, Ponyboy, stay gold!

[@CarsandCameras]

That transition at 9:15 tho...

[@waymoretheoutlaw5895]

Man it would look so good with wheel tubs on the back

[@nhenderson2094]

It fit. The shenanigans. The floor. I was waiting to see a bad transition but it fit so well.

[@Jesse_Drinkmilk]

CarsandCameras there is no such rat rod without one shiney part, let those tie rods do their thing and be some bling

[@brennensbuildsmoore5537]

Nice job

[@buckykattguitar]

Are you interested in selling that Chevette? I have the drive train out of a wrecked GNX looking for a home.

[@dr-rc2608]

I still remember when the 4th rat rod wagon episode came out

[@zackftw2748]

Saaaame 😭😭😭😭

[@PatDavis-qg5no]

The rat rod wagon is more than a go kart, this is where it all started. They’re best buddies and this is the origin of their friendship. The RRW is still my favourite build.

[@justinhobart8747]

Can I make a suggestion for a mod for the Radio Flyer wagon go kart, a slight little addition, nothing too crazy... I think would go very well with it. Wooden stake sides in the back half only for seat supports, like a seat back and side bolstering kind of thing, but just rough wooden steak sides like you find on some little kids red wagons. I think it would look good and definitely help hold you in your seat when you're on a wild ride.

[@DetroitMicroSound]

So glad to see the wagon get a much needed stronger and tighter front end. She seems to be steering better already, and even donuts nice in the dirt! 👍 (matte looks more natural!!!)

[@patrickniedermeyer2112]

Pretty sure there's never been anything but smiles from you two while you're riding.

[@robmanueb.]

Don't feel bad about making changes to the Rat Rod, it deserved a birthday. This cart is what brought me to this channel and I think it is the grandfather of a lot of KZbin builds, it is pretty much the forerunner of the front engine go-kart genre.

[@nathaniellangston5130]

I like seeing the old projects get some love! and I like the Gloss!

[@waymoretheoutlaw5895]

Love the evolution of this channel over the years!

[@Toad_Moto]

6:28 that's some Mario Cart IRL looking stuff right there, folks.

[@nodiggity7731]

Toad Moto True Lmao

[@theodoredugranrut8201]

You young men always bring happy to this bunch of old timers You all take good care of yourselves

[@CarsandCameras]

Thanks, stay safe out there!

[@DIY-dv7xj]

Happy 420 for those who dont care 😂

[@braapmoto9268]

DIY me, I do not care

[@awpgaming7505]

i care!

[@mrnick8171]

Yoo

[@zacharyprosper8845]

I care n happy 4-20 2 you as well

[@lindsayk41]

I ❤ 420

[@kenbergren3903]

The Rat Rod wagon is a hot rod, upgrading for better performance, handling and appearance. Good work John and Ike

[@adrockey]

Isaac, projects are never done they just get better. The rat wagon was the reason I started watching y'all. It's still my favorite.

[@fantro1064]

You clear coated that clutch I hope it was high heat stuff it's going to stank when it burns off lol

[@gastongregory1167]

You guys are off the hook! 7,700 views in the 1st hour ! yeeeah! One of the most entertaining channels on Y-T. Thanks, keep up the good work.

[@jasonbickford4283]

Out of all the karts you guys have and have built I think this wagon is in my top 3 favorites list...might even be my #1 favorite. It's so simple yet so awsome.

[@Jchaynes017]

Love the build! White walls and a tractor wagon seat might look good too

[@HouseOfThe8Strings]

Ratrod Wagon is still *killer* Love seeing you guys bring it back!

[@potatozamanco4550]

Yay! It won’t break as much! Also, street legal cross kart? Jus throwing it out tbwre

[@danielgrady9264]

The rat rod wagon is what brought me to your channel all those years ago. I'm glad it's getting some tlc and some much needed upgrades with knowledge you've gained over the years. Can't wait to see the next build.

[@crabtreemedia8169]

My favorite build! So glad ya'll are bringing it back.

[@handyhippie6548]

i saw that lip tryin to pop out there, ike. they are really our babies ain't they? we build 'em, and send them out into the world to get beat and bashed on by someone who just bought 'em. brings a tear to yer eye when they get hurt, don't it? you ain't alone.

[@durangojohn714]

Build another Issac ! I would love to see millions of them it was a great project I'm working on getting my friend that's a gold ribbon certified mechanic a prime welder that Rather be welding advertises . You guys are inspirational thank you for this upload !

[@durangojohn714]

Build a vtwin drag wagon weld two of them together put whatever engine you desire to put on that would be cool !

[@EverydayLayman]

Awesome video! The Rat Rod is one of my favorite builds you guys did. I think it was a pivotal build for you guys. Pugly has a special place in my tops though. Be safe!

[@CarsandCameras]

Hahaha really? Pugly is your favorite build?

[@ollilehtonen6764]

The RRW certainly was the turning point for these guys. I basically didn't even know what non-racetrack ridden go karts were before i came across this build series. I bet alot of people found John and Ike by getting this pesky little devil on their recommended list.

[@doodlebug6833]

This video is the embodyment of "It'll be fine". The old rat rod wagon getting tack reinforcements on the frame, stronger steering set-up, a proper doctors check up on this beloved project. Ike no one blames you for being sentiment, just the jankyness and sketch factor😂(said with as much love as possible) i think speaking on behalf of people who value true backyard yard engineering, and in your words ike, "It'll be fine"

[@mac4427]

1st project...guess I've been here since the beginning. That's the 1st thing I remember from you guys. Keep up the great work!!!!

[@lylekehrer6159]

I've been watching since the tank boat that was my first one but seen earlier ones since.

[@otismurederface]

This wagon was the reason why I started to watch the channel. 👌🏻

[@Mastblood]

This was the first video series that got me into the channel missed this build from the get go

[@propellerheadsaerialphotog8072]

How on earth could we object to you guys applying all you have learned to the build that started it all? It’s wonderful to see it grow with you and stay true to the sprit of the build. Is there another cart that makes you say “damn, we really would do that a little better now” any more than the Rat? Probably not.

[@lmmryan8468]

Back to the good old days I remember I first started following you guys since part one of the rat rod wagon build

[@aaronbyard2051]

I remember waiting for the build episodes on this to come out, a throwback!

[@billysparks2984]

i know the rat rod wagon is a iconic member of the fleet but would be awesome to see a new longer chasis for it keep up the good work guys

[@wyattjayy2739]

FAVORITE KZbinRS BY FAR!!!

[@michaelroberts7205]

Ok but Ike I really do feel what you were getting at with "sentimental" kind of things. I've been wanting to do something like this since 2006 (2020 now) and it made me cry... Thank you guys for your fun and creative ways of looking at life...

[@4486xxdawson]

It was designed for 2 , 5 year olds lol and its been great , out of all your projects this is my # 1 , and i have a wagon here just waiting for my rat wagon build, inspired by you guys

[@jhendren0001]

I'm with you Ike on the sentimental part you guys put your best in this build and at the time it was a pioneering moment for you guys but I'm glad you all are making it better and safer,,,,,no objecting to this you guys are awesome to watch,, thank you for th hard work you all put in and I mean everyone I know theres people that help that isn't always in front of the camera. Huge thumbs up 👍👍

[@badenkoch6886]

Great Stuff Guys! You are the ones who got me into karting!

[@SportbikerNZ]

This is where the journey really began. Awesome.

[@GruesomeJeans]

The wagon probably been one of my favorite builds you guys have done. Its rough and simple but it definitely has that Rat Rod look. I'm glad you guys did some work on it to make little improvements while not taking away from the look.. I'm sure you guys, or at leas Ike already knows the trick but you can take salt and mix it with water in a spray bottle to "encourage" the rust a little. A friend of mine used to do that one leaky water pipes that were made from Cast Iron. The rust seals up the leaky joint until you can properly fix it.

[@jamesmcgee9279]

Great video! I remember my first minibike build with a Brigg's Raptor on it. I had a blast with that engine in particular. Without a doubt; best of it's time in my opinion.

[@blze0018]

The good projects are the ones that never fully finish, they just morph between iterations getting better every time. It's still the Rat Rod Wagon everyone loves, just better.

[@valentins.352]

The red rod wagon is a cars and cameras all-star. The sound it makes the way it's constructed just everything I love this thing. You guys nailed this video the music and everything just perfect. Hope you guys are healthy and safe. I very much enjoyed this episode :)

[@Doc_89]

Ike, if you read this; There is nothing wrong with taking something old, with sentimental value, and making/fixing it so its like new - maybe even better than it was. You are just giving it "more" life, a face-lift, so to speak.

[@FallenDj122]

god i remember when you guys first made the rat rod in your parents garage, can't believe i've been watching that long, but i love you guys and i love everything you do!

[@lylekehrer6159]

That does look a little like a new paint job with the gloss. I remember the powered wagon we had was the pull handle for the steering and our leg for the 'motor'. This looks so much better!

[@edmundholmes7559]

Still my favourite build. And the Mower..

[@kaleg.416]

This is still my favorite little kart you guys built, it's a perfect rat rod. Wanna weather those tie rods quickly? Get some copper sulfate ( blue root killer crystals) dissolve in water in a spray bottle and spray to your hearts content. Works like a champ

[@jimmiebowman4573]

Always love the rat wagon. It's the inspiration of my gasser wagon I'm building now. Keep up the awesome work gentlemen.

[@chevymanbilly5698]

Vinger, peroxide, and table salt mixture makes a nice rust looks well actaully is rust lol but yeah there is lot of u tube video on this mix hope this helps if u didn't already know this mix

[@weebwacker6919]

I love how John looks at the kart like its his child

[@nodiggity7731]

Owen Schlegel Lol

[@Dwayne7834]

The paint brought it out. Looks great. Thanks for sharing

[@danieldelarosa8806]

One of the first videos I saw of you all was the rad rod wagon build.its been my favorite of all. Straight from scratch. From there I subscribed.

[@11LowDown11]

Dig’n the builds and the video content never gets old, It seems that you both have a nack for it! Isaac, if you ever purge your garage for a garage sale, let me know, I’d love to own that ole flathead V8 sitting on the floor!

[@kanestokes1850]

Love to see you guys in your new shop! Can't wait to see me shop fixin' videos!

[@chevymanbilly5698]

U can throw some black in places and red oxide primer also in places also gives a great effect

[@norco_288]

I also have a soft spot for this build, definitely one of my favorites

[@kevinwelsh8060]

John really has the Covid hair going at the outro lol

[@CarsandCameras]

LOL 100%

[@jeff-no1lp]

im building one of these right now, rear engine with big phat tires in the rear and smalls in the front. just need to find a steering assembly and ill have pretty much everything i need

[@Tjcked]

So glad it’s back keep it up guys

[@aksports8207]

Got here as fast as I could!

[@rinzebrouwer3808]

the second video of the rad rod wagon made me sub and it's still my favourite project

[@SeanLeonDrumz]

You guys should consider getting a motorcycle lift. Would make it a lot easier to work on these small engines.

[@shawntl]

That is a cool build live what you all do

[@enginerd1776]

A small roller/spring tensioner would fix that chain... Keep up the awesome work gentlemen!

[@donbot5000]

beer and salt will start the surface rusting. mighty car mods i think did an episode on it forever ago.

[@floatz76]

You'all should mount a gas tank in front of the engine. One of those round aluminum ones

[@v8power561]

That thing is sweet!

[@Iwaswrong578]

Looks badass gentlemen!! The popcorn thing was pretty funny! Respect! 👊😬👍

[@huntereaton8909]

About time you guys bring that thing back

[@stephbergamaschi]

Also love your videos guys Been years ever since ive watched this amazing youtube channel

[@hond4srule]

Rat rod is by far my favorite.

[@capdeath2207]

I love your guy's vids. It's Very inspirin

[@themanyaknow03]

I want that Chevette in the background of the video

[@pengkrug5283]

u r so lucky to b able 2 do all this stuff

[@shark11175]

Perfect editing

[@stoddern]

Your honor I object, just kidding, you guys have learned a lot over the years and are making it better!

[@compressorhead02]

I remember when you guys first built this thing I was so excited to see it running the first time also when you guys had a straight pipe all the way to the back

[@Tampaboys]

This is one of the many reasons you guys rock thanks for everything my channel has just gotten to one k in a Lil over three months I’m just a dude with a disability trying to make the best friend life for. My family

[@moistexistence3090]

I like to think the RatRod is this channel’s signature go kart

[@GamingPanda727]

Great vid

[@thomasburgtorf321]

With the extra threads u had on the front end,you should’ve ground them down to a spike it would of been so appropriate for this build

[@sheldonhall4572]

Glad to see the Rat Rod wagon get some love :)

[@dredoesyt4558]

Love the rat rod wagon

[@wyattatkinson8031]

Yall need to a tool box Tour. I like that MAC box

[@lmaoonolifehavingass3072]

I think you guys should build a barstool racer.it would be freakin awesome

[@donaldmaclean1872]

The smile on Johns face is the answer to the question of "why buy an old go cart"? Smiles per gallon is my answer.

[@discingaround]

That's one fine, fine ride gentlemen

[@jaythrash8804]

Building a go kart with Ricky Bobby. Good times. Good times.

[@ronaldtowns7291]

Remember your Ppe ie mask when painting. Rat wagon looks great. I’ll be here next Monday cuz I can’t guess what you got up your sleeve. Be safe be kind and have a day.

[@josephherrera557]

You guys need to put a hopped-up predator in that yellow Chevette

[@nodiggity7731]

Joseph Herrera PUT RHE PREDATOR 620cc IN THERE THE ONE WITH DA RADIATOR AND THE v2 DO IT

[@davidbakker-wester113]

I think the shiny front end makes it look real rat rod. One nice part to complete it.

[@EdsCoolVideos]

I am a big fan and have been watching your videos for two years, you really inspire me to work on go carts and I thank you for that l, keep up the good and hard work

[@UncleDansVintageVinyl]

I love this channel. You guys have a ton of fun, and we get to enjoy it.

[@elijahgorman2038]

Rusty would be a cool name

[@tkskagen]

If ya'll wanna go "INSANE POWER" (NOT FOR a 5Yo!), find and rebuild a Horizontal Shaft Briggs and Stratton Twin Opposed Engine with Recoil (Generator engine) and add a Pulse Pump for a remote Fuel Tank! That would be SICK!!!🤘 Take care, 🤓 -Thomas Port Orchard, Washington (Just West of Seattle)