Revamping The Rat Rod Tow Truck Plus A Never-Before-Seen Recovery

#fabrats #ratrodtowtruck #offroadrecovery
Today we're working on the Rat Rod Tow Truck! Buttoning up all the pieces to get it ready for some ultimate pulls, but we get interrupted by a familiar face that needed a rescue!
Make sure to follow along with us as we build and fabricate cool stuff!!
We LOVE Onx Off-Road! Get 20% by using code FABRATS-20 or click on this link:
webmap.onxmaps...
Get your own Fab Rat's Apparel Here:
www.thefabrats...
More videos you'll love:
Close Call! The Worst FIRE We've Ever Had Almost Burned Down Our New Off Road Rollback Project!
• Close Call! The Worst ...
Building The Ultimate FrankenTruck: Merging 5 Trucks Into 1 Epic Beast!
• Building The Ultimate ...
Building Our Most Ambitious Project Yet! Plus, An Update On The New Shop Build.
• Building Our Most Ambi...
We love Barnes 4x4. Check them out!
www.barnes4wd....
Check out Fab Rat's Recovery Gear by Yankum Ropes!!
yankum.com/pro...
Use coupon code FABRATS at checkout to save 10% on your order!
Follow us on Instagram: FabRats
And THE FAB RATS Facebook page: / thefabrats
For business inquiries please email us at: [e-mail]
Shipping Address:
Fab Rats
P.O. Box 234 or General Delivery
Glendale, UT 84729

[@robertdavis6708]

Man would Grandpa Sherm be proud of his sons for building the ultimate off road wrecker. What a combined family project, lead by Grandma Lollie. Great effort by all.

[@deandennis2838]

Grandma Lolly is the best! Her constant positive attitude is awesome!

[@RUDOLF1929]

Реально балдёж 👍

[@deanschannel6334]

Seems odd to leave the 2x4 in after had leveled.

[@Tim78-s2p]

Grandma swears like a sailor I love it lol

[@RandomName100]

@@deanschannel6334 Not really. Just pull it out once the concrete is hard and fill.

[@ItsNachoChannel]

I was really sad when Randall left. I didn’t know how you were going to fill that void. But I’ll tell you. Hunter has really grown into it and I think he’s exceptional. Love to see him grow.

[@TumbleweedCustoms]

Just want to say thank you for the great videos you put out. You don't realize what your videos do for people. I used to build all kinds of radicals toys. But I got cancer and I had to stop building toys and now I'm at the point that there is nothing anyone can do for me but try to make me comfortable and if it wasn't for your videos and other awesome people just like you that put this videos out. My last few months would have been alot worse for me. I don't have much time left but what I do will be spent with family and friends and your videos thanks for helping me be able to be strong when I really wasn't. God bless you and all the fab rats family.

[@DRFelGood]

“Fab Rats” is still slaying the fun !!! Thank you Paul, Ben, Hunter and Grams 💛

[@COM70]

25:37 The foam sets and expands better with a light spritz of water.

[@HugDeeznueces]

For real!??

[@Vagabondpilot]

They are in the desert with VERY dry air... this makes sense. Thanks for the education.

[@Peterraev]

PU polyurethane foam uses the moisture in the air to harden, so if it can't get moisture, it won't harden

[@ednastone8941]

@FabRats came here to say this. I am a little behind and just now catching up on your videos. Use a little spritz of water between layers and it'll help it cure, exactly like @COM70 said. Read the back of the can.

[@chadsfab]

Ben, I think you're right....YOU'RE FIRED!! 😁😁🤣🤣 I knew that was going to be a big undertaking, kinda glad it's not me. 🙂🙂

[@effynme]

The spray foam cures with moisture. Spray it with water to harden faster. Just means you did a good job sealing the door up.

[@jasonh4167]

I concur!😊

[@makingtechsense126]

I also concur

[@wooba]

I concur the most.

[@pdxbk]

It was the speaker gods tryin to help ya keep it spacey in there. As a general rule, you need space to make bass. See Thiele / Small for more info.

[@nathanrotar5012]

See these other guys ⬆️? They don't concur as much as I do!

[@flemmingkjellerup9780]

I really hope Ben,Hunter and Shaun will stay working with Fabrats, they are alle a big plus for the channel 👍😀

[@Cletus.223]

Wow Paul! That shop pad is huge! It's gotta be bigger than the existing shop..Can't wait to see how it turns out! I was shocked that Dar's truck came out as easy as it did..My dad drove a dump truck those things are heavy!(And Ironically..His name is Darwin also..lol)

[@nsaanity]

I loved at 24:13 when Paul was humming," Give said the little stream." Those Primary songs stick with you. 😂 Thanks for putting in this gem Michelle.

[@rickydonahue1586]

You did such an awesome job welding that door up the foam couldn't get any air.

[@jdougn2255]

Yep! Foam needs moisture (also found in the air) to set up.

[@nedharmon9135]

I rarely use the word “deserve” because it is so overly used and misused today. In your case, the Cox Family really consistently comes through providing a quality mix of ALL things good for us to share in. The Cox family “deserves”a hearty congratulations for all you do. The shop is just a bonus for you. Congratulations!

[@davebenson1504]

I know you are joking Ben... but you and Paul are soooo fortunate to have a GREAT Mom who raised 'interesting' boys 🥰 from mice living in the cab and now a rat's nest of wires 😂

[@marvincarter870]

The Fab Rats team tackled some tough projects today rebuilding the boom on the tow truck, installing the insulation in the cab, getting the stereo and speakers installed, etc. Did you get the AC serviced? Grandma Lolly is such a beautiful addition to this family and we love her! ❤ And so nice to see that the concrete is poured for the new shop this going to help so much by giving them more room! Hunter is such an asset to the team and is quickly picking up on a lot of the work being done.

[@homegrownson]

For added relief wrap headers and exhaust in heat shield tape, it might save a starter or two in process

[@wildkev1010]

LOVE watching the shop progress. Please bring us along for the entire process. Keep up the good work!

[@ryanharding4199]

Always love the know how and the laughter as part of the content every time. Love our Fab Rats

[@markcatanzaro9699]

Isn't it crazy that they know how to fix EVERYTHING?! If/when the shit hits the fan- i think I'm headed to Utah to hang with them!

[@jaredkinneyjr]

30:49 Who's that pretty young lady???

[@hoopadoopa204]

11:40 double orange chicken and chow mein, Hunter's a real one for having good taste buds 🤘🤘🤣

[@jacobbarth2169]

I work at a company that makes hydraulic cylinders… I winced when you got that hammer out 😂 you might have gotten lucky, but there’s a good chance you tore an outer seal and pieces of it are now running through your pump… we use an assembly tool, basically a really thin ring compressor and can be made on a lathe. Hope this helps if the cylinder bleeding down under load gets annoying

[@MykeHunts]

Hey Ben, keep in mind when running wires for audio its best to have the speaker wires and Rca wires separated from any power supply or 12v signal. It can create some interference and a whining through the speakers. Typically its best to run audio on one side of the vehicle and power on the other

[@jamesbigham9036]

Good morning seeing a new FabRats video is always a good start to my day. Seeing the FJ do a interesting recovery was an added bonus. The FJ is a true work horse made the recovery look easy. I give you guys credit because I wouldn't be able to be a KZbin creator and how I know is my language isn't family friendly at all. I am more like Grandma when it comes to swearing.

[@echobeefpv8530]

Still one of my favorite channels, it's the family / friends aspect of it, a down home vibe. The shop should be epic !!

[@zakburnett6690]

Expansion foam works with moisture spray a little water in when you fill stuff like that so it all sets up well more of it anyway

[@jasondoss2651]

Exactly what I was thinking

[@davidgates1122]

You also can't just put a huge glob in one place. It cures from the outside in, and once you get a little over an inch of the outer portion cured, it acts as a moisture barrier, preventing the inner portion from curing. You have to apply it in layers, letting it cure between applications. When you hear the nightmare stories about people having problems with spray foam that was installed in their house, it is usually caused by poorly trained (or untrained) contractors taking shortcuts trying to apply the foam in a single layer that is 4 inches or more in thickness.

[@stevevanpatten1372]

Mrs Cox is a very Special Lady. And She doesn't Sugarcoat anything that She says. And that's a good thing. 😊

[@detroitdiy]

Grandma Lolly is the best. Her influence on me has been life changing. I said my first 30 swear words just now. I know what Ben means when he says he never used to swear. Great video guy's. I still think we should have a words of wisdom segmented featuring Grandma Lolly.

[@mdtv427]

Nice video! I like the longer videos even an hour would be sweet. Keep the family atmosphere Paul!!!

[@kfd629]

Spray foam guy and loyal sub here. Try misting with water from a spray bottle. That may kick off better curing. To clean out the shmoo, use gloves and acetone. It will dissolve the uncured chemicals. Do NOT use mountain dew on the foam. It will cause a caustic reaction and send it into the danger zone!!😂😂😂

[@imtonedeaf1]

Do tell why you know about mountain dew lol

[@hansfossholt1016]

Paul Cox is a good "leader"/owner/boss, he gives his employees compliments. More important than salary 😁

[@Grunttamer]

Hey Paul those foams generally react with humidity in the air. I bet combination of dry air and being fully contained kept it from fully curing.

[@coachgeo]

yep.... some guys inject a mist a water as they push the foam into sealed places. Saw it somewhere here on KZbin few years back. Video was about how to spray foam into vans in camper builds if I recall right.

[@jayroberts636]

It’s in an air tight door so it couldn’t off gas and harden

[@coachgeo]

@@jayroberts636 Seems it it is not gas off issue... is is air moisture in air that is the issue. The spray can style foam mixes requires typical moisture found in surrounding air to mix with the formula. It needed to complete the hardening stage. Lot of discussion/videos on this in the van life building forums and videos.

[@benjurqunov]

Lesson learned... The foam deep inside may harden eventually it may take years ! Next time apply those spraycan foams in small doses.

[@MrGixxer1300r]

Awesome content Paul. Ben, and Hunter!! You guys work so fluid together, and you have built one heck of a off road wrecker, not over sized, but big enough to get the job done. Thanks for a nice long show I hope to see more.

[@andrewruble7706]

Love how you all make everything you work on fun and entertaining. Hunter surly is learning a few things each day. Can't wait to see the new shop. Getting closer everyday. Thanks for sharing.

[@brightman2011]

I keep thinking; man I am glad that there are people who can still do this kind of work. Reminds me of my pop, RIP

[@rayvonnesr1672]

Like the longer shows!! Not many KZbinrs can pull it off. You guys do good!! 🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎

[@teejey351]

Thank you for not just paying the fine and forgetting about! I fully support you for standing up for yourself, this is bull.

[@donaldmarty8445]

Wow!!! That's going to be an awesome addition to the shop. Can't wait to see it finished.

[@harrytaylor6854]

Yes sir always nice to leaks fixed get some tunes in and less heat in the cab.Looks professional to me along with a heavy rescue and the new floor poured yes great video well done guy's Paul,Ben and Hunter thank you for sharing

[@zman7953]

That recovery was epic. Love all you're content. Cheers to the Fab Rats family.

[@reneprovencher8395]

You put that foam in! Yep you sealed sealed up the can!!!! Put a couple vent holes in the door, she’ll harden up. It’s just like you put the glue cap back in the bottle of glue. Eventually it would of hardened with your speaker installed. We appreciate your videos!!! 👋👍

[@mrolsen6987]

It's so fun to see how you grow, building these cool rigs and all the laughter. I'am so happy for y'all ! Cheers from Northern Sweden 🍻

[@SwedesGarage]

Vars i norra Sverige bor du???

[@mrolsen6987]

@@SwedesGarage I södra delen, Jämtland 😁

[@SwedesGarage]

@@mrolsen6987 Själv är jag i Rosvik, mitt emellan Luleå och Piteå.

[@mrolsen6987]

@@SwedesGarage Ja det är ju en hel bit längre norrut 😁👍

[@RandomName100]

@@mrolsen6987 En annan, är liiite mera söderut. Skurup.

[@junkopotomus]

I had the same issue with heat in my FJ55. One additional thing I did was get some of that embossed aluminum and made heat shields for the exhaust. Huge improvement for me.

[@brentswallers7905]

Proud of you Paul and family. Reach for your dreams. Build all you can and expand so when you tube is no more. You still shine. You guys are awesome and I enjoy spending time with you

[@reallnow]

As a Concrete Pump Operator and Mechanic thanks for showing my trade!! Love watching you videos!!

[@garan2287]

Looking at the size of the pad, I now have shop envy!

[@JT-SE-OHIO]

I have a pair of the same large blue handle channel lock pliers. They were my fathers and were always referred to as the water pump pliers and still are. I never ask why nor was ever told how they got that name. I know they have come in handy and were the right tool for the job many times and still work like new after at least 50 years.

[@blaisemacfarlane3735]

Marine bazooka tube is the best way to go for trucks. I had a non marine one in my first truck. they have awesome range and the amp is also enclosed in the tube so it’s all in one package

[@stevencatone]

What?

[@blaisemacfarlane3735]

@@stevencatone a bazooka tube is a sub inside of a tube with an amp on the other side. Like a giant toilet paper roll with a sub on one end and a little amp at the other. They make them in 6”, 8”and 10”. They make a marine version for boats too

[@stevencatone]

@@blaisemacfarlane3735 oh I see

[@kaydog2008]

💡💡Paul you could mount the sub woofer up in the ceiling. Between 2 curved angle irons since there's no middle seat. 👈👈😲😲

[@scottcochran384]

Ya know it's gonna be a good Day when a New Fab Rats Video is Dropped.. Great one as usual.

[@stevemcguire948]

Hi Paul The foam requires moisture to go off. Before we ever spray expanding foam into a confind space we give it a few sprays of water with a mist head spray bottle. I'm a carbon fiber product manufacturer in New zealand. If you read the data sheet on the foam or talk to the rep they will confirm the need for moisture

[@jameskendrick573]

That is so awesome Paul for you and your family adding on making the business bigger very happy for yall

[@stevesheffield3011]

Everyone's looking for half filled water bottles. I'm over here looking for more celestial smiles. You guys are awesome!

[@michaelbondick575]

You always hope it goes in as easily as it came out.🤪. “Quotes to live by.” 🤔 “Clang and Bang” Sounds like some sort of party. Another great one from the men at Fab Rats. 😇

[@brettmoritz3698]

The best part of this channel is nothing ever really gets done.. like all of us, finish one project, another is already scheduled

[@edwardsimmons3721]

Always love watching the family adventures.

[@josephmaughan1635]

Paul you hit the nail on the head with the foam it will not set up and less as air. After reading a few comments maybe some moisture will help too.

[@Riff.430]

Would like to see Machel in more videos. Great job guys.

[@slowlydimming4320]

That is going to be a fantastic addition when done loads more space!!!

[@kimetherington2252]

Good things are happening in the shop and moving along nicely! Good to see Papa Dar. It's been a while since we've seen him! Til next time take care and we'll see you on the next...

[@1one3_Racing]

Growing up and working on isolated farms, I learnt quickly that if you're going to town for parts, buy 2. If its cheap enough, get one size bigger and one size smaller as well. The amount of seals, gaskets and orings I damaged when assembling things....

[@ramjam720]

I am a little surprised that there is not a nylon wear pad on the tip of the lower boom for the upper boom to ride on. If you have to extend the boom under load, it will prevent metal on metal wear.

[@myralynn15]

To share a stuck truck story. My dad is a trucker and at one point the company he worked for was hauling gravel to a local monastery for a construction project they were doing. My dad hauled several loads to them and one of his coworkers who went by the handle Big D was also hauling to them. My dad left to go grab another load as Big D was coming in to dump one up on the hill where the monastery is located. My dad got about half way to the quarry when he got a call from Big D because he was freaked out because he got stuck in the mud and the Russian Orthodox monks were gathered around chanting, trying to pray the truck out the mud. My dad who is also a Baptist preacher turned around and went and pulled him out and then told us about it while laughing as soon as he came home.

[@edwardjohnson1269]

Man how big is that new shop it looks enormous I’m jealous great work keep on doing what you do

[@bartanderson6476]

Not trying to be that guy so I apologize in advance, BUT, my two and three year old sons love this show. Love it. The family friendly attention to detail has always been appreciated bc that has basically evaporated from our culture. THANK YOU FOR THAT!

[@gods_soldier971]

Whomever welded that door up, did an excellent job sealing it air tight, that's why the foam didn't cure. Water tight hey. I'm really digging the channel lately team! Awesome family dynamics and some really rad projects! God Bless

[@KenBworthit]

This is my absolute favorite channel. I feel like I’m really there. Thanks Paul, Ben and Hunter

[@shaneharrison4775]

Always good when your projects work out well and grandpa Sherm I'm sure he's extremely proud of you boys .😊

[@ronladuke7235]

I love how Grandma 👵 comes around to check up on her boys and see what they’re doing?

[@No.Good.Guy.]

The cap and bet thing was hilarious. Either I'm in a really good mood or you guys killed this episode lol

[@davidingram353]

I worked it the hydraulic industry for over 25 years, have done countless cylinder repairs. The longest telescoping boom cylinders I rebuilt had an 18 foot stroke, it was interesting to say the least. Your cylinder is just a tiny one.

[@calholli]

You only need your rebar to be in a 2ft grid, so you guys have double the rebar that is needed. So you definitely have an overbuilt floor with that much rebar-- which is not a bad thing. :)

[@SteelheadTed]

“Only need” according to who?

[@michaelnieman6218]

Paul you should have hooked that cylinder up to the system and check to see that it works and not leaks on you could have saved some work if it did leak

[@danrussell3439]

Great video…wonder what Chad’s thoughts were when he saw the mess on the cab floor.

[@HarryS8311]

Haha, same here, lol 😂😂

[@kennymay3036]

Man that 250R setting there is a beautiful sight. The one I wish I would have never sold. But kids were young and needed the money. One day I will find another

[@rayc.1396]

Great video. you new shop pad is too small, needs to be twice that size so you can have all 12 of your jobs inside all the time.

[@mclarenscca]

I absolutely love Papa Dar! I've been missing him on the show! Good to ses he is doing well!

[@akelkhunter]

Ben did a good rendition of Chad even with the arm gestures.

[@Hutchew2]

Might try ditching all that grease on the boom and give spray or paint on graphite a shot. Lot less messy. Love the show, keep up the great content.

[@ggalland1]

Everything is looking awesome. That new shop looks like it could be a 3 or 4 bayer! Have all kinds of projects going on :)

[@bigtsperspective5831]

Honestly I would love to spend the day with hunter. Not very often do you get to see a young man fully in his right. Hats off to the Cox boys for raising men 💪😎

[@TSimon-dh7fg]

Hunter needs a refillable bottle with an Apple Itag tracker.

[@rothe31]

Put sound deadening on the inside of your speaker boxes. It will stop any standing back wave and reasonant frequencies. They will sound even better.

[@K3NnY_G]

I think this is gonna be a rig Rory's jealous of once it's all buttoned up. xD

[@randallsmerna384]

I was actually expecting that foam to be that way inside the door. You basically just took the foam out of the can and put it into another "can". The deep inside was starved of oxygen and water - which are the two things the foam requires to cure. Now that you exposed it - it will now cure. This is why foam is applied in stages.

[@dustinhix6631]

anyone else wondering what head unit that is?

[@98xj64]

That thing turned out awesome, the coolest tow truck around. Just cant wait to see how the off-road roll back does

[@johnboynb]

Swearing is good for you, when appropriate.

[@JanelleVocate-Ames]

been proven! You're right.

[@georgepoulos3527]

I’m going to live till 1000 years old then!!!

[@joevk6274]

If you're cramped for space, and still want a sub, try a compact powered sub. I put one in my truck (an Infinity Basslink Mini). It's not as powerful as a dedicated 10" or 12" sub(s), but it's plenty for what I have, and plenty loud inside the cab. And if you want to stick with JVC, try their CW-DRA8. It's got an 8" sub in it, and is 125 watts.

[@lonhoschar1943]

Nice video!! The wrecker is getting some love!! You'll be able to listen to the tunes while "chill'n" in the cab!! LOL!! Hunter is getting a good shop education!! That's the stuff you can't get in school!!!

[@andydupont4786]

You're my favorite KZbinrs. I'm happy for the shop addition. I've always wanted a shop of my own. One day 😊

[@reubensylvester5249]

Hunter , I can see you dancing In Your quiet place like Rod . Great movie , high 5 and that’s how it’s done !!!!

[@1994Nic1994]

If you really wanted to add a subwoofer in the cab could put it up front and center of the shifters and tucked parcially under the dash. Would just have to make a custom box which could also be a good place to tuck some of the wires that were ran for the sound system or tuck the amp in with the box so the amp is not seen. Awesome build! love seeing the progress of this thing!

[@richarda996]

On your Crain I use dry lubricant in the simi desert. It doesn’t collect dust or dirt. An occasional spray is all that is needed. Don’t forget to lube The o rings so they don’t cut.

[@karres73]

Hunter is getting the best type of education. Hands on from two well experienced people with a ton of different knowledge.

[@turbojunki]

6 1/2” powered Bazooka tube. Plenty of low end for the inside of the square body. Quick and easy. Or build a sealed box.

[@northofhwy8180]

New concrete pad looks good

[@gavinangus-ic4rb]

Hey Paul, if its not been said before, PU Foam is ‘water curing’ if you use a water spray as you are using it, you get much better expansion!.. Hope that helps?

[@leroyackerson8540]

That gooey spray foam could expel hazardous fumes into the cab, if the correct mix percentages were not reached during installation. The only fix I'm aware of is to remove it all, and start over. There's plenty of documentation of people getting very sick from being exposed to those fumes,, especially if it gets warmed up. The canisters need to be within a certain temperature range during installation, to insure a correct mix. Love your content and delivery. Much respect.

[@michaelbarlow6062]

Hunter ends up being the best mechanic on KZbin from filming the 2 best mechanics Paul and Ben 👍👍

[@davidsanders4703]

FabRats to 1,000,000 I love you guys and I'm always learning allot from the channel

[@michaelweatherhead9470]

Thanks for the video Paul,Ben and Hunter great job on the wrecker awesome work 👍❤️❤️ it. Take care of yourself and family and be Blessed ❤️❤️

[@wesleypulkka7447]

FRs, Great project + new shop progress but that dump truck pull with the Toyota was a David and Goliath miracle!