Reviving A Classic:

We're back with Episode 7 of the onX Offroad Build Challenge, and this time Ian heads to Glendale, Utah, to visit the FabRats shop!
Known for their innovative builds and off-road expertise, the FabRats team is taking on the Build Challenge with an old school Jeep Willys Wagon. The team, led by Paul, is renowned for their skillful craftsmanship and creative approach to off-road vehicles. Starting from a completely gutted vehicle, they've added an engine from another project and some boat seats to make it competition-ready. Despite breaking down during the tug of war, this build powered through all three gates of the rock crawling competition!
In this Episode…
Unique Mods: Ian dives into the details of the Willys Wagon, exploring its unique modifications and how they contribute to its performance. The Jeep Willys Wagon holds a special place in Ian’s heart, and this build is no exception with its impressive upgrades.
Trail Time: Once at the trails, Ian and the FabRats crew hit the Hanging Tree Trail in Paul’s one-of-a-kind FJ45 Pickup. Watch as Paul shows off the beast's capabilities, and see if the FJ45’s prowess matches the Willys Wagon’s potential.
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Like this video if you’re excited to see the FabRats’ Jeep Willys Wagon and FJ45 Pickup in action!
Follow the FabRats team:
KZbin - ‪@FabRats‬
Instagram - fabrats
Website - thefabrats.com
Explore the Hanging Tree Trail with onX Offroad by scanning the QR code in the video (10:32).
#onXOffroad #BuildChallenge #JeepWillysWagon #FJ45Pickup #OffRoading #FabRats #HangingTreeTrail #RockCrawling

[@makingtechsense126]

I really like Paul's build because I feel like he is the only person that took the challenge to heart.

[@bobbybrady7872]

I agree, seems like everybody else for the most part was going for shock value more or less

[@Spotless.09]

See I think Robby is the only one who is actually focusing on the over landing part of it, Rudy has a tiny mini, colt and Rory have a tiny pacer, I don't watch mischief maker or bleeping jeep, Robby and Paul seem to be the only 2 that have the room to make their vehicles into over Landers

[@bobbybrady7872]

@@Spotless.09 but Robby is doing a bread van, another over the top shock value concept. I guess we’ll see how it turns out though. Did Nate dirt lifestyle drop out?

[@MacsSpecialitiesMotorsports]

I think all the competitors are in it to win it but the rules changed to much that’s why everyone is going a different direction with their builds.

[@Spotless.09]

@@bobbybrady7872 ah that's a other person I dont watch so I'm not sure I only watch Robby Paul Matt Rudy and colt and Rory haha, I like Robbys bread van because it's going to be one of a kind you will not see another bread van out doing overlanding things 😂

[@caseyspirit9385]

My daily driver is a 1951 Willy’s wagon restomod, but with Dana 44 scout front axle, ford nine inch rear axle, both completely rebuilt, a 300 hp 350 Gm crate engine built by Pace performance, sm465, Dana 300 twin stick both built by Novak conversions with a hydraulic clutch. All new wiring, gauges, brake set up, power steering conversion, heater defrost, glass, seals as well as full two color single stage paint job with no filler work so it doesn’t crack on dirt roads. Just hammered out any dents fixed any rust or holes. Love driving it! Can’t wait to see what it does when finished.

[@harryg6013]

Too sad there wasn't much space for personality: Paul is not just creative but also a good mentor and father. He's humble and knowledgeable. He's positive and diligent. And yes, Chads influence and expertise was missed and elevates this collaboration to a higher level! Team FabRats for the win!!!

[@MacsSpecialitiesMotorsports]

I’m with Ian, I love the Willys Wagon too 👊 Can’t wait to see this wagon on the trails.

[@starman10548]

#TeamFabRats Paul rocks. Willy's Wagon has always been fav.

[@Frippa212]

Yep! This one is my favorite ❤

[@Skiridr22]

That’s what I love about Paul, all his rigs are purpose built for the task

[@SamIam420]

I love the FJ!! Simple, and works! It doesn't have to work hard either. Superb machine!! FJ, all the way!!

[@mikesmith-bt6um]

Very funny dig at how overlanders have so much stuff (that they never use)

[@tdublove9558]

Paul and the Fab rats are definitely my favorite fabrication channel Rory w trailmater and Matt's off road recovery for recovering Matt from bleepin jeeps for wheeling trails . Holly from Mischiefmaker TV for just being totally awesome as a person . Ruby is just RAD i love how his mind works kinda works like his Dad super creative damn almost forgot Robbie he acts exactly like my buddy Preston aka uncle Bucky 👍 ❤ love all you peeps 😊

[@kimberlyvaughan3430]

I’m on your side. Love that wagon look 😊

[@RadRover99]

Projected winner no doubt.

[@nowinczak]

Nice, Nice 👍🏻

[@fscottgray9784]

I like Pauls build. My first wheelin with my dad was back in the early 60s with a green willys wagon. I remember it being very cold to ride in the winters of Idaho. My dad a brothers had a lot of good times, My dad learned to love 4x4s in WW2 when he served.

[@steveread8348]

Pual's FJ is the most bad ass crawler on the planet IMO

[@Signal5]

Paul (Fab Rats) build is amazing! Can’t wait to see it finished.

[@gonzalez7805]

@owenbarlow did great on the hangingtree trail with you guys ... Would love to see him in one of your competitions...

[@DennisMcGrew]

great as always

[@c0rrupted-Image]

If that FJ had a face like in "Cars" it would be smiling mirror to mirror singing a joyous song "so glad to to be here"

[@donavonboggs3632]

Top build of all love it I've had a soft spot for them to we had one well a truck in our creek to hold the land in pace always wanted to pull it our and do something with it but never did so ya Paul's ride is the shisnet love it good job man

[@69JJV]

Mud in the eye. Reminds me we were up playing in the snow. A friend in his CJ5 tells his wife to open her door and see if the front wheels are spinning. He nails it and her. This happened 50 some years back. He's still sleeping on the sofa.

[@coltin4803]

Lets go Paul! #PackratWilly

[@elrey327]

#THEFABRATS 😊

[@allanmaccaul1465]

#1 Fab Rats...

[@tomfisher2968]

Team Fab Rats..

[@isomer13]

Fabrat 100%

[@jefftabor595]

That is a nice Rig.

[@BuckWheat0591]

Nice!

[@epictales1307]

When he said "he got mud in his eyeball" I was looking around for Trevor from @Matt'sOffRoadRecovery man! It is crazy how close they sound to each other, I'd love to see the audio waves compared on a side by side slide!

[@wizardgmb]

Ian, you neglected to mention the Willys is a collaboration with Chad's Fab that will do the wiring & some of the offroad fitting out. If I recall correctly, Paul called Chad & said "I'm about to do something really stupid, do want to join me?". Chad, a man of few words, replied "Why not?" & an Onx Offroad Challenge collaboration was born!

[@YouTubeBinging]

Womp womp. Mine as well add "Sean can't be his right hand because he left the channel. Also Ian, you forgot to mention Paul shattered his left arm". But what do I know. Just enjoy the build.

[@DartyFL]

#TeamFabRats

[@brucejr.5833]

#teamfabrats 💪

[@offroad6309]

I had a 51 Willies truck 283, 4spd warn overdrive. It was a fun truck. I would love to have a wagon to build. Looking forward to the challenge.

[@coreyjohnson5131]

Paul understands how to overland

[@kenmello7252]

Ian Johnson is definitely a bad influence

[@theuglytruth8162]

This has turned into a Chad's fab build 😂😂😂 Chad's fab working for free. 😂😂😂

[@mariodesmo]

Overland-ing is easy to prep for. All you need is a bag full of McDonalds hamburgers (the regular kind) with a few drinks, and a full tank of gas... And don't forget a spare pair of skivies for just in case... lol

[@timothypickern4080]

I think the Broke Arm was the "catastrophic" problem that came up.

[@christopherthompson4359]

Strange how Paul said he was waiting for something catastrophic to happen to the build, and then it happened to his arm.

[@davesnothere8859]

did you see robby layton break his arm? Don't cross that guy.

[@wizardgmb]

@@davesnothere8859 Paul is still waiting for the insurance settlement... There seems to be some disagreement as to whether he initialed the release when he rented the vehicle! 😂

[@frankhage1734]

Paul ran into his huge gotcha on this project when he splintered his wrist in a demolition derby. I say it was sabotage by Robby who lent him his derby truck.

[@firemaniac]

I want to see a video of the Bad Ole Wagon, and the Fab Rats Pack Rat together!

[@BigTireGarage]

That would be cool

[@BLAZIN_B18C1]

🤘🏼💪🏼🦅🇺🇸

[@billbillinger2491]

13:50 If only he would have those glasses, on his hat, over his eyes. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@martykitson3442]

🤠👍

[@KENNEY1023]

Out of all the builds Paul's is in my opinion the best way better than Robby's or Rudy's.

[@SaxtonDolores-m5p]

Strosin Summit

[@SamIam420]

I only use Google maps as a suggestion. I always question Google maps. I know how to read a map. I make my own routes. I would never just go where Google tells me. But i can see where I am. Even offline.

[@coltin4803]

Yeah but unless you've been on legit trails out in the sticks most of the time google doesn't recognize trails as legit locations or places. If you're tires don't ever leave dirt google will work but for those who get to the places not many else get to OnX is a great tool

[@alcesspectre]

I can't believe Paul is STILL forgetting that the vehicle isn't sitting level when he builds it. Happens every time.

[@bryduhbikeguy]

Paul said it twice, and tempted Fate by saying he 'was waiting for the shoe to drop' or such. This post is a month late because Paul broke his left arm badly, and has had to work with a cast and then some. Tune in and catch up.

[@robertquackenbush5547]

I have a friend who has built a willy's painred yellow that he shows at the 4wheelnparts off road truck shows and at our local world of wheels car show

[@stevenpierre1987]

Why did it take so long to post this? It's got to be like 2 months old. Anyways Paul's one of the coolest guys on KZbin and he definitely has the coolest rig in the challenge. Paul and Robby are my two favorite KZbinrs and I like them equally so they'll have to duke it out for the win. But Robby has the world's most expensive bread truck ever and I don't see it doing very good on the trail. It will probably be ok to sleep in though.

[@jefforyhurst4813]

Have you considered consulting someone about how you present your image ? Just saying an updated look might be a good thing.

[@Dogman21]

Voted. I hope you win guys!😁

[@billclisham8668]

Paul's and Hollie's builds are my favorites, the rest seem like they are building cartoon characters.

[@steveanderson2881]

I watched Robby Laten say on his last video. That he's going to have Chad Paul's partner wire up his bread van. Yet Robby Laten is a competitor. That doesn't make any sense!!!!!

[@SPEEDLIFE120]

Layton it's Robby layton

[@trekfortruth2841]

​@SPEEDLIFE120 yep...and Chad is just a friend to both Paul and Robby...not a partner.

[@wizardgmb]

@@trekfortruth2841 I beg to differ... Before the challenge, Paul specifically asked Chad to be part of the Willys build & be co-driver. Chad & crew went to FabRats after Paul broke his arm to pitch in, see one of Paul's last videos in September & my comments on this video elsewhere. Layton is electricly challenged, he can't get much beyond wiring his kid's electric derby cars so it makes perfect sense for him to farm out the electrical work to Chad. Nobody else on KZbin & probably in Utah does Chad's caliber custom electrical work.

[@mpremlap]

8:31 wait is Ian admitting he’s also GUY!?!?😂

[@DonaldDelacruz-h4k]

Hoping for your built you'll paint the left door and the tail gate just for sema at least it better loking. Than junky look

[@garyonnen7634]

How much is a air bag, and how heavy is it. Bring a spare?

[@darrinrebagliati5365]

They take a bit of room, but I do agree.

[@AlfredLemieux-te7oc]

When is the competition?

[@BigTireGarage]

Week before SEMA

[@indianbill3123]

he could of at least fixed the door latch….

[@kevinjohnston1957]

I have often heard that when one door closes another one opens. That's fine unless you are driving.

[@shamevonn1164]

His is called Fab Rats, wth would he paint it?

[@TheBibleExplorer]

🤔$1250 for 39" tires and wheels...where'd he find that deal...were they used? Cus new 35s are $1000 & up... and that's just tires...

[@darrinrebagliati5365]

Agreed price amongst the competitors. I think. Due to being required.

[@BigTireGarage]

We set a standard price for tires based on what used tires sold for online

[@bryduhbikeguy]

Marketplace, and other online sales is where some of them got tires, and/or wheels.

[@abouttime7316]

Where can you get 39” BFG MTS and wheels for $1250!?.? Really want to know!

[@wizardgmb]

@@abouttime7316 I think Paul already had either the MTS's or wheels so the $1250 is for one or the other.

[@robertiliffe5343]

He's sponsored by them so cheap prices for the build

[@davesnothere8859]

it's going so smoothly what can go wrong? Robby Layton breaks his arm.

[@riffraff9000]

"Willis." It's pronounced "Willis."

[@guidesoutdoors]

So, I love Paul and the Fab Rats but I can’t just let it slide that in your video Paul said that he gave $1200 for the Willies but Ian only said that Paul gave $1000 for it when doing the budget.

[@BigTireGarage]

I went off numbers given by the teams

[@Markam248]

i am confused. paul is building an overlander. seems like the other teams are building baja rigs.. so what is going on?

[@wheelmanruss4620]

Overlanding can mean different things to different people. I know Hollie said she was basically just packing camping gear.

[@mikesmith-bt6um]

It did start out as an overland build. I'm thinking there was push back from most of the contestants. Paul and Robbie are the only "real" "overland" vehicles

[@123-olmngresx]

Remember they got to keep this after a week or so contest or sell it. Some guys want to build a rig they can use after.

[@robertquackenbush5547]

They're supposed to be building overland type rigs

[@dougdukes1039]

How in the world did he get wheels AND TIRES for $1200? I barely get tires for that.

[@chrisgilbert2152]

sucks that you have to register for something to vote!!

[@kenmello7252]

Paul said he paid $1200 for the vehicle. You stated he paid 1000.

[@bjwilliams6115]

How many times can you reuse the same clip and sayings??

[@jameskendrick573]

Ya know I've been saying Paul is cheating with Chad as a partner and rorery and colt too not even close even though bleeping jeep has a awesome idea Paul cox's jeep is something that will run for many years Chad just needs to touch it a little

[@JThelen1031]

Bleepin Jeep shoulda lost budget for sandbagging the stock challenge.

[@johnmcklveen7943]

for crying out loud do something with your hair like comb it or cut it or where a hat

[@BigTireGarage]

Nope...

[@elblancochingon8138]

"39" wheels and tires $1250" I'll take 10 sets! Some of the prices mentioned on these builds are total B.S.! (Even counting trades)

[@stevethorn9221]

and the winner is: Paul Cox and the Willys Wagon

[@kenmello7252]

Ian Johnson is definitely a bad influence