Update on the old wagon.

[Silentrunning]

I am making slow but steady progress on my wagon restoration project. I'm sure the seat isn't exactly period correct but it's close enough. I wasn't happy with my installation so the seat is going to come out and be refitted. After scrounging around the neighborhood I have enough wood to finish the floor. It is hard to find old weathered 17 foot long boards. I also have two whisky barrels that I will place in the back bed once I get them repaired and weatherproofed. They will hold Pansies, ferns and some type of vine to drape over the sides. Weather permitting I will Ospho all the steel this week to stop the rust. This has turned out to be a bigger project than I originally thought but it is a lot of fun too.

 

[alp]

I also have two whisky barrels

Would love to have some whisky barrels, or whisky even! LOL! Lovely aftertaste .. but a bit bitter for me.. and would turn my face like this

 

[Colin]

Hi,

Thanks for adding the update Silentrunning; its coming along nicely but as you rightly say this kind of project always takes much longer than first anticipated; how about adding "wooden tyres"?

Kind regards, Colin.

 

[zigs]

Looking good

 

[Silentrunning]

Hi,

Thanks for adding the update Silentrunning; its coming along nicely but as you rightly say this kind of project always takes much longer than first anticipated; how about adding "wooden tyres"?

Kind regards, Colin.

Colin, I have been trying to find pictures of other wagons to see what the tires looked like. Since the wagon doesn't have to be roadworthy I may be able to fashion some passable tires.

 

[Colin]

Hi,

A set of tyres I think would make a great deal of difference and pull the project together Silentrunning; I'm interest though to follow your progress and is the following any good for you?

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=h...3c_MjXAhWOGuwKHTDlCdoQsAQIOQ&biw=1920&bih=949

As the wagon is only for show then even a set of wooden band sawn tyres might look the part being built up in sections? I hope I'm not sticking my nose in where unwanted but I like to see this kind of project being undertaken; my best wishes for success.

Kind regards, Colin.

 

[LIcenter]

Here's a ton of photos, that might help in your quest to get it era correct.
https://www.google.com/search?q=190...AhUG42MKHfCzCV8Q9QEILDAB#imgrc=XNv9lpfiVRtitM:

 

[MoonShadows]

Looking really fine @Silentrunning . Can't wait to see it adorned with plants and flowers!

 

[Silentrunning]

Hi,

A set of tyres I think would make a great deal of difference and pull the project together Silentrunning; I'm interest though to follow your progress and is the following any good for you?

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=h...3c_MjXAhWOGuwKHTDlCdoQsAQIOQ&biw=1920&bih=949

As the wagon is only for show then even a set of wooden band sawn tyres might look the part being built up in sections? I hope I'm not sticking my nose in where unwanted but I like to see this kind of project being undertaken; my best wishes for success.

Kind regards, Colin.

Colin, you aren't "sticking your nose in". I enjoy it when people take an interest in one of my projects. I do have a good amount of woodworking tools so wooden tires wouldn't be out of the question. My problem is that I can't find a single picture of wooden tires on wheels with steel spokes. I am beginning to wonder if this wasn't originally some kind of specialty wagon. If you should happen to come across a picture of one with steel spokes I would love to see it. Thanks for your interest.

 

[Silentrunning]

Here's a ton of photos, that might help in your quest to get it era correct.
https://www.google.com/search?q=1900+horse+drawn+utility+wagon&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS717US717&tbm=isch&source=iu&pf=m&ictx=1&fir=8300j9yOr0u1NM%3A%2CY0d3tfvQStak9M%2C_&usg=__ohj__CQm1tWKOcSWZn0imdqy3xY=&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiK7ZWbmcnXAhUG42MKHfCzCV8Q9QEILDAB#imgrc=XNv9lpfiVRtitM:

Thanks! That is going to take a while to go through but that is exactly what I wanted.

 

[Colin]

Hi,

Thanks Silentrunning. There are literally thousands of old style wheels shown on the web including old stagecoach wheels which look a similar period to your wagon; I'm sure knocking up some wooden tyres won't be too difficult especially if you have a few tools; I'd stay away from timber like oak though because of its tannin content that stains badly when exposed to steel?

Years ago I needed a pair of wheels for my petrol mower because the original plastic wheels expired; I had already replaced the front two wheels with small plastic wheels I had in stock but what a shame I didn't have four of them. I simply turned two new wooden wheels adding bearing bushes; I cut out the center of the original wheels leaving just the tyres which I cleaned up on the lathe making these a friction fit onto the wooden wheels then to secure them I simply screwed through; they still look as good as new even after years of trouble free service although the bearing bushes are showing signs of wear; I can replace the bearings easily enough when the time comes.

Here's a fascinating video;

Kind regards, Colin.