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How to Restore a Radio Flyer Wagon

Before there were electric toy jeeps and ride on toys that light up and play music, there was the Radio Flyer wagon. Radio Flyer began manufacturing these simple metal wagons in 1917. As of 2010, most of the company̵7;s ride-on toys are constructed from plastic. But the original metal wagon has all the same appeal as the new plastic version. An old radio flyer wagon can be restored to its former glory with a good cleaning and some fresh paint.

Things You'll Need

1 tbsp. dishwashing soap
Scrub brush
Metal scraper
Steel bristled brush
Sandpaper
Zinc chromate primer
Paint
Paintbrush

Instructions

- 1
  Mix 1 tbsp. of dish washing soap with warm water. Dip a scrub brush into the solution and scrub the wagon to remove all dirt and grime. Rinse it with clean water and let it dry.
- 2
  Scrape off any loose and flaking rust with a metal scraper. Push a steel bristled brush back and forth across the rust in a brisk motion to knock loose any remaining rust.
- 3
  Sand the inside and outside of the wagon with medium grit sandpaper. This will roughen up the surface allow the paint to adhere. Wipe the surface of the wagon with a damp towel to remove sanding dust.
- 4
  Apply zinc chromate primer to the wagon with a high quality brush. Let the primer dry completely.
- 5
  Dip a good quality paintbrush into red paint and apply two to three thin, even coats to the entire metal surface. Use enough paint so there are no visible brush strokes but not so much that it puddles on the surface.
- 6
  Touch up the lettering with white paint. Apply the paint to the selected areas with a small artist̵7;s brush. Let the paint dry completely.
- 7
  Replace any loose or damaged parts. Radio Flyer sells replacement wheels and handles on its website.

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