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How to Convert a Child's Wagon to a Cart

Many children's wagons can have a second life of usefulness -- for transporting garden supplies or produce from the garden. Another type of conversion could result in a small dog or pony cart, as long as you modify the original wagon wheels to allow for a different center of gravity and for the kind of load that's pulled. A converted cart can be just as charming as a child's wagon, with a few modifications.

Things You'll Need

Tool kit
Power drill
Wood or PVC pipe and bolts

Instructions

- 1
  
  Wagons are used for flat loads or tall loads.
  
  Decide what kind of cart you need. Calculate the loads you may haul and determine whether the original tires or wheels will be adequate. Will it be used as a display piece or a working cart? The answer will determine whether you buy new tires or bigger wheels. A Western Flyer or other wagon, which is essentially a toy, will need modification to haul heavy loads. It can also be modified only slightly and used as a yard decoration, or for shop storage.
- 2
  
  A child's wagon can be a useful garden cart without much modification.
  
  Examine the body of the child's wagon to see whether it has rust damage or wear and tear that needs to be repaired. Are there any holes or other openings that would keep it from being useful as a cart? Now decide how tall you want the sides of your cart to be. Note where you'll need to drill holes for the bolts to affix the walls of your cart to the body of the wagon. Once you decide which materials you need, go to the hardware store. If you've decided to make a fishing cart, add some PVC pipe for extra height.
- 3
  
  Modern children's wagons may be plastic instead of metal and wood.
  
  Drill the appropriate holes to fit the bolts you'll use to secure the sides of your cart. Use enough bolts to make a strong construction. Now determine whether the original wagon's tongue will be long and sturdy enough to be left on your cart. Maybe you want to be able to attach it to a power mower or lawn tractor to haul lawn debris or trash. Most mowers or tractors already have a trailer hitch, so you can easily copy the hardware you'll need for compatibility with your conversion cart.

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