Restoring an 1800s Chuck Wagon Part 1 | Cowboy Cooking History 

The progress is awesome. We were greatly impressed when we got to see the chuck wagon last June in Wellington. For a wagon 145 year old it was in remarkable shape then. Now its going to be incredible. Thank you for all your time and energy put into the project for everyone's benefit. There are 2 million of us saying THANKS. I guess this will require another journey out from Arizona to see the new wagon in person. GOD BLESS YOU FOLKS REAL GOOD!

Folks, we have completely taken apart our 1876 Studebaker chuck wagon, and taking y'all along for the ride as we do a full restoration. We sure hope you enjoy this one- a lot of labor and love went in to it.

The only youtube site where I automatically hit the like button as the video starts. Guaranteed quality ahead. Every time. Now let's get back to the video:

The epitome of “The cobblers kids go unshod”. Preserving history is a noble endeavor.

Really looking forward to part 2. As an avid woodworker and fan of vintage woodworking tools, when you know the history associated with an item, and work to resurrect something to its former glory... there's not a better feeling, knowing that you've saved something and given it a second life, knowing it will continue serve long after your gone. I've brought a number of antique wood planes that were a 100 or more years old back from the dead... it's a real labor of love to do so. I have a reverence for what the tools previous life (and it's owner) may have been like, what the tool may have been used for and how it might have contributed to something significant in their life, like building their child's cradle or used in a livelihood that put food on their table, it almost makes the restoration a spiritual experience because by restoring it back to usefulness, your paying homage to it previous owner(s) and reaching back and touching history. I can see that same reverence in your restoration efforts of that great old wagon... which made watching this video even more enjoyable.

Thank y'all for keeping the traditions alive.

I've watched Engels Coach Shop for years. That's all he does is build/rebuild wagons of ALL types. I'm sure if you come into a problem he would be sure to help. He makes a lot of stuff both wood and metal pieces.

Every time I see a video like this, I want to throw away the IT supervisor job and move to Alberta and become a cowboy. Or even more so, a chuck-wagon driver and cook for cowboys. You are an inspiration and a half, Kent. Never change.

This Old Wagon starring Cowboy Kent! Looking forward to part two!

That's pretty cool Brother. I'm the Maintenance Blacksmith for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. One of my great honors has been to be part of the restoration of one of our carraiges. There was some extensive blacksmith repair work that had to be done. It was a challenge and ,as I said, an Honor. Be blessed in all that you do. God bless you. Carl

I love seeing a piece of history being restored back to its original beauty. I would love to be there helping you out.

I love these restorations. It does break my heart that when people pass that a lot of knowledge can be lost with them. Thank you for making this video

Waiting

Kent, YOU are the national treasure.

Love this kind of content in addition to the cooking! Just take care of yourself and quit the day in time. I say this as a healthcare worker for the elderly, where I have a handful of patients that didn't and have to have help from me now despite normally being fit as a fiddle. That wagon ain't going anywhere.

Nothing more satisfying than watching a piece of American history being restored.

91min, can’t we have a sneaky peak now? Looking forward to this one cowboy 🤠 🥘

If Chuck wagons could talk...just imagine the stories it could tell along with the miles on those wheels! A testament to the American Spirit to keep the wheels turning and moving forward everyday. Can't wait to see it finished and back out on the trail!!

Nice!! Can't wait to see the new ride!!

Don't we wish all old things could stay the same. The upgrades are going to put this wagon out there for another 100 years. It's looking great. Can't wait for the finish.

My brother, you're truly blessed to have a wife and family that will help with this project. Looking good so far!

I could listen to Kent talk all day long.

For a minute I thought I was watching Dave Engels re-do yet another Studebaker wagon. Can't easier to see the finished project!

you take pride in every thing you do from cooking to fixing the wagon and it shows

Wow over 140 years of great memories thanks for sharing this amazing adventure with us all

Thank you for allowing us the privilege of experiencing the restoration of this great piece of history.

I was having a tuff day, but this made me smile. Something with history that is being loved and repaired is wonderful. I never knew these little things about chuck wagons. I will be looking more into this. Thank you for keeping history and good cooking alive and well.

Between you and Glenn Moreland I have a never ending supply of chuckwagons!

Shan was really working hard! It’s a Blessing to see how well ya’ll work together❤️ How many times did she say” My back hurts;you’er gonna owe me big time for this!”😂 God Bless you both keep up the good work.🙏

Love the old wagon

I noticed a significant movement in the undercarriage when the floor was removed. Looks like the wheels were loose. Engels Coach Shop has a You Tube channel that might be able to help restore the chuckwagon to even better functionality. Check with Dave and see if you can collaborate with the project. His work is impeccable! I would love seeing it restored and very functional, should you want to actually use it on cattle drive again one day. Thanks.

Well Mr. Kent, you are the first person that I know, that can rebuild a Chuck wagon and still make me hungry. Thank you

Awsome guys. I've really been looking forward to this after you announced it. A preacher friend of mine, Alan Farley, has an old Studebaker coffee wagon he takes to civil war reenactments. I believe he's said yall have met.

I think this episode is AMAZING... instead of a spoon you had a pry bar, showing the self-sufficiency needed by cookies on the Trail... it also shows the Labor of Love involved, now... and then. Thanks for keeping it ALL alive!

I can't wait to see part 2 . I love seeing old stuff look new & out last the stuff they make now .

Wow! Seeing Kent without his cowboy hat! Just not right!

I've seen a lot of old wagons rotten beyond repair, its nice to see this piece of history being restored, hopefully it'll have another century and a half of life in it. On a related note, I'd be interested in seeing what you think makes a good chuck box, we like to eat well while camping and I plan on building my own to facilitate that.

I love that you are repairing the wagon but that keeps the history alive although there are places that are building new ones that is a classic.

I remember being in Jackson Hole in the 1960s and seeing a fellow cooking with big cast iron kettles out of a Chuck Wagon and I thought that was the best thing ever. This is great to see. Thank you.

Oh, you rotten egg!! I was excited to see that beautiful work of art. Haha It certainly needed some love. Glad you and Shannon are taking pride in it.

A source I know of always uses "alkyd" paints on those wagons because it breathes vs. latex which traps moisture inside of the wood. Unpainted areas he uses linseed oil mixed with small ratio of paint thinner that penetrates into the wood fibers very well and protects from moisture/water best. Some parts he soaks them overnight in big containers of linseed oil and paint thinner mixtures. Cannot wait to see the outcome on this Kent. Lots of hand crafting and planning.

You're the Man Mr. Rollins, a true Icon and last of a dying breed. Great vid can't wait for part II. Thanks for posting.

Just want you to know I finally got around to making your ‘pork and bean” recipe for my extended family. I used a 6 pound pork shoulder and four pounds of beans, and all the spices you recommended, and EVERYONE loved it. I’ve used many of you recipes and they’ve all been a hit..Thanks

Hopefully the profession never dies out.

I am so impressed by your devotion to history! Wonderful.

AWWWW this IS GREAT. WE GET TO SEE this wagon taken apart and put back restored .. JUST BEAUTIFUL WORK Ken-Shannon ...

The history in this thing! When that garage door opened, you had me in tears. I can't wait to see part 2. What a wonderful history that old wagon has.

Right on, Kent.

Just want you to know I finally got around to making your Pork and Bean recipe for my family and some friends. I used a 6 lb. Pork shoulder, 4 pounds of beans, and all your recommended spices.Everyone loved it! I’ve used many of your recipes from your cookbook over the past couple of years, and thank you for everyone of them.

Kent Rollins . You and your work are Republic of American National Treasure. Love your cooking and stories. May God almighty bless you and your family.

As a woodworker, this is extremely exciting, if I lived near ya I'd been beggin to help from start to end. Looks like lots of fun and I can't wait to see the finished project!

You had me fooled on the reveal now you leave me on a cliffhanger can’t wait to see the final product

As always, enjoyed the show, the history and being an old car mechanic, I enjoyed seeing the dismantlement and putting back together of the chuckwagon.

I commend you on keeping a peace of American history alive and cooking. Its great to have the wagon working for another 100 years ready to go. Really cool cowboy Kent.

I cant wait to see this video. I love old wagons and trucks and I like seeing people restore them, it encourages me to work on my project. I am welding patch panels on my '47 Ford truck cab right now as a mater of fact. Kent I finally got to try your cowboy coffee recipe this morning. I've had a camp coffee pot for nearly 20 years and only used it when I was camping and the coffee wasnt very good at all and always had grounds in it. And I was a little sceptical but MAN that WAS one of the smoothest cups of coffee I've ever had! That made a believer out of me. The cold water really did the trick. The grounds settled down just like you said. There were none in my cup. I think thats what impressed me the most! Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us. God bless you Brother.

This just makes me want to find a chuck wagon to restore. What a cool project to undertake

Love it, I've been involved and seen a lot about restoring and restored Studebakers but never one this old. Great stuff, and I've shared it with the Studebaker folks. Glad the fur people were such a help too, they often get in the way, but they mean well and life is better with them around.

Much needed repairs. We all have a tendency to put things off but best to make the decision, now or never. It is going to spectacular and ready for another 100 years on the trail. Worth the effort. The recipes can wait.

Looking forward to the finished product, a fine piece of history!

Keeping history alive. Excited to see how she turns out!

This is so cool to watch & be a part of. When you think of this exact wagon and the history it has seen and been a part of. To see the craftsmanship and how amazing they did at having all of those moving pieces and parts. Thank you for taking us along with you. Seeing this taken down to the bare bones and watching you bring history back to life.

As the curtain falls on part one and the sun sets slowly into the west; we all wait with great anticipation for the curtain to raise on part two. Can hardly wait

Thank you both for this share. I can't wait to see part two. Actually I would love to see an in depth restoration video on your wagon. She is such a unique piece of Americana when and where else could something like her restoration be seen.

1 of a kind Kent!! History and stories that old wagon could tell!!

I’m so glad to see you getting back on the Ranches one of my favorite episodes is the ranch that you rode with a convoy a day or so to the other side of the land, it would be an awesome adventure, the wagon is going to look amazing, you put a v8 in her and roam the land lol

I figured Kent would be hands on even though if he put the word out he would have a 100 volunteer experts and all the materials to do it in a heartbeat. Bravo!!

This is so awesome!! I love your videos! Greaat history, storytelling and grub! Dismantle and remantling history! I clapped when he started to raise the garage waiting for the big reveal! But, there is a part 2 coming! I cannot wait... What's the first meal coming from the Chuck Wagon?? Chili? See you soon Cowboy Kent!!❤💯🔥👍🏽

History is about the story. I tell my classes this every year.

Can’t wait to see the finished product! I’ll be patiently waiting for part 2. Cheers Kent and Shan 🥂

I remember watching Rawhide Kent Rollins and I always loved to watch cookie the cook and his Chuck Wagon, most important man on a cattle drive keeping them fed. I'm happy you're going to get to restore your Chuck Wagon, can't wait to see it done.

Such a cool old wagon! Enjoying this project! Loving to hear the history behind it! Looking forward to seeing the next video

Kent and Shannon, you're doing a great thing rebuilding the Old Studebaker and then showing it off and your talents for mastering the chuck wagon tradition. It's going to be great when you're done. Looking forward to part 2. Stay safe and keep up the story line and having fun. Fred

Hello Kent, I was curious if you were able to find original documentation from Studebaker detailing the specifications of your chuck wagon. Maintaining those specifications would be an added bonus if possible. Thanks for the update.

you are a real gem! Thanks for showing us what real murica is all about.

Really enjoyed seeing how the wagon was put together. Looking good so far. What kind of wood was the floor made out of?

Great video! That old wagon is a true piece of American history. It is great to see it being totally restored.

kinda looks like the hay racks that my cousins us that have side boards to hold corn(but the cousin's racks have rubber wheels yours is the real mccoy/ your wife sure is strong/Sadie came by to supervise/nice to see you can get it fixed up yourself hate to see what it would of cost to pay someone to restore it.

Another great video Kent, I love how you went to restoring this piece of history rather than just scrapping it and building something new. Nothing more sad to me that seeing old machines, wagons, buildings, or even cars abandoned and falling apart from oldern times. I always think about the history they had and the work that went into them.

Oh Kent that old studabaker is looking mighty fine for now it is. You and Shan ,and your boy are doing a great job!

Wow. How you talk about this really gives an insight into how important that old wagon is to you, and how important it is for you to follow in the footsteps of these men. I get it. Super video Kent.

This is awesome Kent! My Dad rebuilt an old buggy for someone back in the early 1980's when I was in High School. This brings back the memories! Thank you for that and God bless you!!!

This is the best video I have seen Kent put out

Looking forward to seeing Part 2. I watched the replication of an 1800's Borax wagon on RU-vid --- every second of it. Now, I get to watch the restoration of an 1876 Studebaker chuck wagon. Life is good. Thanks, Cookie.👍

Best episode yet! Can't wait for part two!!!

What a wonderful labor of love.

Good to see you have a great helper.

Can’t wait for part 2, you have combined my 2 favorite RU-vid topics, cooking and antique restoration

That’s a lot of work! Be thankful for the technology in tools that they didn’t have back in the day to make it easier. Can’t wait to see it finished!!!

What ever this man does, i always come to watch his videos. This man is just a true example of those hero wild west cowboy americans. Not bandit type conquerors.

Respect for the old things (of all sorts) that were well used in the past and still have something to give to today and tomorrow is something I think we are losing in the rush to the new and shiny that will be replaced in a year or two with something newer and shinier. I am one who loves the things with history that fit right into my life and I do not get tired of because the "new hot color" is different. There are many like us Kent, who repair and rehabilitate those things to work for us tomorrow and tomorrows beyond.

As someone who studied archaeology, I truly appreciate the restoration and preservation of them old things. It’s mighty nice to see something beautiful that has so much history and all the stories that go along with that history…✌️🤠

Can't wait to see it! Shannon worked like a trooper!!!

I'm so glad that you're preserving that beautiful Studebaker chuck wagon. By the time it's finished it'll be ready to go another 100 years. Jace sure did a great job on the chuckwagon seat and shout out to Shannon for helping you pull those sides and the chuck box. She's tough. Well done!

Thank you for everything you do, and doing it with love!

Cowboy, Missed having you Salute our Soldiers and Old Glory! see ya next week. GOD BLESS

Two of my favorite things. Kent Rollins and history. Love it.

Great video Kent! Having restored a few old motorcycles and pickup trucks in my time I can say there is an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment when a project like this is completed. Breathing new life into something old is very rewarding. A labor of love, it is. God Bless.

We all miss the good times with Dad.

I'm in awe of what I have learned today about the chuck wagon and its purpose. I LOVE history and I love that we can reach back in,pull a piece of it through a time warp,so to speak abd bring it to a modern use and appreciation. THIS is just amazing. I love your videos and as I sit with my 3 children 7 and under...weve all learned so much from you as I do with your recipes. Thank you Shan and Kent! Love from OHIO

I'd love to be able to get out and cook like that for people. Can't wait to see the wagon all finished up.