I would love to find a more reasonably priced version of this cart. Under $500 would be ideal! It would be perfect for my living room.
Thanks,
Kristin
These vintage factory furniture carts are just yummy aren’t they? Here are a few options available, but I haven’t found anything truly cheap yet π If you guys have any tips let us know! Thanks!
Restoration Hardware Furniture Factory Cart = $995
Pottery Barn Wheel Coffee Table = $699
Z Gallerie Factory Cart Table = $599
Mike’s Antique Factory Carts = $399+
Jeannine @ Small and Chic says
There was a guy in a nearby city (one that was a hub for furniture manufacturing years ago) who was converting the old cars into coffee tables for reasonable prices. I think he was giddy when Restoration Hardware tried to sell theirs for those outrageous prices.
Kelsey @ Seattle Smith's says
How cool and unique is that!!
DG says
If you are interested the Syracuse NY craigslist has them leftover from Syracuse China that closed. They are 300.00.
LauraMo says
Besides Restoration Hardware (which is always overpriced)the cheaper carts being sold usually do not have the greatest finish on them. You want to look for a cataylst finish.
char says
I do like Restoration Hardware and have purchased many items, especially for my California clients… but their prices never fails to shock me.
Char Charles
http://www.changethestage.wordpress.com
Pat says
I just bought one of the carts and had the seller finish it for us so that it better matched our other furniture. He gave us a great deal and shipped it to Michigan for us. Try here at http://www.redtruckantiques.com/
Michael says
Thank you Copy Cat Chic for posting a picture of one of my tables above. I am the owner of Antique Factory Cart Coffee Tables and I am proud to say that our carts are 100% original (every board and bolt). Buyer beware of cheaper carts where parts have been replaced because you might also find that the quality of the finish is greatly affected by this in. We specialize solely in restoring antique factory carts to be used as coffee tables and take great pride in paying attention to detail when sanding and professionally refinishing each one to the customers exact specifications. Also note that our carts are leveled and stabilized unlike most of our competitors carts. Please visit our site at: http://www.antiquefactorycartcoffeetables.com
Mention you saw this blog and receive $50 off any cart! thank you, Michael Gamotis mgamotis@gmail.com
copycatchic@gmail.com says
Hi Michael- Thanks for the generous discount! I'll make sure my readers know about it π
Kid W says
I just purchased one at the SoWa vintage market in Boston for $300, so they're out there if you dig around. Some people know about the RH ones and have scoured and sold accordingly, undercutting RH.
My question, is, what's the best way to stabilize it? I was going to have Home Depot make me up a couple of chocks for the smaller wheels. But does anyone else have any suggestions?
Valerie Stephens says
I have several of these carts, quite by chance. The casters all seem different. I"ve been told if I move the wheels, this is what stabilizes? HELP anyone?
Dolphinclifton says
The way you stabilize a factory cart is to drill a hole into the shaft housing the wheel stem. Then use a tap (as in tap n' die) of the same diameter to thread the hole. You then can use a set screw to stabilize one end of the cart. Be sure to place a four foot level across the table while drilling the hole in order to keep it level. Some folks like to use a hexagonal set screw that is flush with the bracket holding the stem. Good luck!!
David Clifton
http://www.Designs4ArchitecturalSalvage.com
Note: I routinely sell these carts among other "Industrial Americana" .
RML8525 says
I love the St. James Bed from Restoration Hardware; however, It is a little to expensive for my budget. If you guys know where I can find a comparable bed, please let me know! Thanks!!
Anonymous says
I.A Decor makes antique style factory carts with old nails and 100 year old lumber. These carts look real old and are functional.
No factory oil smells or creosote from rail road ties.
Each cart is numbered.
Better coffee table sizing of 30 x 42 x 17.5.
Locking wheels so the cart does not roll and turn as a coffee table.
Custom sizes available.
See them here: http://www.iadecor.com/reclaimed-wood-factory-cart-antique-style-p-201.html
http://www.iadecor.com
Austin Furniture Repair says
Good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your posts. Iβll be subscribing and visiting often.
Anonymous says
I am restoring my own cart it had white water stain on side but there is also writing that I do not want to lose. What do I do?? Do I sand sides? Will I then lose writing? Help ASAP!M!
Patty Yettaw says
I would not sand the sides as this will remove the original stamping which is one of the lovely things about the original factory cart. Personally I think the top is more important if you plan to use it as a table. But if you use enough sealer on the sides it should eventually even out the surface to be somewhat smooth. I'm not sure if you have ( or others who read this) gotten any instructions from someone who has worked on these but I will add it for an FYI. If you remove all the metal on the cart 1st and then sand, stain and seal it. With all the cast iron removed use a drill and wire brush attachment or a dremel on them to clean them up. Some people then spray them with rust-oleum any finish you like. Otherwise if u want to leave it original just coat with a clear coat rust-oleum spray. Once that's done and dry reassemble. As for stability any kind of cotter pin or something of that sort will work rather than needing to tap and thread.
( Not sure the average diy-er could do something like that and it's really not necessary. Yes if ur a business charging to restore it I would expect stuff like that) whatever u use needs to be secure and remember you can always paint it the same or pretty close the the finish on the shaft so you won't really notice it. Same thing can be done so the wheels won't move but keep in mind you may want to roll it in the future so it needs to be something removable. Nut n bolt maybe or a small pin with a rubber stopper. The options r only limited by your imagination and I'm sure all things could be found in your husbands nuts n bolts/ left over hardware jars in the garage. Lol.
Kirk Pomerleau says
Does anyone know the wheel sizes on these carts.
Thanks!
Patty Yettaw says
I think they vary on the kind of cart you get. Mine is a Lineberry and the big ones r 8" and the small ones r 4-5"