In southeast New York, there’s a 1942 Dodge Power Wagon that needs rescuing. It is believed to be a former military mobile repair vehicle and you can tell it has led quite a life. It can be found here on eBay with a current bid of $4,300. Although the photos are a bit blurry, you can tell this is a solid truck that would make a decent project for someone. Currently located in Pleasant Valley, New York, have a look at this old wagon and let us know what you think.
The seller says the drive train is complete but that the engine is stuck. Hopefully, some oil in the cylinders or transmission fluid down the carburetor will free up the cylinders and valves, but you never know until you try it. If the engine is not usable, these trucks really benefit from an engine swap anyway. A Cummins diesel would be an awesome swap for a truck like this. What power plant would you choose if you had to pick a new one?
As you can see the original wood flooring is in desperate need of being replaced. The seller also says there is rust in the front of the floor. With the wood removed, addressing the rust issues will be much more accessible. The ad also says the driver’s seat is “Army issue” and there are some jump seat frames and cushions in the back.
Here is the only decent photo of the driver’s area. You can tell the gauges, steering wheel, and shifter are probably original. There is a bit of daylight poking through by the pedals, but that’s not uncommon for these trucks (and military vehicles in general). If you need some inspiration for this project, check out this 1942 Power Wagon that sold at Barrett-Jackson in 2018.
Most definitely a military spec. Just look at the generator. For me this would be a full resto although I would be tempted to try to shoehorn a 25 inch block into that engine bay. Maybe source out a 265 and add some go-fasters. Soften the suspension and gear it a little faster. And I would run a 12V electrical system. The engine bay is so small on these that fitting anything larger than a 4B Cummins (or equivilant) would be a major challenge. But you can get a lot of power out of that relitively small package. Myself I would stick with a mostly original restoration and use it but mostly enjoy it…
Wondering what the drop in the drivers running board is for. Maybe a PTO?
The drop in the running board is for a spare tire
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fforums.g503.com%2Fviewtopic.php%3Ft%3D209024&psig=AOvVaw0EtGCey1IN9m3a9s1-Xizo&ust=1584294664286000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCIiXx9fDmugCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD
I can’t get the link to work, but if it is for a spare tire how does the door open?
Spare tire!
Spare tire bracket.
Hayabusa motor!
I like it ! Any cool ol ‘car/truck’ ie a wolwo sugga, TP21:
https://www.google.com/search?rls=en&q=WWII+volvo+sugga&tbm=isch&source=univ&client=safari&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjFkr3U6JroAhVUmXIEHRzUCUIQsAR6BAgJEAE
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvo_PV800_Series
Could we say this is our version /or/ that’s their version of this ?
Hey guys its my truck. Thanks for listing. Sure is a cool truck, have had a lot of response so far. From all over the globe!!! Good luck and happy bidding!!
Cheers
Gaspumpchas
I was going to comment that PV is the next town over from me (Poughkeepsie)!
Man, if only I had the $$$!!!
Yep it was military, it is a WC53. The drop in the driver running board was for a spare tire as stated earlier. To my knowledge they were only built for the military during WWII. Hard to find but they do pop up now and then. One of these is on my list of want to build projects but probably going pass for a while until I get a few done I have started. I hope it finds a good home.
Hellcat swap, paint it Air Force blue, make it look old and stencil Project Blue Book on the side…
I own one that I restored to original. Once the spare bracket was mounted the driver door was never opened again. Great looking trucks to restore or restmod.
Brian I would I’ve to see a Potoff yours.
I am not sure on how to post a jpeg photo here.
I’m not sure either, maybe someone can step in and let us know. Might have to be a premium member to?