There’s just something so eye-catching about the rugged good looks of an old Dodge Power Wagon. Finding a complete one that sits in its mostly original condition can be a tall task. This desert find, listed here on eBay, looks like a great project for anyone on the hunt for one of these unique trucks.
The seller states that the engine spins freely but does not run. Before bidding, it would be good to know why exactly it doesn’t run, but it’s at least encouraging to know that it’s not locked up. It’d be great if the straight-six fired up with just some simple mechanical work and a few new parts. If a rebuild does need to happen, though, a freely spinning engine is a positive and parts are likely easily accessible.
A quick glance at those high-back seats with armrests and interested bidders will know that changes have been made to the interior. While the high-back appearance detracts from the factory look, they may be more comfortable than the originals. Much like the overall look of the truck, though, the interior does appear to be well used. Thankfully, what’s there doesn’t seem to be too thrashed, so a little cleaning could make it serviceable.
This is one project that could potentially go either way – fix it up and drive as is or do a complete restoration. The cost of a complete restoration would pretty well outweigh the value of the truck when completed. For someone looking for a rustic look for running to the hardware store or hauling brush to the dump, the patina on this one fits the bill. So, with no reserve on the auction, how high would you be willing to bid? And what would you do with this Power Wagon if you won?
This would be a project to restore in both contexts-my wife and I would have a great time getting this back on the road with an according budget..
As Howard A., geomechs, Wayne and the other old truck-experienced BF readers will share with us “these aren’t a job for the faint of heart, and these aren’t a ride for sissies!“
In todays market this is a fair price so far but we’ll see where it stops. GLWTA
And my phrase “old truck-experienced BF readers..” is meant with the emphasis on “old truck” as we are only as old as we allow ourselves to be
Yes, Nevada, bring your helmet because these are ROUGH!!!
Back in the early 70s I was tasked with driving a load of seed 20 miles from town to my uncles farm in his 1951 PW. Man, never again. Whereas, driving it on the fields and in his woods was a blast (it would literally go anywhere), on the hwy, it was miserable. Bumpy, not properly geared for the 50 MPH road, and it was loud! Though I find the truck cool in design, and the L Head six was an awesome engine, I would never own one, just not good except for a farm or back woods tool, nothing more.
That’s the thing with these. If you want to own one, you have to know that they weren’t designed for anything but getting you from Point A to Point B, and any place in between. Some people get quite disappointed in these old relics because they expect things to be more modern than they are. Well, Model Ts don’t have disc brakes. If I got one I wouldn’t expect anything but the basics and I could have a good time just the same…
Looks solid enough!! The spaghetti under the hood is quite the cob job!! The bucket seats might have enough springs left to absorb the rough ride these give!!
The Manson Family Had A Power Wagon.
Really? That is a very cool fact.
Brutal murderers had a Power Wagon. Yeah. Way cool.
Ken, okay, I will change the word cool to interesting. Obviously, no one in my house has any affection for the Manson Family. Funny I have never heard that before, and I am usually pretty good at trivial things.
Ahh the flat fender Power Wagon! Depending on the level of rust in the cab, floors and bed, that is going to be a big deciding point on if there is any meat left on the bone for a restoring this truck. I am about 65 Percent of the way done with a 50 Power Wagon with winch and I went ALL THE WAY on my restoration starting with a bare frame fully powder coated everything, rebuilt engine, new ring and pinions front and back. The body and bed redone to standards that I have never seen before and paint that looks 6 inches deep. The only thing changed from original is the truck is now a 12 volt was originally a 6 volt system. When done I will be asking around 115,000 for the truck I will have around 80k my cost into it and an unknown number of my hours, it’s in the hundreds I know that! My truck started with almost NO rust that saved me thousands of dollars. So with that said depending on how bad this truck is will depend on if there is any money in it or not?
This one runs and drives, and is cheaper. The original interior is intact as well. Sent in the tip several days ago.
https://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/cto/d/layton-1952-dodge-power-wagon/7131846385.html