Projects come in all shapes and sizes, but every now and then one surfaces that already has some serious work completed. This 1952 Dodge Power Wagon project currently listed on eBay looks like one of those builds that someone started with a clear vision before life simply got in the way. Now it’s being offered for the next owner to finish.
According to the seller, this truck began life as a 1952 Dodge Power Wagon and still retains a solid body. The goal appears to have been creating a capable and attention-grabbing four-wheel-drive build, and a number of important upgrades have already been completed to move the project forward.
One of the most significant elements of the build is the drivetrain. The truck now houses a 5.7-liter Dodge Hemi engine along with an automatic transmission. The seller states that both were installed in 2025 by Woodies 4×4 in Oregon, with new motor mounts fabricated as part of the installation. That kind of professional work can represent a major step forward in any custom build, especially when fitting a modern Hemi into a vintage truck.
Underneath, the axles have reportedly been rebuilt, and the splines were upgraded to oversized units compared to the original specification. The listing also notes that the wheels and tires are new, and that wheel seals and bearings were replaced as part of the work that has already been completed. These upgrades suggest that considerable attention was given to strengthening the truck’s running gear during the project.
While a lot has been accomplished, the truck is not yet ready for the road. The seller explains that it will still need a steering column, driveshaft, and wiring harness before it can be driven. For many builders, those final stages of a project are where the real personalization begins, allowing the next owner to finish the truck exactly the way they want.
The seller mentions having invested roughly $30,000 into the build so far but no longer having the time to continue. Rather than letting the truck sit unfinished, it’s being offered for someone else to complete.
Vintage Power Wagons have long been appreciated for their rugged design and capability, and builds like this one combine that classic platform with modern performance potential. With a Hemi already in place and major mechanical work underway, this 1952 Dodge project could be an appealing starting point for someone looking to complete a distinctive four-wheel-drive truck.
Can’t you just hear the steam escaping? $30 grand and this is as far as it got? Some folks sure need a stark lesson in economics. I don’t mean to rain on everyone’s parade, just the ones that can’t think properly, and this is a giant bust. I try, no really, I try and visualize what was going on in the builders minds, and good intent, I’m sure, but just in way too deep with these vulture restorers, and have to bail. Can’t even get a bid, while the old man in me wants to say, “WAH, WAH”, my mom in me says I feel bad for them.
$30,000 ! ..Where ? …Am I missing something ?
lop off a zero, maybe two depending on where that engine came from.
Needs a steering column…find one that fits. Needs a wiring harness, for that electronically controlled engine (don’t forget an ecu). The engine needs an exhaust complete with O2 sensors.. There’s too much to question here and they’ve got one too many zeroes in the price. There’s an awful lot of work to be done and no guarantees it will all be possible, always a serious risk with restomods that are as unfinished as this one.
What Howard said,🥃 cheers Happy St.Paddy day
It’s not a power wagon,I’m purdy sure this be I think..
I didnt think it looked right so i googled “1952 power wagon “ and the cab isnt even close.
That is one fugly hunk of scrap!
What a junky looking money pit.
This started life as a Dodge M37 military vehicle, a cousin to the civilian Power Wagon truck.
I have owned several original M37s, and currently own a nice WWII version. I like the way they look, but don’t drive well by modern standards. I have often thought of building a restomod version. Several years ago I built a shop truck by mounting a ’53 Chevy pickup body on a complete Escalade drivetrain. The donor running escalade provided all the necessary parts to make it run and drive. I had to fabricate body mounts, and do a bunch of wiring, but it was actually kinda fun. I also knew that the suspension, steering, and braking system were safe and reliable.
The project was done over a winter, and was not costly, probably under $10K total.
If you want to restomod a M37, a complete body swap is probably the most bang for your buck. Cheap, rough M37s are relatively common. As for donor rides, M37s generally drop nicely onto V8 gas models, but need major firewall mods if you want to use a Dodge / Cummins diesel due to the longer engine block.
Like most unfinished projects, The M37 for sale here is only worth the price of the parts….. Beater body on non-running drivetrain, missing parts.
Well, their mistake, I think, was not sticking with the original engine, if they were trying to sell in this condition. At least, then, there might be an easier way to get it running and driving before any cosmetics. More valuable at that point for sale.
Buy it now is set at $13k. Marking on windshield says $22k. The “hemi” looks like it came from the rust belt (I know, I live there). Honestly speaking, I hope someone bids a few thousand. Sell off those wheels and tires. Scrap that Hemi and replace it with anything you like that isn’t a corrosion bucket. Disassemble, blast, strip, and repaint the whole thing. To each his own, but why rebuild axles and put that wheel tire combo on it before is has a working drivetrain?
Power wagon price for an M37 which is only worth a fraction of a power wagon
Thousands of these were sold to municipalities through Defense Reutilization (DRMO) for whatever purpose needed. Our city had several, used by mosquito control, fire department brush trucks, civil defense, etc.
Most were bought for 1 dollar. The real cost was in maintaining them.
They were tough but not unbreakable. Not fun to drive on hard surface but adequate off road. Caveats abound for potential owners. Find and use the Field Manuals, adhere to the maintenance schedule and there should be plenty of spare parts around somewhere… Or just skip it and find something that can be used. Consider buying two or three and cannibalism ’em…. if you’re serious. Keep a machine shop on speed dial… and a good welder. A healthy bank account and a sense of humor. Instead of spending big bucks to start on this one, consider looking at those municipalities auction sites though I expect most of these M37s have already been gone for awhile now.
I’d put a 6.4 Scat Pac Hemi with a blower and 2 X 4 carburation instead of messing with all the electronics and gain 300 more horsies too! Leave the Military’s bomb proof axels and original steering column and be on the road a whole lot faster, or just put a carb set up on what’s already there and use what it came with for everything else!
This is MOT a Power Wagon and never was a Power Wagon! This started out as a military M37 built by Dodge so no power wagon aspirations here. It looks like it’s been drug through the country side sideways extremely rough from every angle! I have owned a couple M37s and in very nice stock condition including new paint ets with winch it’s 12,000 $ with a completely unfinished engine swap on a really beat up old in every way truck it’s not worth half the asking price.