Some classics appear on our desks at Barn Finds that leave me scratching my head. Such is the case with this 1952 Dodge Power Wagon. We have seen these robust old vehicles in many forms over more than a decade, but a search of the site archive confirms this is the first Woody we’ve featured. It is an unfinished build, leaving enough scope for its new owner to make their mark on this gentle giant. The seller hasn’t been overwhelmed with action since listing the project here on eBay. It has received a single bid of C$3,000, which is below the reserve for a vehicle located in the beautiful state of Montana.
The seller is sparing in their information about this Power Wagon, and the limited selection of images doesn’t help its cause. It appears that the creator may have been thorough with the early aspects of the build because the frame seems to wear a relatively fresh coat of Black. The panels feature a mixture of Green paint and surface corrosion, but there are no signs of penetrating rust. The buyer faces tackling a selection of minor bumps and bruises, and stripping the steel to bare metal as part of the process toward a high-end result is advisable. It will take time, but the additional cost would be negligible. That brings us to the “Woody” aspect of this classic, and the news is generally favorable. The framing timber is in good order, with no signs of rot or peeling varnish. The panel inserts would benefit from a refresh, which should be straightforward. The roof stakes are in place, although the new owner must choose what material to apply over the top. Molding steel would be easy, although they may use something like marine ply to add the perfect finishing touch. There is no glass, and rear fenders must be sourced or fabricated. I’m not going to pretend the winning bidder will complete this build with a few weekends of concerted effort, but it leaves scope for incredible personalization.
The only interior shot supplied by the seller tells us more than you might initially expect. There are no seats or interior fittings, but the enormous space leaves room for at least third-row seating. Careful planning could make a fourth row possible, providing accommodation for a large family. How the buyer configures it and what materials they utilize will be a matter of personal taste, but it is another aspect that offers a world of possibilities. The same is true for the drivetrain. This Power Wagon would originally have featured a 230ci flathead six, a four-speed manual transmission, and a dual-range transfer case. The front and rear axles appear complete, but the remaining major drivetrain components are gone. Sourcing the correct items is possible, but other options are worth considering. Slotting in a beam front axle conversion is feasible, making this Dodge rear-wheel drive. The engine bay could become home to a more modern V8 that feeds the power to the back via various transmission types. With the custom touches performed to this point, mechanical originality is not a concrete requirement if the new owner craves an effortless driving experience.
This 1952 Dodge Power Wagon Woody project will be a significant undertaking for its new owner, but the finished product could be a unique and extremely practical vehicle. It would be a giant family wagon that would undoubtedly draw crowds wherever it goes. It offers the opportunity for someone to let their imagination off the leash, and some enthusiasts will find the prospect irresistible. If a Station Wagon project has been in the back of your mind, would you be tempted to pursue this one further?
These were used in the mountains at high end ski resorts to shuttle passengers. Pretty nice where snow plowing is hit or miss at times. Also used for deliveries in the same places. The slow pace of them would have not been a hinderence in the high snow country as only a fool would drive fast under such conditions.
I was born and grew up there. Most every woody Power Wagon I saw was a government vehicle used by senior folks. I have seen them on the east side of the Rockies, used by the Air Force folks for bomber bases and missile silos, and by the Bureau of Indian Affairs on the west side. The early 1950s was a vast expansion time after WWII, but it wasn’t the locals with the resources. Ski resorts seemed to burgeon after those folks discovered the area.
Still think I’m nuts?( don’t answer that), Clearly nobody is interested in finishing this cool truck. Pretty much the same old thing I’ve been yapping about, the body needs to be yanked off the frame and plopped on a modern chassis. Someones well thought intentions of having a stock woody Power Wagon in Cal. probably ended abruptly, and the interest has gone the way of common sense. Woodys are inherently cool, but not with 1952 engineering for today.
Found something I thought you might appreciate, Howard..
https://forums.aaca.org/topic/343096-power-wagon-woodie/
https://forums.aaca.org/topic/402434-1949-dodge-power-wagon-woody/
HoA
There are a number of Woodie Power Wagons out here in SoCal. In fact there’s a fellow in the San Diego Club who has one outfitted as a Fire Service vehicle with sirens etc. It was the subject of the Wavecrest poster for last years show.
Here’s a pix:
https://www.classicarnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/49-dodge-power-wagon.jpg
Woodies are still around though your point is well taken . Many folks prefer the rodded Woodie as they like power brakes etc. I’m a purist and not very practical so mine has OEM running gear albeit with a Columbia 2 speed rear end.
There are plenty of knowledgeable folks in the National Woodie Club and in the San Diego Woodies Club who could help a buyer of this power wagon get it back together. All you need is woodie loads of money :) There are also Woodie Clubs all around the US that would be closer to the seller.
Heres the San Diego Club website that would lead a buyer to the National Woodie Club
https://sandiegowoodies.com/
And while I dont have Fcebok, if you do here are some pix
https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Wavecrest-Woodie-Meet/100063486102774/?sk=photos
I want to travel through timer and go up to the New England mountains to ski circa 1955 in this. Listen to Patti Page on the radio, discuss Ike’s latest efforts with fellow passengers.
HoA:
Here’s a completed one that has been at Wavecrest the annnual woodie show in Encinitas California.
https://cdn1.mecum.com/auctions/ca0816/ca0816-244632/images/ca0816-244632_12@2x.jpg
I’m sure there are plenty of Woodie folks who would help the new owner with parts and advice.
https://woodies.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?sl=1488979236
https://www.dodgepowerwagon.com/woodie/wellman-power-wagon-woodie.php
Interesting links, to say the least!
Well , I do think you are nuts but, I know that I am… I’m with you on the truck plan.. that body should absolutely be given a new frame and down to car height. The inside home to all the modern items we love. For power, I recently saw an old chevy truck powered by a hydrogen burning LS.. That would be cool, the hydrogen part anyways..toss that LS….source an Australian Hemi 6cyl built turbo/super charged with a 6spd. I’d stay away from v8s, way to common. As I stated I know I’m nuts, badge of honor..but if I were gonna build this woody to be different I’d go all the way. All while embarrassing a few road warriors..
Small market for this configuration. I see it in an African Safari Park taking punters out over the savanna.
That was my impression. Or a sight-seer in any tropical nation. Not useful here in the good ol USA, however.
I can see this vehicle slogging over rocks in deep dark jungles , in cannibal-infested territory as the natives attack with blow-guns and the tourists cowering behind those wooden slats, hoping not to become that evening’s entree.
Very Cool! I bid on it and received a message it can’t be shipped to US but the listing states it’s in Montana.
Montana was just sold to China
This body needs to be dropped on modern underpinnings and it would be gone in less than 30 days. Nobody wants to listen to that ponderous 6 cylinder
I feel like geomechs should be chiming in with his knowledge
Picture this… An elderly and portly man with a handlebar mustache and pin-striped suit. Holding up bottles of elixir with his “personal guarantee to cure what ails you”. Cast iron pots and pans serve as his backup should the “elixir” not get the crowd to part with their hard-earned cash… Welcome to the Twilight Zone. Just my take on this really cool and collectible antique.
OOOPS… this was meant for the model T Truckster. sorry about that.
Previously owned by a dental floss tycoon. .
Keep the wax…