1953? PowerWagon: MV or Civvy?? w/pics

[USAFSS-ColdWarrior]

I have stumbled upon a Dodge PowerWagon doing stationary duty as a WINCH for an Overhead Hoist.

Stopped by yesterday with the camera and took the pics shown.

There was a guy on site (not the owner) who thought she's a 1953(?) with a flathead 6 cylinder engine that was rebuilt "just a few years ago", and he says "she's not really roadworthy".

Her NDT tires are badly dry-rotted. I GOOGLE'd "1953 Power Wagon" and I see that NDT Tires are common on "Civvy" trucks.

From what I can tell via GOOGLE Images is that a Military version would have the vertical fold-down style windshield and "squared" doors, making them "M37" models. but the "Flat" (two dimensional contoured) fenders make me wonder if it might be military. Yet the headlights do not appear to be utilitarian military style.

They only use the winch to hoist "stuff" off pickups and trailers.

The interior is in similar condition to the exterior - needing LOTS of TLC.

There are operational decals (that look "militaristic") on the glove box door, but nothing that I recogize as a Military Data Plate.

THEREFORE -
Can anyone educate me on this vehicle?
ANY information would be helpful.
I'm considering making an offer - Any value estimates?
(If I offerd to swap an electric hoist, I think I could snag it )

Thanks ! ! !

 

[maddawg308]

That is a civilian Power Wagon. They have been used the world over for industrial, logging, drilling, and other work-related applications. Very cool find.

It may not look like much, but restored those bring GOOD money. I'd definitely try and save it by swapping an electric hoist. Then cut off the rest of the crap, and list on dodgepowerwagon.com. Those guys will eat it up.

 

[FrankUSMC]

Some were bought by the military to be used aound the bases. I am with maddawg on this, they are very collectable.
One of the few, Frank USMC RET

 

[Capt.Marion]

VERY collectible. Almost identical drivetrain to the M37, just 12V.

I'd kill to have one of these-they are great looking trucks. Post it over on powerwagonadvertiser.com ... they'll snap it right up.

 

[wilber]

They are sweet looking when restored...

 

[Capt.Marion]

Here's a quick intro to PWs, with some links to further reading:

Power Wagon Page Intro

 

[Superdave]

That truck is at least a 1961-68 model by looking at how the front grill sticks out about 1" past the upper rad shroud and the box that has the flat top on the sides that came out about 1955. It also has the larger 251ci engine in it compared to the 230ci of the earlier models.

 

[maddawg308]

If it is a 1961 truck or after, it is probably a WM300 model. That was the last flat-fender Power Wagon made by Dodge.

 

[USAFSS-ColdWarrior]

Thanks for all the good input. My time for doing research is limited at this time. Y'all are a great help.

Anything else I should know?

 

[Capt.Marion]

These trucks are pretty dang near unstoppable...

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQrhzFJ9zzs[/media]

 

[maddawg308]

Thanks for all the good input. My time for doing research is limited at this time. Y'all are a great help.

Anything else I should know?

Sure. Show up to the site with either an electric winch or cash, and BUY THE DANG THING!

 

[USAFSS-ColdWarrior]

Well...
After some negotiation and haggling.... and generous offer - I have found that emotional attachment is stronger than CASH or even a NEW Electric Winch.

The story is that the PowerWagon has been in the family for a LONG time, and the owner says: "Someday I might just fix it up myself." (Actually, I'm not sure he knows where the title is.)

Oh, well. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

I left him with a good offer and he knows how and where to find me if he changes his mind. I'll stay in touch with him and give a gentle nudge when he seems in a good mood.

<sigh>

 

[TGP (IL)]

"Will restore it someday" is the favorite line,and I'm sure they always have good intentions,But,
99% of the time the vehicle in question rots into the ground,before that happens.
A real shame!

Here's my 47 that I saved/Restored.
Tom

 

[USAFSS-ColdWarrior]

"Will restore it someday" is the favorite line,and I'm sure they always have good intentions,But,
99% of the time the vehicle in question rots into the ground,before that happens.
A real shame!

Here's my 47 that I saved/Restored.
Tom

So True !

Ya done a good job, Troop

 

[m880 unimog]

WC,s are favourite looking dodge-great find there CW- really enjoyed all the pictures-

....i,d be camped out around that truck-plagueing the guy

and that '47 is a BEAUTY

 

[hndrsonj]

There's a beautiful unrestored one sitting in a salvage yard here in Cheyenne. (no rust too).