Posted by Johnny Burrito on September 05, 1999 at 11:06:48:
In Reply to: Newbie Questions 'bout Town Wagon Model designations... posted by Andy Burks on September 05, 1999 at 10:21:05:
Hey Andy - I see you signed up for the Townie email list. We can share info & answer all sorts of Townie questions. Since you asked here - I'll answer here (if the POWER WAGON folks don't mind)...
Town Panels started in '54. Town Wagons were added in late '55. Both models produced until '66. Frame lengthened from 108" to 114" in '61. Most body parts are the same, but front fenders will not interchange before & after '61.
W100 = 1/2 ton (all Townies)
W200 = 3/4 ton
W300 = 1 ton
A few Townies have been reported to be W200's - could have built on the regular assembly line or may have been built by the "SEG" (Special Engineering Group). And actually, frames are the same for W100 & W200 - so it may just be different springs & a few other mods that make the diff between a Dodge 1/2 & 3/4 ton.
I'll send ya seperate email about Townies we know for sale.
Don't know about the Gibson movie. But there may be one in the background of "Dirty Harry" during the "do you fell lucky" scene. And the old "Lassie" series is great for all sorts of Power Giant era trucks.
And the attached pic is of '55 TP that is right-hand drive for postal use. In fact, most Dodge trucks of the 50's & 60's are set up left & right hand drive with identical dash, firewall & frame cutouts on both sides.
Hope that helps.
Cheers, JB