Posted by Photo Classifieds [68.186.242.95] on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at 20:08:30 :
1953 Dodge Power Wagon, Model B-4-PW 126.
VIN No. 83936399.
It’s my understanding that I’m the third owner.
The truck was originally a chemical fire truck at Brookhaven National Laboratories. After years of service, it was purchased by the previous owner, who worked there and then moved to New Mexico to work in another laboratory. That is where I bought the truck. Originally it had a large box on the bed for firefighting equipment, but the previous owner replaced it with a correct Series 2 bed and then repainted the truck. Previous owner did a lot of work to get the truck where it is now. I’ve only done minor things, but they’ve helped make it a reliable runner for me.
Located in Austin, Texas; Call Travis at (512) 657-6306; tevickery@gmail.com
Here’s a link to lots of pictures:
https://www.adoberevel.com/shares/39ba04b691f14ab297f0ead6a2780aa2/albums/cfa092bda0084b3c84fc972b16a7d063
· Clear Texas Title
· Third known owner
· Repainted in dark green on black fenders by the previous owner
· No rust
· Braden winch
· Pintle hitch
· Interior from Vintage Power Wagons (getting a little tired)
· Mopar heater (I have never tested it to see if it works, but its there)
· Correct series 2 bed with decent wood and metal strips in place
· Tractor Supply locking toolbox that sits low in the bed against the cab, so its generally not visible
· Registered as an antique – needs wipers and wiper motor installed and e-brake needs adjustment to pass a Texas inspection – or just drive it as an antique
Mechanical, etc
· M-37 230 engine
· Overload spring pack
· Original 4 speed unsynchronized transmission
· Professionally installed heavy front disc brakes and master cylinder
· Lockout hubs – I’ve never used the 4WD other than to engage it
· 12-volt conversion – starts right up
· Updated headlights – bright
· Spotlight works from a dash switch
· Sorted out some of the electrical issues so it runs well, but there is a slow drain
· Cleaned fuel tank and installed a Carter electric fuel pump pushing about 6 psi – mech pump still there, but disconnected.
This truck is offered as-is, with no warranty
Reasonable offers will be considered
I have most parts receipts for work I’ve done to the truck
I bought the truck about 2½ years ago. We’ve used it as a family work truck for landscaping. We’ve hauled about 10 tons of decomposed granite, dirt, sand, along with lumber. We only haul for short trips as the landscaping business is about a mile from our house. This is not a truck for the highway yet. It needs tires and an overdrive.
This truck looks, sounds, and runs great. But it is not the perfect Power Wagon and it isn’t priced that way. This is a very nice looking and driving truck that hasn’t been over-restored, so you can still use it the way it was intended.
The truck will come with an original Dodge repair manual, an owner’s guide, a set of mats for the cab, and a picture of the truck at Brookhaven Labs.
Engine
The engine fires right up, idles clean, and pulls through all the gears smoothly. Once I sorted fuel and electrical issues I tuned it up and it runs well. So far, it’s a strong running engine.
When I got the truck it had electrical and fuel delivery issues. I pulled the tank and had it cleaned, and then I installed fresh filters, lines, a Carter electric fuel pump, and a decent pressure regulator. If you want to keep the truck original, the mechanical fuel pump is still installed, but disconnected. All known fuel issues have been resolved and the truck runs reliably.
Paint
The truck looks really good – it’s a nice 10-20 footer. As you get closer, the paint has imperfections including a few drip spots on the passenger side and on the dash. There are scratches, scrapes, and rock chips. It’s not a $10,000 paint job, so you can use the truck without worrying about hurting it.
Known issues/needs
Tires – the truck has ancient US Royals on it. The tires make for a rough ride. Just replace them with your favorite 9x16. I understand offers for the truck will take this into account. The new owner can get the tires they want for it.
Leaks. The truck leaks. There are two that stand out. There is an oil leak at the filter can that developed the last time I changed the oil and the winch leaks when it’s above 90 out.
Bumper, chains, and linkage. I don’t like the look of some of the linkage or the chain on the winch, so I would have it checked by a cable shop before I put it under load. Although the bumper looks correct from a distance, there’s some homemade work on it – see the pics in the link. I have never put the winch under load.
Bed. It’s the correct series 2 bed for a 1953 model, but it’s not original to the truck and is an imperfect fit at the sides. We hauled lots of sand, gravel, and dirt in it with no problem. It still looks good, but it’s just off a bit.
Slow electrical drain. It takes a few weeks, but the battery will go dead if left connected. I would rewire the truck as I think the current setup is over complicated, but this is a minor issue. It can wait.
Rear taillights are incorrect (trailer lights, I think) and need some work.
Cowl lights are not hooked up.
Windshield wipers not setup.
Needs new windshield seal.
Fuel gauge doesn’t work.
Ebrake needs adjustment -- working on this.
Windshield regulator not installed but I have it and the handle – it needs to be rebuilt.
Diamond plate running boards have homemade welded supports, but they’re very sturdy.
This is my first Power Wagon. I may be missing something, but this is an honest description of the good and bad. I’m selling because we’ve used the truck the way we intended, landscaping is just about done, and I own too many vehicles. You can see my 38 GMC ¾ ton in one of those pics.