Posted by Chris Davis - UT on Saturday, April 09, 2005 at 1:09PM :
I looked at a '48 yesterday and while tempting, I have my WC-51 project to finish before I get involved in another restoration.
I told the owner, Dave, that I'd post it here for him. Here's his ad:
"1948 DODGE power wagon, 4x4, Civilian, good body, complete drive train, six cylinder, 4spd, $2100, 801-637-1776"
I've attached some photos, but you should call Dave for details. It's located in the Salt Lake City area.
The motor is a T-137 Series 230. Dave says the compression is good and it will turn over when a battery is hooked up, but it lacks a generator and coil. The motor looked like it was in good shape to me. The drive train is complete, and Dave says a spare tire with good tread is part of the deal.
The body tag is 4312-12448
The data plate is missing, and I could not locate a serial number on the frame... looks like a welded re-enforcement is covering it, although I'm not certain. Dave does have a good Utah title for it however. He thinks it is based on the body tag number.
Dave the floor pans and the inner door panels are currently removed, but Dave says he has them and they are in good shape.
The flat bed looks like it could be factory... all the support components are stamped steel construction and it has the inlaid skid strips, but I don't know enough about flat beds to know for sure.
Windshield frame looks to be complete and solid, almost rust free.
Dave says it has been stored inside until recently. He lost his garage space and that's why he's selling it.
Issues from my observation:
Front frame rails bent from a gin pole probably.
Small (almost pin hole) rust at very back cab to floor pan seam. Also at very back of cab top.
Dent on front passenger side of roof (plus some more minor ones in the top itself)
Fenders are solid but dented... probably repairable with the right dolly / skills, but I'd probably replace them if I was restoring it.
Hood is dented, probably will need replacement.
Instruments broken out
Providing the drive train is as good as suspected, the truck could be a drive-able restoration project for not a lot of effort, but complete restoration will take a lot of time & $.
I have no stake in it other than to pass on what I've seen and hope it finds a good home. Give Dave a call at 801-637-1776 for more details.
Take care,
Chris Davis
Follow Ups: