Original paint, Completely refurbished Power Wagon

Description for Dodge B-1-PW 1949

1949 Dodge Power Wagon ready to find a new home!

This is the early series of the Dodge Power Wagon commonly referred to as a B-1-PW, nearly identical to the WDX. The was Dodge's effort to bring a combat proven design to the consumer markets. These trucks were the choice of the forest service, farmers, construction companies and many other industrial jobs. The fact they still exist after 70 years of hard work is a statement in itself!

Beautiful frame off restoration with original paint on the cab and bed. All sheet metal is original except the running boards.

This particular truck was purchased new by the J.H. Trisdale general contracting company of Redding California. The significance of the company was the reason this truck was left in its aged trim. In short, Trisdale was awarded a government contract in 1950 to participate in the construction of the Hungry Horse Dam in the Flathead National Forest area of north western Montana. The glovebox still has a MT registration card inside! Multiple photos of the historic effort can be found on an internet search "Operation Highball" some of which include pictures this Power Wagons in use. The signage is still on the doors of the truck.

This truck lived a life of dormancy for decades before it was extracted from an old semi trailer this past spring. From there, Charlie Pitcher, a Dodge Truck Specialist spared no expense or extra hour to make the truck live this new life. The body was removed from the frame and from there every bolt-on component was either cleaned and inspected or, sand blasted and refurbished/rebuilt.

The original green paint the has been covered with a professional grade satin clear, preserving the original paint that is found on many parts of the body.

It maintains the old truck reality while also keeping it protected from corrosion. The tailgate is also original to the truck, requiring significant repairs.

Fully operational Braden winch with cable and chain.

It features a 230ci T137 equipped DT engine and a resealed NP420 transmission. This transmission was found in later Power Wagons and is an upgrade over the orginal "crash-box" 4 speed this truck originally had.

Approximately 200 Miles driven since completion.

Axles havenew brakes, turned drums and all wear items inspected. Driveshafts have new U joints, springs have new bushings and pins, winch has new bushings, bearings, seals and a new clutch/brake mechanism.

The wiring harness is made to Charlie's specs based off the original harness with the help of the Brillman Co.

New Glass, window channels, sweepers, weather stripping, interior including headliner, kickpanels and new rubber door stops. Doors and windows operate as they did when new.

Period correct Mopar heater is restored and works with an original switch with high and low speed.

Windshield frame is original and the nicest one will ever find.

Every component of this truck works! Wipers are original units and work better than most of the age. Drivers side is a powerful wiper, passenger side vacuum motor is weak but works when the glass is wet.

Instrument panel is fully operational including the speedometer. Original hand operated throttle with toothed cable.

All external light housings were disassembled completely and cleaned of any rust or debris before epoxy and paint. Every refinish material on this truck was sprayed through a spray gun not spray cans.

Running boards are exact reproductions from Matt Tisdale and sit on new ASH mounts (also found between cab and frame).

The original fenders were brought back to life and many hours were spent hammer/dolly, shrinking and tig welding the repairs to reverse the damage that so many of these trucks saw.

Wheels are powder coated and feature new tires, tubes and flaps.

The bed floor is a perfect fit from Bruce Horkey and was treated with a teak oil to give a lusterless, aged finish.

To the PW collector of enthusiast, this a vintage truck that can be used exactly the way it was built to be used! Forget a fancy, glamorous paint job, this ride demands attention as a reliablework horse!

This has been a labor of love and I hate to part with it, but we have several more project in the works.

On Feb-26-18 at 19:35:27 PST, seller added the following information:

To clarify - The tailgate is completely repaired and fully functional.

On Feb-27-18 at 08:20:01 PST, seller added the following information:

The engine was completely rebuilt by New Era Performance - .030 Pistons, rings. ground .010 under crank.hot tanked block and head. decked head and valve job.
The axle ratios are 4.89. I have never seen a 5.83 but I guess they exist.

On Feb-27-18 at 08:21:57 PST, seller added the following information:

Oops sorry. Checked the gear ratio. It is a 5.83.