Big Block Power? 1968 Dodge “Power Wagon” Pickup
Often time, old Dodge pickups, and Power Wagon trucks in particular, that are unearthed here on Barn Finds are in less than stellar shape, many having been rode hard and put away wet. But then again, hard work, not boulevard cruising, was their station in life, so experience in the world of hard knocks is to be expected. Today, however, we have a really nice 1968 Dodge pickup, converted to Power Wagon status, for your review and when I say power, I mean power! Found in Los Gatos, California by Nevadahalftrack, this old Mopar is available, here on craigslist for $19,500.
Starting life as a two-wheel drive D200, some mechanically inclined soul (not the seller) converted this pickup to four-wheel drive Power Wagon status utilizing an NP445 four-speed manual truck transmission which is said to be rare. The big, unpromoted news, however, is under the hood where a 440 CI V8 engine is holding court. But…there’s no image, almost a disqualifying event for publication in my book. If it were a six or a 318 CI V8 I could see the lack of visual promotion, but a 440? C’mon man! Same with the underside, if one is going to go to such conversion lengths, how about showing it off? The seller adds, “I don’t drive it much, but wouldn’t hesitate to drive it anywhere. It has had all new brakes including master cylinder and booster and wheel bearings were replaced at same time. It has a new clutch“. Also added were new Bilstein shock absorbers, a new steering box, tie rod ends, and a drag link.
The exterior images are all taken at a distance which makes a close examination difficult. The blacked-out front is a matter of taste but from what is discernable, the finish and body appear to be sound. The listing goes into pretty good depth regarding all things mechanical but nothing is sad about the exterior, relying on the tunnel vision images to do the talking. While I have no reason to suspect a problem, I’d like to catch a glimpse of the cargo bed, its condition can say a lot about a truck’s usage.
The star of the show is in the cab, an environment that is considerably better photographed than any other aspect of this truck. Nice looking black vinyl upholstery blends right in with new black loop carpeting. It all maintains a stock vibe with the original machine-turned instrument panel, clear gauges, and original, non-split steering wheel. There appears to be a modern radio in place, more modern than 1968, but that’s the only interior nod to modernity.
The seller sums up his listing by stating, “I currently own many of these Sweptlines and this is by far the most civilized to drive, due to the more modern features“. Creature comforts these older Dodge trucks, and Power Wagons too, are not known for, so the seller’s civility claim is welcomed. Definitely pretty cool, but the lack of proper visual advertisement holds me back a bit, how about you?
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Comments
That there is about the best looking 60’s Dodge truck I’ve seen in years. Beautifully done.
1st, with current truck offerings today, I suppose $20gs is a plausible amount, you are getting a REAL truck for half the cost. Regarding the motor size, truck buyers, even today, want fire and brimstone and a 440 is the most logical choice. Keeping in mind, it won’t be a 440 Dart, and the motor is basically a slug, in this offering. 2nd, “lifting” a truck, as shown, is always risky business. I think it’s the dumbest thing, what, you really need that clearance for everyday driving, and the quirks that result, are hardly worth it. Death wobble, bump steer, pogo stick ride, tipsy as a poet on payday, to name a few, will have you wondering what you just spent the wifes kitchen money on( with folded arms), have fun with that.
68 W 100/200 Power Wagon sits high from factory. My 66 W100 Power Wagon does.
4×4 and 440 engine? Gas hog all the way!! Plus high set up makes for difficult entrance and egress, and 20K in addition. Sorry but I’d pass on this one.
Alot more truck hear–then any new truck built today. This will have grease fitting to pull maintance with. The new trucks don,t . I,d lower it back down and sale the 440 and drop in a old 318 . Maybe change to a higher gear. The price also beats a new truck price any day and this truck you can work on. The new ones–too many relays and gadgets that go wrong.
In my humble opinion a body lift is useless for function. The differential is the clearance point to be mindful of. But what do I know…..
I bought a 71 swepty several years ago, watched it on CL they were asking 6700 way too much and i was overseas anyway, it kept popping up for less, it wasnt running, needed tires, rusty,terrible CL pics and then it went off. When i got back i called the number in the listing that i had scribbled down. Long story short I bought it from the scrapper for $200 more then he paid for it plus i paid him $100 to haul it to my shop. Total $600. Had it running in a week, DD for several years, just waiting for gas to come down to drive it from Fl to the Ozarks. 318 with 4.10 sure grips 11.0 mpg with water injection. Great truck.