Retired Fire Truck: 1948 Dodge Power Wagon
The Power Wagon was the civilian adaptation of a similar vehicle built by Chrysler for use during World War II (and later the Korean War). Introduced in 1945, it was the first vehicle of its kind for public consumption and stuck around in a similar format throughout the 1970s. This Power Wagon was once used as a fire truck but was retired in 1993 and likely out of commission since then. Its water tank has been removed, so it has more cargo space now as a result. Not many of these are left.
Dodge developed the 4-wheel-drive, medium-duty market with the Power Wagon. The name is still used today as a special package on its ¾-ton Ram 2500s. The same payload capacity applies to its predecessors like this one. Propulsion was provided by a 230 cubic inch “flathead” inline-6 with a 4-speed manual transmission. The part-time 4X4 was engaged by a 2-speed, low-range transfer case.
Signage on this old workhorse shows that it was in service of the Village of Steger, likely in Illinois. Since it became dormant, the brakes no longer work though it will run and drive (look out!). The seller is quick to point out that it’s not roadworthy in its current state. With the water tank gone, there is evidence of some rust in the bed and tailgate. Some of the wood was cut back in the day to add the tank for firefighting. All of the glass is cracked in one place or another.
The truck currently calls Girard, Pennsylvania, home, and the seller has a video that will show it running and driving. The odometer reads about 50,000 miles which could be right since firefighting equipment usually made just short hops. If you’d like to restore this once noble public servant, the Dodge is available here on eBay where just one bid of $18,000 has been cast.
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Comments
18K…wow, we used to play on one of these as kids, parked at the back of an old farm nextdoor to ours. It was military green with the white star on the side and a serial number on the side of the hood. It was in better shape than this until people started using it for target practice. Not sure if its still there or not, havent been back there for years and its all grown up now.
That was likely an M-37 weapons carrier, given the markings. Pretty similar to this, but I don’t believe that civilian Power Wagons were used in “tactical vehicle” roles. But, hey, any truck that you can play on as a kid is a score, I always say. As a part of my job, I often had a demo fire apparatus at our house. Then I changed jobs. One day, a senior gentleman knocked on my door. He asked where the fire truck went- his grandson didn’t want to come over anymore since it left.
Used to drive these in the SD Army National Guard in the summer of 1977, from Camp Rapid to Camp Gurnsey and back. Not very fast but you could climb mountains as long as you had traction!!!
I believe that stock is 4.86 (?). The axles can only accept a small range of ratios. And, of course, the front and rear ratios need to match.
My understanding is the last year for these was 1968 in the US, into the mid to late ’70’s in Canada (as Fargo) and south of the boarder. Over the years they were upgraded to include a 12V electrical system, a larger engine, and the gauges were moved from the center to over the column. They were designed for hauling, not speed, with a top speed of 45-50.
Our fire department had one for brush fires, got to drive it a couple of times. Definitely an off road truck.
Shifting was very slow and extremely heavy. Road like a Mack and handled like one to lol.
But they would go anywhere with ease when off road. For what they were designed for they are perfect.
Good luck to buyer and seller and enjoy.
I have owned several somewhat similar Dodge 3/4 4×4 trucks. All mine were military types, mostly 50s M37, and currently own a somewhat rare 1945 WC variant (Air Portable Truck) that I restored to original condition. As others have said, by modern standards these trucks are slow, and require significant effort to brake, and steer. Shifting also requires some skill and practice. They are not suited to driving on highways or heavy traffic. I live in a rural area, so mine is actually fine on backroads and around the small towns.
The truck shown here has great potential, and if it were local I would want to see it. Nicely restored examples bring good money, and parts (NOS, repro, used) are plentiful through companies like Vintage Power Wagons. They are relatively simple, and easy to work on, although some components are quite heavy. There are also specialist companies that provide updated drivetrain components and conversions. Power steering, power brakes, disc brakes, gear ratio changes, and even engine conversions are available. I am considering building a resto-mod version, but this truck is too nice for that fate.
If this truck were mine, I would probably leave the paint, and just overhaul the brakes, suspension, and drivetrain. I would replace the wood in the bed and the tires. Given the low mileage, the engine probably won’t need a major rebuild.
Dave Butler, the owner (or was) of Vintage Power Wagons in Iowa was smart enough long ago enough to realize that all of the NOS Dodge military vehicle parts that had been shipped to Europe for the war and then given to countries to start NATO were stashed in military warehouses in countries throughout Europe. They were ready for disposal as obsolete in many cases. So, he bought them all and shipped them back to the United States. He also brought back entire vehicles from Thailand. I met Dave back in the 80s. I visited his town on a Sunday morning to buy some parts for a Dodge restoration project that I was working on. He had a commitment, so he told me where the hidden key to his warehouse was and that I could look around and purchase anything that I wanted. I merely had to leave him a note telling him what I took so that he could bill me- that’s the kind of guy that he is. His place was a Dodge military vehicle candy store. Thousands of NOS parts, often still in cosmoline, saying “Packed March 7, 1943” on the package. I was restoring an ambulance. Dave had a whole crate (or more) of brand new rear ambulance doors in perfect condition (good thing that I was flying home). I am sure that I left puddles of drool everywhere…
Talking about these trucks motivated me into taking my WC/APT for a drive this morning while I did some errands. Got lots of looks/waves.
I cannot say enough good things about Vintage Power Wagons. The staff is knowledgable and very helpful, and prices are fair. They do have a large stock of military parts……but they are mostly for the US-built versions. The Canadian versions (like my APT) had some significant differences. The engines were bigger (longer block) so US gaskets, manifolds, heads etc won’t fit. The longer block also meant longer hood/fenders. The Canadian box was also built narrower to allow the truck to be shipped by air (hence APT: Air Portable Truck). Most of the relatively small number (they started production late in the war) of Canadian WC type trucks and parts were shipped to Europe, and turned over to allies. There are several European military vehicle parts companies that sell parts for these. I have bought many parts for mine from the Netherlands.
I am about 90 percent done with a full restoration of a 1950 B2 Power Wagon and although my truck had only 18k original miles and only rust on it was one stake pocket it was exactly what I was looking for. I have since overhauled every component on this truck, both diffs, winch, engine, transmission and transfer case. My truck is better than brand new. All that’s left is wiring and front fenders and running boards. It will have been a 3 year project when done.
I once owned that truck a few years back it had a hose reel in the bed and ladders on the side I had it hauled to pa
Man, if I were a lot younger I’d jump on this one.
If I lived closer I would jump on this beauty I love the look of it painted like a fire truck. My grandfather had one when I was young and learned how to drive stick in it but the one he had was worked hard and use up all the Canadian winters it went through being used as a plow truck in the end really rotted the truck right out but I love those things they have major torque and true work horses and would love to get one.
This truck brings back memories. I had a 1946 WD-21 1 ton pickup in the same faded red color, with rear wheel drive and a 9-foot bed, from the late 70’s to the mid 80’s. Finally, after it would only start if parked on a hill, I sold it. I used to give rides to counselors and kids in the back, down back roads. None of that would be permitted today. The Power Wagon, as stated, used the similar cab with the crank out windshield and cowl vent from the 40’s until the 60’s. No need for A/C as long as you were moving.
In looking at the pics this truck is missing most of the standard stuff. It appears the expansion tank for the cooling system is gone, these trucks run a non pressurized cooling system so they depended on the expansion tank to accommodate the coolant expansion. The radiator shroud is gone, I expect this is because it takes a few more minutes to place the radiator with the shroud on. Not that it’s not going to be a fair bit of work for the new owner but it looks to be pretty darn good truck!
When I was in the 4th Armored Division of the US ARMY I was an O-5 C. My tty rig was on an M-37 and I loved it. I found some carborator seals and cranked the governor to let me have top speed. It would do 70 mps. When ever someone needed a duty vehicle they would borrow HQ-37. I kept the tires fully inflated to make it roll better. I wished I had it now as it would go anywhere.
Well, you guys are going to hate me. I have a 56 power wagon that I installed a small block Chevy & granny tranny. Replaced the cab with a 57 gmc. And used it in the woods. Still have it. Hearing these prices, I could cry.
Doug today if the cab was relatively clean that would be worth 4k