'52 Dodge Power Wagon. ... Caltex ??

[goingbush]

I'm trying to find some history of my basket case '52 Power Wagon
According to a previous owner a LandRover guy had it so maybe someone here knows about it .



"the guy I got it off in 2002 was a Land Rover guy who bought and sold old land Rovers manly but he was pretty sure Caltex brought most of them in the country and there wasn't much this guy didn't know about cars in Australia


It been through a few owners in this sorry state, with bits dropping off along the way. Might take a year or two but I'll be doing a full original nut & bolt restoration, keeping it original with a few concessions like seatbelts & indicators .

As far as I know Chrysler Australia built about 55 RHD models in Adelaide going to RAAF , PMG , VicRail , & Snowy Mountains Authority.
Mine is a LHD built in Detroit. I never heard about the Caltex connection before, would be delighted if anyone can shed some light on the story.



https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/22688502_1988766844739577_6751153541145530781_n.jp g?_nc_cat=100&_nc_sid=07e735&_nc_ohc=rYZAsJVcdY8AX_3vLzR&_nc_ht=scontent-syd2-1.xx&oh=a058a1883589bea04486ab2e3bf25d58&oe=5F30B326

https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/22730117_1988766884739573_8352397758250606882_n.jp g?_nc_cat=103&_nc_sid=07e735&_nc_ohc=28rsxou4tuoAX_vtQus&_nc_ht=scontent-syd2-1.xx&oh=78ec48520c411b832db143d47e203a91&oe=5F2F8A9D

[goingbush]

Ok, bit of detective work, Ive worked back through a few previous owners , as far as I can trace the Power Wagon was bought from Hilton Pollard, Putty Road, Colo Heights in 2002 , I took a bit of a drive along there in Google Street View & found a place bristling with old LandRovers and 2 1950's Dodge 'PilotHouse'

Apparently Hilton traded a Caravan for it from a place in Penrith where it was in pieces all over someones shed, Thats as far back as I can go.

I'll give Hilton a call & see if he remembers any more.

I doubt it was Caltex , going by its colour probably more like a Snowy Truck like this one, the chassis number is close & its the same colour model & year


https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/109787199_3125689750846127_2858310750785511300_o.j pg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_sid=07e735&_nc_ohc=4OA_D_hxLPQAX-P5zn0&_nc_ht=scontent-syd2-1.xx&oh=0b51cfe0f73a91421fea5460ac5299ab&oe=5F44976D

https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/112042256_3125689630846139_39828923273357674_o.jpg ?_nc_cat=111&_nc_sid=07e735&_nc_ohc=cSIu1k5e-r8AX_SpLfd&_nc_ht=scontent-syd2-1.xx&oh=125caa4e3210678c6c70c8ba23ce73bd&oe=5F44AB2E

[goingbush]

Haven't been mucking about, already made a front bumper from 4mm steel for it,
Practice for some chassis sections I will need to replace.

https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/116260990_3130947430320359_8956203415634263489_o.j pg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_sid=1480c5&_nc_ohc=JG5JBZlT9kYAX-hkmqE&_nc_ht=scontent-syd2-1.xx&oh=16a0abe24ae12dac715b32c745510ec4&oe=5F436080

[Sitec]

That's quite a project you have there. What's the plan? Full concourse resto to original spec or a sympathetic rebuild with modern 6 cyl diesel and synchro box?

[goingbush]

That's quite a project you have there. What's the plan? Full concourse resto to original spec or a sympathetic rebuild with modern 6 cyl diesel and synchro box?

It will take a few years but the plan is Restore to original, but with a few concessions like Indicators , seatbelts, etc. I love the old Dodge side valve engines so will be keeping the existing engine if its an original PowerWagon engine . Only problem is the engine number is missing, its looks like a 25" to me rather than the original 23" but theres a guy that can authenticate from casting numbers.

http://goingbush.com/DPW/dpw2.jpg

http://goingbush.com/DPW/dpw5.jpg

http://goingbush.com/DPW/dpw4.jpg

http://goingbush.com/DPW/dpw1.jpg

[Sitec]

It looks like most of it is there though. What does the 23" and 25" relate to?

[Bigbjorn]

It looks like most of it is there though. What does the 23" and 25" relate to?

Two different engines. US & Canada. One is 23" long & the other is 25". A trap for young players is buying head gaskets on the internet. Yanks don't realise there is another Chrysler side valve engine.

[goingbush]

Two different engines. US & Canada. One is 23" long & the other is 25". A trap for young players is buying head gaskets on the internet. Yanks don't realise there is another Chrysler side valve engine.

Exactly, and even more confusing the Canadian 25" and US 23" both have a 218 cu in engine size . (Different bore and stroke too) I ordered a 25" 218 Head gasket for our other Dodge and a 23" gasket arrived.

The Canadian 25" engines are harder to buy parts for, in my photos it looks like the back of the head is too close to the firewall to be correct. The Power Wagon has a fully sealed PCV system for deep water crossings and I can see this engine has some PW parts but also an open draft tube.

[JDNSW]

Which engine should this Powerwagon have?

[goingbush]

Which engine should this Powerwagon have?

Its a 1952 Power Wagon , Model, B-3 -PW-126 made in Detroit, should have 230cu in 23" engine , I suspect its a Snowy PW and not a Caltex one,

[goingbush]

I made a mad rush & recovered my Power Wagon yesterday before the statewide lockdown comes into effect tomorrow.
I pre made an A-Frame in preparation as I knew you could not get a car trailer down to the boneyard it was stored in. took 2 hours to drag it up the hill & load onto trailer.

Turns out its Snowy Mountains Authority, didn't need too much detective work as the logo was on the bleeding door, on the side I never had a photo of. now the fun begins.


https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/117237820_3156822721066163_6513769201894398049_o.j pg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_sid=07e735&_nc_ohc=b81-T3HUmcwAX8L4xIz&_nc_ht=scontent-syd2-1.xx&oh=14d17acfdb561ef81a0715f955bd1f40&oe=5F50059C

https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/116237674_3156828264398942_1783182978766029769_o.j pg?_nc_cat=105&_nc_sid=07e735&_nc_ohc=AAw0NrHdYOgAX9Y_qk9&_nc_ht=scontent-syd2-1.xx&oh=d8be264a7f61c82fa67ad830748bb204&oe=5F5074F2

https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/116883062_3156826974399071_2248130097418415272_o.j pg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_sid=07e735&_nc_ohc=jpoVaaR3i-0AX94aVDt&_nc_ht=scontent-syd2-1.xx&oh=4ab659a57af616008c893451edefca60&oe=5F4DD7E6

https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/116872330_3156830404398728_8357758902663677083_o.j pg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_sid=07e735&_nc_ohc=ngCvVdMgUDEAX8jZ5Uz&_nc_ht=scontent-syd2-1.xx&oh=68745eea6c8f7cad8b2554e0eef91a8f&oe=5F50D607


https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/116582086_3156835281064907_2084358955837248194_o.j pg?_nc_cat=104&_nc_sid=07e735&_nc_ohc=RR16zUx143IAX_bZ8lL&_nc_ht=scontent-syd2-1.xx&oh=25cdf01e83d09d416d6f32023420ae1c&oe=5F503CE7

https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/116323656_3156829304398838_4782854026154311239_o.j pg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_sid=07e735&_nc_ohc=DzbGv4p6WwAAX8Nls43&_nc_ht=scontent-syd2-1.xx&oh=483984ffea89d6c3f741c78df206ed3e&oe=5F501686

https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/116431109_3156838111064624_8530913058803282375_o.j pg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_sid=07e735&_nc_ohc=7P_fRlbSBCoAX9E6L-v&_nc_ht=scontent-syd2-1.xx&oh=f9dd87f6b217c31ff66a9edb4916ab4a&oe=5F4F9D41

[ramblingboy42]

I made a mad rush & recovered my Power Wagon yesterday before the statewide lockdown comes into effect tomorrow.
I pre made an A-Frame in preparation as I knew you could not get a car trailer down to the boneyard it was stored in. took 2 hours to drag it up the hill & load onto trailer.

Turns out its Snowy Mountains Authority, didn't need too much detective work as the logo was on the bleeding door, on the side I never had a photo of. now the fun begins.


https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/117237820_3156822721066163_6513769201894398049_o.j pg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_sid=07e735&_nc_ohc=b81-T3HUmcwAX8L4xIz&_nc_ht=scontent-syd2-1.xx&oh=14d17acfdb561ef81a0715f955bd1f40&oe=5F50059C

https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/116237674_3156828264398942_1783182978766029769_o.j pg?_nc_cat=105&_nc_sid=07e735&_nc_ohc=AAw0NrHdYOgAX9Y_qk9&_nc_ht=scontent-syd2-1.xx&oh=d8be264a7f61c82fa67ad830748bb204&oe=5F5074F2

https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/116883062_3156826974399071_2248130097418415272_o.j pg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_sid=07e735&_nc_ohc=jpoVaaR3i-0AX94aVDt&_nc_ht=scontent-syd2-1.xx&oh=4ab659a57af616008c893451edefca60&oe=5F4DD7E6

https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/116872330_3156830404398728_8357758902663677083_o.j pg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_sid=07e735&_nc_ohc=ngCvVdMgUDEAX8jZ5Uz&_nc_ht=scontent-syd2-1.xx&oh=68745eea6c8f7cad8b2554e0eef91a8f&oe=5F50D607


https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/116582086_3156835281064907_2084358955837248194_o.j pg?_nc_cat=104&_nc_sid=07e735&_nc_ohc=RR16zUx143IAX_bZ8lL&_nc_ht=scontent-syd2-1.xx&oh=25cdf01e83d09d416d6f32023420ae1c&oe=5F503CE7

https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/116323656_3156829304398838_4782854026154311239_o.j pg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_sid=07e735&_nc_ohc=DzbGv4p6WwAAX8Nls43&_nc_ht=scontent-syd2-1.xx&oh=483984ffea89d6c3f741c78df206ed3e&oe=5F501686

https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/116431109_3156838111064624_8530913058803282375_o.j pg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_sid=07e735&_nc_ohc=7P_fRlbSBCoAX9E6L-v&_nc_ht=scontent-syd2-1.xx&oh=f9dd87f6b217c31ff66a9edb4916ab4a&oe=5F4F9D41

Dodge City huh?

[goingbush]

Don't know what happens to make photos above disappear,

anyway, been arse up working on the Power Wagon.

just about ready to start on the body. I think this is the first full nut and bolt restoration Ive done, literally, only thing not touched is the Transfer Case which is direct from an Israeli IDF M601 , and they keep their stuff in top condition , so apart from dry seals from storage I don't expect a problem.

The diffs cost a fortune to re-race, I think I got the last sets of pinion bearings in existence and they were priced accordingly. , I changed the ratios to 4.3 instead of 5.83 so should be able to cruise at 90kph instead of 70. The diffs were 4 pinion hypoid and pegged from new , not bad for 1946 design.


https://youtu.be/ZEPXVBt-ys0

[p38arover]

Did you get onto Hilton?

I know his landline had been out of order for months. I can ask him next time i see him. I saw him last week but didn't get to chat for long.

[goingbush]

Did you get onto Hilton?

I know his landline had been out of order for months. I can ask him next time i see him. I saw him last week but didn't get to chat for long.

Yes thanks, I did get onto Hilton Pollard. he bought the Power Wagon from a bloke in Penrith where it was disassembled in pieces spread across a big shed. Thats basically the condition which I received it after changing hands 2 more times, it was still held together with bailing wire when I bought it home.

I further found the family of the original Bega earthmoving company who bought it at a SMA Auction, spoken to his son who drove it home from the Auction , where they also bought a number of LandRovers and some TD24 Dozers.

He remembers driving it to carry 44 gallons drums of fuel up the bush for their logging operation, Hated driving it as it was intolerably hot ( the muffler is under the cabin ) and very bumpy with its heavy duty suspension. He said he'd rather make 3 trips caring one drum of fuel at a time in the SWB Landy than One trip in the PowerWagon carrying 3 drums.

Im putting a heat shield over the muffler and some underfloor insulation , and have removed multiple leaves from the spring packs .

[JDNSW]

It sounds as if you are good at detective work!

[goingbush]

It sounds as if you are good at detective work!

Uncovering "Stevensen, High St Bega" on the door without the SMA logo helped,
I'll be happy when I track down a photo of it, in use on the Earthmoving operation, One of the sons thinks he has some movie film that will have the rego number . I'd be happy to use the original rego as a tribute if the sequence is still avaliable. otherwise I'll use the sequence that was on the commonwealth plate in its Snowy service.

I believe this is the one and the same truck . I guess I won't be fixing that ding in the running board :)

https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/123682760_3423380184410414_7168756515306024535_o.j pg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=2&_nc_sid=07e735&_nc_ohc=EBA1IYBAIiQAX8vvQNU&_nc_ht=scontent-syd2-1.xx&oh=2af809a1e2f079af6b422b1e9875688b&oe=5FF4DACF

[Sitec]

Hello. I saw this on my internet travels the other day. Made me think of your project. Nicely finished machine...

167406

[goingbush]

Hello. I saw this on my internet travels the other day. Made me think of your project. Nicely finished machine...

167406

Looks great , its a First Series, '45 to late '50, love the colour, I still cant decide on that grey-green or the original green. I see its got a Warn winch instead of the PTO so likely repowered and theres a hint of a Cummins badge.

[aussearcher]

Legacy Power Wagon Conversion | Dodge Power Wagon (legacyclassictrucks.com) (https://www.legacyclassictrucks.com/p-34987-legacy-power-wagon-conversion.html)

Nicely done, but a fair chunk of change....

[goingbush]

I got an unregistered-permit & have been doing a bit of road testing,

Eveything is nice but bleeding the brakes and getting pedal high enough has been a problem, I'm running a 40 Series brake booster and Master cylinder, swapped from a 1" bore to 1-1/8" and that has helped. Toyota don't go any larger, Original Dodge was 1.5" but I wanted a dual circuit.

The truck is surprisingly rattle free, Ive used RRC body mounts instead of the original wooden blocks .

Top speed was 45mph but I swapped the 5.83 diff gears for 4.3 aftermarket. The newly reco engine has loosened up a bit, now gets to 90kmh easy enough.
Had some 17x9 rims made and running 10.5x35R17 tubeless . The old unobtanium Budd split rims were a bit cracked and rusty, so I have 5 new 900-16 bar treads if anyone needs.

Carb floods on angles, need to lower float level and add fuel pressure regulator.

couple of youtube test videos.

first test drive

https://youtu.be/phKCUObNLnM

Dodge vs Landy on bumps

https://youtu.be/PsleVBQpQhw

Testing Low range.

https://youtu.be/dPFr0TERG4A

[econti]

Such cool cars. Would love to see one of the swivel chassis ones in action

[goingbush]

Such cool cars. Would love to see one of the swivel chassis ones in action

Theres actually a genuine Fargo Power Wagon Swivel Frame in Australia, Bought here from Canada by RedRu pipelines, first image back in the day, second photo as found by one lucky bastard, to be restored I hope.

Giveaway for swivel frame is the short running boards , and big gap to front of tray , it is a confirmed Swivel.


Theres some subtle differences between the two trucks, like one has Freewheel hubs and slightly different tool box, maybe there was 2 swivel frames here ?? Fargo PW are Rare as hens teeth . Swivel Frame like rocking horse ****.


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