My first Power Wagon

[inFALable]

I figured this would make a good first post. I just bought this PW today from an auction in Iowa. I'm going to pick it up in a couple of weeks. I think I got a good deal at $1450. What do you think? Any idea on the year? I plan to do a frame up restoration eventually. First I want to stop any corrosion and get it driveable.

[Jake]

Nice buy inFALable...

I'll say you got a good deal, the sheet metal is worth more than what you paid for the whole truck! All the best on this project , hope things are as good mechanically as they appear aesthetically.
Keep us posted on the progress.

[Doc Dave]

Nice find, and a very good price, InFALable!
I agree with Jake on the sheet metal. You have a second series truck (51-55), and their sheet metal is the most hard to find in good condition.
One thing though, it is difficult if not impossible to treat the rust unless you do a frame off restoration.
One thing you could do, however, is to start rebuilding the mechanical components, e.g. brake system, one by one. That way you can still drive it. Once you are done with that, you could pull the trigger for a complete frame off, mainly for the sheet metal and frame, to eliminate the rust.
My truck was partially disassembled (bed removed with rear fenders) when I bought it as the owner before me had started the restoration. I decided to continue the frame off process...but it has been 7 years...in retrospect maybe I should have enjoyed driving it first more with getting the brakes redone, etc.

[Kevin Mienke]

I was at the auction. I wanted to bid but saw the look in your eye that you needed the truck more than me. Sometimes it's best to lay back and enjoy watching someone else get their dream.

You got a tremendous bargain and I wish you luck. The '41 Carryall, at $1,000 was remarkable as well. The 1961 jeep at $300. The sheet metal on all three of these vehicles was worth more than the sale price.

I felt more than a little bad for the owner of all those trucks after finding out that it was a county ordered cleanup.

I'm glad the PW found a good new home. Welcome to the forums.

[Ron in Indiana]

Kevin, my friend Terry in Council Bluffs called me about that auction on Thursday. We were wondering here what things went for. What did the Sweptline and the command car go for? Sounds like everything went very cheap and wish I'd known you were going to the auction. It didn't look like the place was overgrown and unkept but somebody had to complain I'm sure. Did you buy anything yourself?

InFALable, nice score and hope to see you and your truck at the Iowa rally next June. There are any number of guys who can help you with your new purchase. Just remember it all starts with ONE truck.

[inFALable]

I'm excited to get it back to my shop. I'm in Indiana so its an 8 hour drive to get out there. I had my uncle's friend bidding for me. It will eventually be fully rebuilt. I just changed my office hours to give me Thursday, Friday and Sunday's off so I should have plenty of time. I'll keep this thread updated as I slowly work on it.

[Ron in Indiana]

Where in Indiana? I'm east of Ft Wayne myself. How are you getting it home? I've been known to haul trucks from Iowa. Is this your first PW or project? Sorry for all the questions, just curious. Ron

[inFALable]

I live down by New Castle. I'm going to rent a trailer in Iowa and pull it behind my '08 GMC 2500 HD. This will be my first PW and first vehicle project. My knowledge centers more around house building and gunsmithing although I'm an eye doc.

[Kevin Mienke]

[QUOTE=Ron in Indiana;73813]Kevin, my friend Terry in Council Bluffs called me about that auction on Thursday. We were wondering here what things went for. What did the Sweptline and the command car go for? Sounds like everything went very cheap and wish I'd known you were going to the auction. It didn't look like the place was overgrown and unkept but somebody had to complain I'm sure. Did you buy anything yourself? QUOTE]

The place was like Dodge heaven. It was a very well kept place and the owner was a gentleman indeed. I can't imagine why he was ordered to have these vehicles removed. On the brighter side, he had several vehicles, including a later model WM 300 that he was allowed to keep.

I left before they got to the swepty, but the command car brought about 1500 if memory serves. They were all nice trucks.

[Kevin Mienke]

InFALable, you asked about the year. Your new truck is only 58 years old. It is a 1951.
You will not be disappointed when you come to pick her up. The bedsides look like that of a western truck. No dings, dents or rust through. They are very nice 2nd series bedsides. The cab does not have the typical rust through at the corners that is common in Iowa trucks. The fenders are very straight as well. She's a beauty.

[Ron in Indiana]

I live down by New Castle. I'm going to rent a trailer in Iowa and pull it behind my '08 GMC 2500 HD. This will be my first PW and first vehicle project. My knowledge centers more around house building and gunsmithing although I'm an eye doc.

Not being one to tell you how to do things and perhaps you have it under control but I would like to offer this advice. Be sure the trailer you are renting is rated for the weight you will encounter with this truck. A UHaul will NOT do it, some have tried and failed. I would get an 18-20 ft trailer rated for no less than an 8000 # load. The truck won't weigh that much but will be in the 6000# range. I've hauled many trucks and the last thing you want is a light trailer. Just my two cents. We look forward to your posts. I'm a builder by trade, I own a gun and I wear glasses, I restore trucks as a hobby.

[Bruce]

Like Minded

I live down by New Castle. I'm going to rent a trailer in Iowa and pull it behind my '08 GMC 2500 HD. This will be my first PW and first vehicle project. My knowledge centers more around house building and gunsmithing although I'm an eye doc.

Good buy inFALable, Welcome To The Fold!

[inFALable]

Thanks for the good news on the truck. I heard from my uncle who knows the seller that he could use the money. That was a possible reason for the sale.

Kevin,
Was the WM 300 that you saw the red PW with a snow plow and stake bed? It looked really nice.


I'm having trouble finding a place to rent a trailer that will accomodate my new PW. Does anyone have any leads on rental companies to get an appropriate trailer. Thanks

[Ron in Indiana]

I rather doubt you will find a trailer to rent one way that will be heavy enough. Try I69TrailerCenter.com to see if they rent trailers. They are close to Markle right off I-69. If you can't find anything I MIGHT be able to haul it for you depending on how soon you need to get moved. Email me at 59redtruck@verizon.net I have a 35ft two place trailer and have hauled for several people on this forum from Texas to MA. I've been to Iowa numerous times also.

[inFALable]

Hey Ron I don't see a PM function on this site. Shoot me an email to fnfal1911 AT yahoo.com if you get a chance. I might be interested in your offer.