Sprayed some paint on the 49 Power Wagon

[Gordon Maney]

What size are the tires? Did you get them new, or are they some sort of military take-offs?

[KenaiGary]

Looks great, Will! I had the same question as Gordon on the tires.

[W_A_Watson_II]

Thanks guys, it was great to drive it again. I'm waiting on the glass to finish the doors, and then I can install the mirrors and do the paint touch-up. Next will come building a bed.

The tires were take offs I bought a while back, supposed to be 85% tread. The are the elusive Michelin 1100-16 XZL's. they have some wear, and a few non-deep cuts, but were in great shape and a good price back when I bought them. The engine is a 218 cu.in. Plymouth car engine rather than the correct Dodge Truck 230.

http://powerwagon.wawii.com/46.html

[Alxj64]

I'm going to be on the lookout for a set of the XZL's also. Did you by chance get them from someone on the pirate4x4 bulletin board or did you find them locally.

Truck looks really really sharp!

[W_A_Watson_II]

I picked up the XZL's back in 2005 if I remember correctly on eBay out of California.

[W_A_Watson_II]

Had a visit by the Chief Inspector Today

The Chief Inspector in this case was "Pop", of the Missouri Mule Power Wagon! He was very impressed and happy with the trucks progress. He even made the big climb up into the cab for a ride. His only complaint was the truck still rode rough and could find every bump in the road. He was last up ti see the truck in Mid December before any exterior cab painting.

Thanks for the Inspection Approval Pop, Love ya!

[PWRWGN NJ]

Michelin XZL's

I have a chance to get a great deal on some XZL's 11.00r16. I wanted to put them in storage for a while until mounting them on the truck. How long is the shelf life on a tire like that? Thanks!

[W_A_Watson_II]

Not sure of "shelf" life, I did a good cleaning job, and then a heavy cost of a good tire protector (inside and out) before covering them in heavy black plastic when I stored mine.

[KenaiGary]

What do you mean by "heavy cost of a good tire protector inside and out?"

[Alxj64]

When I was in college and was on a Formula SAE team we would always wrap the tires in that heavy shipping plastic when we stored them between races. That, and then put them in a heavy gauge black contractors bag to protect them from UV damage. These heavy Michelins are strong tires though and will last for years before really dry rotting too badly. The used set I have stored behind my shop are wrapped in that shipping plastic (bought a roll at Fastenal) and then are just under a large tarp. Also helps keep them from becoming mosquito pools as I don't have them on wheels yet.

Any reason everyone prefers the XZLs over the XLs or XMLs? I have a set of the XMLs and they appear a touch wider with more smaller lugs than the XZLs. Also seems like the XZLs are hardest to find.

[W_A_Watson_II]

What do you mean by "heavy cost of a good tire protector inside and out?"

Tire Foam, Armor All, etc.. The Protector and shine foams/sprays you use when you clean up a nice show vehicle.

Any reason everyone prefers the XZLs over the XLs or XMLs? I have a set of the XMLs and they appear a touch wider with more smaller lugs than the XZLs. Also seems like the XZLs are hardest to find.

For me it was the tread pattern and the use and look that the tire provides.

[PWRWGN NJ]

I was only able to get a set of four XML's. Anyone know a source for some new or quality used take-off's? looking for a good spare. Buddy of mine might be interested in a set too.

[W_A_Watson_II]

Just realized there wasn't an updated Photo of the truck, so here you go:

[Alxj64]

I was only able to get a set of four XML's. Anyone know a source for some new or quality used take-off's? looking for a good spare. Buddy of mine might be interested in a set too.

Here is a set of XZLs in NJ. I would buy them for mine if I was closer. I prefer the XMLs but I do like the XZLs, they are only 36.7" and the XMLs in the R16s are over 38".

http://cnj.craigslist.org/pts/3200803337.html

[W_A_Watson_II]

My XZL's are over 38" tall.