1957 w100

[KC Kay]

I have access to a 1957 W100 (I am assuming, no identification and as it has a a flanged rear axle rather than full floating) for a very reaonable price ($1000). The 315 V8 has been recently overhauled. Has an NP420 trans (I believe) and an NP201 transfer case. The front axle is still flanged. A functioning Braden 10K PTO winch is on the front (frame was modified to accept it).

I am looking at replacing the generator with an alternator. Eventually re-wiring the truck with a Ron Francis or Painless Wiring block and kit. Replacing the springs with new and longer springs. Relocating spring hangers. Replacing the rims with Stocktons or re-centered tubeless rims. I would like to upgrade to disc brakes front and rear (easiest with different axles), but I like the look of the large diameter 6-bolt rims.

I understand the 1957 body style was unique in the series.

My questions: what were the production numbers of '57 W100's? How much 'trouble' will I get in by PowerGiant and PowerWagon fans if I start to modify it? What is the rear axle model? The front looks to be a Dana 44. Does anybody make a wheel/hub adapter for 8X6, 6X6 or 5X6 hubs (similiar to dually front wheel adapters or small diameter to large diameter wheel adaters) before I design and machine one to adapt stock wheels to late model axles?

[Jeff in N.Tx.]

You can find out all about you 57 on Eric's Power Giant/Town Wagon website
www.townwagon.com
He shows production at about 205 short wheelbase trucks, and 427 long wheelbase trucks.
Those 57's are pretty rare, as are all of the Power Giant series trucks, and it is nice to keep them as original as possible.
However, it is your truck, enjoy it, and built it however you want to.
I had a 58 W200 Power Giant. I wanted it to be easy to drive, easy to maintain, and reliable. I also wanted to keep it looking original. I installed a 360V8, and added power steering, hanging pedals, and power brakes. I was able to do all this, and yet it looked all original on the exterior.
It is your truck, have fun with it, and be sure and post some photos here.
Jeff

[KC Kay]

More info

Thank you for the information. I appreciate you finding that for me. As I upgrade the truck, I will keep it looking as close to stock as possible while, at the same time, improving performance and safety.

I took a closer look at the truck.
1) There is no feel to the brake pedal at all. I need to climb under and see if it is just fluid or if the critters have eaten the lines.
2) The clutch feels a bit odd, too. These trucks utilized hydraulic clutch?
3) The paperwork was missing from the glovebox, unfortunately, but there were a 3 spare U-joints (dried up and rusty) and a pack of matches.
4) The band was missing around the e-brake drum. Is that part still available anywhere?
5) The rear axle does look like an 8-3/4, but the flanged and 2 piece axles threw me. Are there issues with the 2-piece axles (like an AMC axle)?
6) The frame horns were cut and 2 16" 3" angle iron brackets were fabbed to mount the Braden. Needless to say, the VIN is split and under the angle iron.
7) What is the knob, center of dash, near windshield?

I really feel that it is worth the money being asked of it and will purchase it this week. I am excited about working on this project and to attending the Power Wagon Rallys and joining your unique and limited membership.

I will post pictures of it soon and as I do any work on it.

Funny thing is I must be a glutton for punishment and look for unique vehicles. I had a '55 Ford Customline 2-door sedan. The '55 Fords are not like '54's nor '56's. Lots of unique parts. Looks like the '57 PowerGiant Power Wagon is the same way.

[Ron in Indiana]

The brakes will no doubt need to be worked on the good news is Napa and some of the box stores have the parts. Replace the wheel cylinders if they are in doubt, rebuilding isn't worth it.

The clutch on the 57-58 trucks are mechanical, hydraulic didn't appear until 59.

They used paper data tags in 57 and I've only seen on truck with the original. Perhaps backtracking the license plates or title will get the VIN number.
The parking brake will have to come from a donor but they can be relined.

The rear axle is a "corporate" axle but aside from the tapered axle ends making it tricky getting the drums off they are fine.

The knob is the windshield wiper switch.

57's are one year only as far as sheet metal goes so it's harder to find replacements. I know of a truck being parted in Attica,IN that has many good parts including a frame. Good luck

[KC Kay]

Pic's of the '57

[img]http://cid-27156d0c0e5d5f38.skydrive...n/DSC01259.JPG[\img]
[img]http://cid-27156d0c0e5d5f38.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/%5E457%20Dodge%20Power%20Giant%20Power%20Wagon/DSC01260.JPG[\img]
[img]http://cid-27156d0c0e5d5f38.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/%5E457%20Dodge%20Power%20Giant%20Power%20Wagon/DSC01261.JPG[\img]
[img]http://cid-27156d0c0e5d5f38.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/%5E457%20Dodge%20Power%20Giant%20Power%20Wagon/DSC01262.JPG[\img]
[img]http://cid-27156d0c0e5d5f38.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/%5E457%20Dodge%20Power%20Giant%20Power%20Wagon/DSC01263.JPG[\img]
[img]http://cid-27156d0c0e5d5f38.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/%5E457%20Dodge%20Power%20Giant%20Power%20Wagon/DSC01264.JPG[\img]
[img]http://cid-27156d0c0e5d5f38.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/%5E457%20Dodge%20Power%20Giant%20Power%20Wagon/DSC01265.JPG[\img]

[mattsoldmopars]

KC Kay, looks like a nice truck, from here. What part of Colorado are you in?? Matt

[KC Kay]

I'm in Montrose, 60 miles south of Grand Junction. Where in northeastern CO are you?

[Ron in Indiana]

KC, looks like a truck with a lot of potential. I've seen worse, I've seen better. It's the journey that's half the fun. I'd go for it if I were you. We have plenty of help right here when you need it so there's no reason to reinvent the wheel. Power Giants are great.

[mattsoldmopars]

I'm in Montrose, 60 miles south of Grand Junction. Where in northeastern CO are you?

I know where Montrose is, I used to have a yard full of (about 45-50) old dodge trucks in Grand Junction, mainly Power Giants. I moved them all over to northeast Colorado back in the fall of 2008, I now live about 1/2 hour south of Julesburg Colorado, in the very northeast corner of the state, my house is less then 3 miles from the Colorado/Nebraska border.

I have seen that 1957 somewhere I just cant place it, right now??

Matt

[KC Kay]

Got the truck.

Did not purchase the truck, but did trade a '91 Nissan Maxima for it.

The truck has a very low serial number: 82901007 and 68000 on the clock.

Was able to start the truck and it seem to run fairly good. Really needs a tune-up.

The single pot master cylinder was dry. I filled it and flushed the lines. Still no brakes to speak of. Anything special about the adjustments?

Doing some research, it looks like I can change the master cylinder to a dual-reservoir cylinder for an early '70's Ford F350 with drum brakes all around. There will also be some re-plumbing for a brake switch and changing the brake line splitting block. Has anybody done this? Any extra wierdness that I should watch out for?

Matt, I went to school and am good friends with a guy from Julesburg: Brian Gerk. I also taught some dance classes in Julesburg and Sterling.

Thanks for your help.

[Ron in Indiana]

Glad to hear you got it and it started for you. The 315 is a pretty snappy motor overall. Nothing special about the brakes but they are not self adjusting. I've found that the front and rear rubber flex lines may look Ok from the outside but they do plug up. Replace them. I've never done the dual circuit brake swap but it sounds like you have the right idea. If any thing you may need a proportioning valve to balance front to rear braking. The rear drums are on a tapered axle and they can be tough to get off. I used the wax trick to get the last ones off with a hub puller.

[KC Kay]

Drove it home

Adjsuted the brakes in the dirt - need to do it right tmorrow - drove the beast home. There was some backfiring, probably from old gas, but will check and probably replace the points and condenser. It overheated on the way back, too, so thinking that the thermostat is not doing very well. Should get it it licensed tomorrow.

Ron, thank you for the info re: the rubber brake lines. Will take your advice and replace the rubber lines. The wax method?

[Ron in Indiana]

More than likely the rubber lines are plugged. I bled the brakes on a couple of trucks and had a great pedal but no amount of pushing on the pedal would force fluid through even with the line off the wheel cylinder. If you do have brake fluid flowing I would guess the wheel cylinders will start leaking next. They are available at Napa and the box stores.

The wax trick. For this you need a torch and a candle. Heat whatever is stuck, nut and bolt, tapered shaft etc just enough that the wax will melt. It will draw like soldering a pipe into the threads or shaft. If the piece is to hot the wax will smoke so wait just a bit and touch the candle to it again. Then try turning the nut/bolt or apply your puller and they should separate. If not repeat with the wax. It sounds crazy but it's worked every time I've done it. The wax wicked the length of the axle which is about 2 1/2". It works as good or better than any penetrating oil. I used it on broken exhaust manifold studs on a 315 once and they came out like they were brand new threads. One had just enough sticking from the head that I could only get a bite with vice grips.

[CO Gary]

Prod numbers

KC Kay,
1957 W100 - 632 Produced, that would include town wagons
1957 W200 - 202 Produced
Not to many

Looks like a nice find. I went to school in Gunnison, so I know the area. I saw a 57 W100 in Delta at a junk yard a few years ago and Seth Kersener was buying it. Do you know him? He was in Telluride, but may have moved to Ridgeway. He knows a lot about Town Wagons and Power Giants. He has a restaurant in Telluride.

The W100 rear axle was not to strong (hub not protruding through the wheel)
The full floating axle they switched to in mid 58 (hub protruding through the wheel) was much better and probably for 3/4 ton use.
I'm in Lyons CO and have a 64 TWPW
Gar
Check out my PW illustrations and posters:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/3139497...7608056946680/