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Vehicle Type D

CIVILIAN 1-TON 4X4
DODGE POWER WAGON
(OLDER FLAT FENDER STYLE)

Years mfg. (late) 1945-68-available for sale in the U.S., 
1969-78-(export only)


Main distinguishing features:

  • Approximately 8" high radiator cowl with protruding radiator cap (radiator can be filled without opening hood)

  • Has chrome “Dodge” name plate attached to radiator cowl, and chrome “Power Wagon” name plates attached to either side of split butterfly style hood

  • Cowl lights mounted on side of cab (until 1964)

  • Available with optional bolt on frame extensions for winch assembly

  • 2-speed 1.96 to 1 New Process 200 transfer case

  • Standard 5.83 axle gear ratio with optional 4.89 ratio available

  • 230 Flathead 6 cylinder engine (1945-60), 251 Flathead 6 cylinder engine (1961-71)

 M601 EXPORT
 

WDX; B-1-PW;

B-2-PW

1ST SERIES

B-3-PW; B-4-PW;   C-1-PW; C-3-PW 2ND SERIES

C-4-PW; W300; W300M; WM300

3RD SERIES

By far the most popular with collectors of early Dodge 4x4’s, the 1-ton Civilian Power Wagon can be described as legendary. Its chassis and front sheet metal was based on the WC 3/4- ton design with original cab styling and design from the 1939 Dodge civilian truck. It was the first model to actually be named “Power Wagon”.


Because of its unique older body styling and numerous model #’s, identifying the Civilian 1-ton Power Wagon and its year of manufacture is generally confusing to most. The first and most obvious way to determine the year would be to find the vehicle serial number. These numbers are stamped in different locations on a truck, depending upon which plant built the truck, and the year of manufacture. 

 

To find the serial number, look

  • on the left or right hand frame rail, just behind the front shock absorber

  • on the left hand frame rail, just behind the front bumper

  • on a metal tag between the left (or right) door hinges on the cab

  • above the driver’s door latch. [Call us if you can’t find the serial number]

 

With the serial number you can check the last page of our 1945-71 Power Wagon Owner’s Manual, or the first page of the Group 17/18 Shop Manual (see “Books and Manuals” section of this catalog). On those pages, you will find the beginning serial numbers for each year, along with the model number. 
The engineering code for models with 230 engines was T-137 and it was used as the prefix of the engine serial number stamped on the left side of the block, just below the head.  

 

  • First Series: late 1945-50 

Includes the following  years and model numbers: 1945-47 WDX; 1948-9 B-1-PW; 1950 B-2-PW; 
Additional Distinguishing Features: (4) rectangular stake pockets on each side of the bed; round speedometer with a rectangular gauge cluster on each side. The two rectangular  gauge housings have the instrument lettering on the glass instead of the face of the gauge.  

 

  • Second Series: 1951-(early)56

Includes the following years and model numbers: 1951 B-3-PW; 1952- early 53 B-3-PW; late 1953 B-4-PW; 1954 C-1-PW; 1955- early 56 C-3-PW;
Additional Distinguishing Features: (3) slightly curved stake pockets on each side, bed sides are stamped. Looking at these bed sides from the rear, the top rail section of the bed angles out at 45 degrees with a rounded top edge. Group of 4 gauges in center of dash (Fuel, Amp, Temp, Oil) with silver/grey faces.

 

  • Third Series: 1956(late)-71

Includes the following years and model numbers: Late 1956 C-4-PW; 1957 W300; 1958-9 W300M; 1960-71 WM300;
Additional Distinguishing Features: (3) square stake pockets on each side with stamped bed sides. Looking at the bed sides from the rear, the top of the bed is flat, with a rounded edge. Group of 4 gauges in the center of dash (Fuel, Amp, Temp, Oil) with black faces. NP420 Synchronized Transmission also used.

 

  • Third Series EXPORT: 1957-78

M601 open cab, flat faced cowl models and M615 ambulance
 
Excellent parts availability for “Type D” Power Wagons.

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