Dodge 1952 POWER WAGON. MILITARY LONG-WHEELBASE w / DIESEL 4x4, 60’s Conversion

MILITARY 1952 DODGE POWER WAGON M-56 Long wheelbase - multi-purpose

Dodge 4x4, DIESEL ENGINE (Nissan) & original winch OVERALL VG++

NOTE: the description here is taken In PART from my earlier auction thatI listed for an incorrect item.

Thanks to a couple of eBay old-timers who grabbed my attention, and showed me the Facts - that there were a lot of companies buying military surplus after WW2; several on West Coast, others across the US; they did a very large amount of truck conversions for the civilian market, some with different equipment, etc.

The truck I had and have herelisted) is a LONG WHEEL BASE CHASSIS. The truck was refurbed most likely by the SECO Corp back in the late 60’s, and why it was equipped with the fiberglass hood. ”Your truck is not an M-37 (112 inch wheelbase) BUT is a M-56 Long Wheelbase version (126 inch) that was equipped with a (pickup box) or flatbed for other use (ambulance, fire truck, etc).”

I am deeply grateful to a very long-time gentleman INDIGOTRUCKDOG from California who challenged me right away and then began filling me in on the real facts, which I bring to potential buyers

I bought this truck last year on eBay because I have owned and had used 5 (five) Power Wagons previously over the years and thought this was the best one I had ever run across. I was not disappointed.

BUT ill health caught up with me during the auction – and now I simply must step away from my activities, and thus let this Power Wagon have a new owner.

Auction priceon EBAY was $6,000 plus fees and $700 shipping from Seller - a retired U.S. Marine Colonel. The Colonel had bought it 7 years ago from a Texas hunting reserve – he had it gone through top-to-bottom – everything that was electrified or moved or a key part was replaced.. Parts were replaced as needed! His intended use was parades, community events, holiday display.

He kept this truck under cover when not in use, during his 7-year ownership.

Original locking rifle racks in rear plus Jerry can (full) Two rifle rackscab.

The Colonel added a Reese-type HD hitch installed below the military hitch. Rear lites and hardware all there. Side door handles work OK On both doors, Bondo cosmetic wide leveling has cracked away but hangs solid. Window harnesses need lube badly, otherwise all OK. Doors need to be fitted for locks – swing-lever locks work well, are cheap and easily installed. The steps up the rear are a Godsend.

Army manual M-37 - SPECIAL NOTE: I located and bought a U.S. Army 1955 Operation and Organization Maintenance Manual for the ¾ Ton M37 Truck – 466 pages with hundreds of photos.. Covers all aspects of the M-37 Truck – 100’s of clear pictures, and instructions – very much the how-to-identify and how-to-do it. This is the first manual I ever had -- went by seat of my pants before! My cost eBay –$60 - the buyer gets this at NO charge.

Odometer - 59,7xx miles on the dial. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN TRUCK AT ALLBUT THINK IT WORKS. Due to my illness, I have not driven en the truck — start and run but no movement. It is NOT driven by anyone else

All brakes and linkages are Vg/Ex, as is emergency. All lubed. I recall the Colonel told me the brake system had a lot of replacements. Brakes are Ex.

Wheels, lugs, etc are in good condition. The ND Tires are standard and appear to have no repairs, and hold air just fine. TIRE SIZE 1100X16.

There is not a spare. (I owned and operated 5 similar Power Wagons over a 50 year period all off road and none had a spare – just fyi) These tires are plain tuff!!

FRONT -- Front end and hood are in good shape. I was not familiar with this ONE-piece hood, front hinged, up in one movement, like some semis. This may be one of the factors that makes this a NATO unit?? The hood is heavy fiberglass, appears factory made, clean edges – fits well. Secured at back sides with commercial type rubber-knob tie-downs. Has no imperfections.

Cab – OK jump and bench seat. No floor mats. Rear window replaced with a slider – wish I would have onoe of these in my earlier Power Wagon years.

Transmission, Drive Train, and Rear End are standard M-37, and in good condition

Front Winch is standard MU-2 for this truck, is in excellent shape, and has near new cabling and hook – rated at 10 TON

PTO is live, cab lever control.

No headliner, but under side has been coated. There are two small electric fans, one on each side, for comfort of driver. They are switch and speed-controlled – work just fine

Gauges – I think all gauges work fine but I did not have opportunity to check the Fuel gauge. I suspect it works just fine, could be a fuse. Can’t say about the odometer. Likely will pop up when truck is used a bit.

FORDING—The truck has a 42-inch max depth without fording kit, and 84-inches with the kit. The fording kit exhaust and intake holes are present in the body, it appears, and these would make a retrofit easier.

Radiator – I was informed by the seller that a reconditioned radiator was installed. Hoses and connections and controls tested well and working fine; runs as designed. I have allowed the truck to run in place for six ½ hour periods – no problems of any sort.

LOCK-OUT HUBS – Set appears to be in good serviceable condition.

TRANSPORTATION – About the time I was bidding, I became ill.

After the auction ended, we determined I was not in any condition to make the 600 mile trip, so I bit the bullet and contracted with an Oklahoma transport company to bring the truck- they did a fine job, all was well, and the truck was delivered to home in 2-days time!

Actually, this company was the one the Colonel used when he bought the truck 7 years ago!

The Colonel had some wiring to two or more standard plug-ins for use with Christmas parade lights and other display. Lights are not present.

NOTE

ENGINE DATA PLATE ON ENGINE Nissan UD Diesel

NISSAN ENGINE MODEL: SD 33-T ----- 101 HP @ 3800 RPM

NO RESERVE -- NO BUY NOW -- WHOEVER BIDS HIGHESTGETS THE TRUCK.

No Fooling, Folks -- I must sell the truck.

Please also note that I am listing for auctionmy 1992 MCI Diesel Over the Road BUS. which is all set up for sports teams and will be real easy to convert intoa FAMILY MOTOR HOME Over the Road, tons of space!ANY QUESTIONS, CONTACT:

Don N: Don 618-525-4305