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DonE's '60 Power Giant Power Wagons
'60 Power Giant Dodge Power Wagons
Last Updated Aug 14, 2002
Above: Distinguishing grille badge was used on 1960 Power Giant's only. The grille would be used on '61-'66 Town Wagon and Panels only.
P Series W300 1 -ton Power Wagon
P Series W100 Power Wagon Town Wagon
This 1960 W100 pictured above originated from Vermont, was advertised in Hemming's Motor News and made its way to California's S.F. Bay area. This rig is a good example of how not to purchase a project from one photo. Many Town Wagons suffer from body rot and this one is an example of some of the worst I've encoutered on a running wagon.
In the past I have cut up many rigs that are too far gone. I also have a practice of trying to get it to run , if possible, before 'the deed". In this case the wagon was complete and looked to have only 50k or so original miles. A short afternoons work had it running with brakes. To my surprise the poly 318 runs strong and the rig has a posi rear end. I was able to do donuts with the body shuddering and the back doors flailing about, a kick to drive in the dirt at "the ranch" where it sits in Eddie's "lineup".

This wagon was bestowed the honer of gracing page 46 of  The Dodge Power Wagon Photo History book by Monty Montgomery, Iconografix, 2000.
'52 B-3-PW & '60 P Series W300 1 -ton Power Wagons at work
'60 W300 Power Giant Power Wagon Features:
251 6 cylinder engine, power brake booster, New Process 201 transfercase, New Process 420 4 speed, 4.88 Spicer 70 axles, Warn lockout hubs, factory option Braden LU-2 pto winch, dual rear, 7.50x16 lock ring wheels.
P Series W300 1 -ton Power Giant Power Wagon KIEM-TV
This rig was bought new and specially outfitted for KIEM-TV, California Oregon Radio Co, in Eureka, CA. It was specifically built to carry the stations model 443 Tucker Sno-Cat. A number for documents came with the rig. The Sno-Cat serial # was 136479. Both the Sno-Cat and the Power Wagon were sold in 1978 to a party in Hamilton, MT. The truck was sold at that time with less than 28k orig. miles.
The frame was reinforced, an extra fuel tank added, a special bed built-in with drop down ramps fabricated. A rear of frame mounted water tank is plumbed to squirt all 4 brake drums via a dash lever. It functions was brakes are applied or as a steady stream. A useful addition on steep downgrades before the use of disc brake systems.
I obtained a 4200 gal tank for some mountain property and these photos represent the tanks installation.  The tank is 9.5' in dia. x 8' tall at the sides. Both trucks preformed flawlessly in difficult terrain with limited space.
The truck come up for auction in MT and was bought by friend of PW's Drew Reed and brought back to CA and left at a friends ranch. With no real plans for it on Drew's part a pact was made. An original 9' box and single wheels with plans for putting it back 'original'. I have found it works very well although as configured as a work truck.
In spite of the 251's limited power this truck is a workhorse. It can haul 600 gal of water (approx. 2 1/2 tons) The Sno-Cat was around the same weight. Most 1 -ton Power Wagons are rated at 10,000 lb. gvw with most weighing between 5-6k empty. The winch comes in handy for pulling out stuck construction equipment and moving boulders.
The finish is original Omaha Orange. The 300 is as original as it gets, headliner, floor mat, glove box, door panels knobs, etc.
Logo from orig. paperwork.
This W300 Power Giant Power Wagon has also appeared in the M. Montgomery Dodge Power Wagon Photo History book, pg. 53.
'53 Tucker Sno-Cat model 443 built in Medford, OR. This is the same type model and year of machine that was sold with this Power Wagon. They were apparently parted ways in Montana after 1979.

 

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