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'47 WDX Dodge Power Wagon Refurbishment Details
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Last Updated Aug 3, 2002
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This is the WDX in "as found" condition. The usual flat tires, and sun bleached finish along with a small amount of minor surface rust made this rig look right at home. The WDX spent it's entire time in the dry climate of the Carrizo Plains valley in Central CA, which is pierced by the San Anderas fault. The hardest part in the aquisition was contacting the owner which took weeks. The actual deal took only one phone call and a trip to the coast.
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A marathon 3 month refurbishment was started over the long July, 4th weekend after 6 months of planning buying parts, cleaning and loosening stuff up. A trip was made to the Iowa Power Wagon Rally.
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I was lucky enough to have the optional belt pulley and drawbar on this WDX. The existing Submarine Seawolf Green finish was wet sanded and clearcoated.
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I went to Jack Clifford of Clifford Performance for help in getting the work I wanted. The stock 230 was rebored, balanced, the crank turned and tri-nidrate treated. A performance cam, offy dual intake manifold and K&N filters ordered. I brought the complete package home for assembly. I performed the port matching of the exhaust and intake with the block. The return oiling system was modified at the block to provide for a full flow filter and bi-pass oil cooler ahead of the radiator.
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Original clear coated finish presented a unique look.
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The engine finish is a Hirsch product mix of aluminum with a bit of lt. grey for richness. It has held up very well over the years. The chassis was overcoated in Hirsch/Por 15 like product that has also proven very tough.
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I had an auxullary 13 gal fuel tank locally fabricated to take original brackets and filler neck on the drivers side. With the 18 gal stock tank I have a 300-400 mile range. A solonoid selector switch, filters and electric fuel pump at the rear round out the package.
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The original 5.83 gears were replaced with 4.89's. Lockers were added both front and rear. Disc brakes replaced the front drums. I run a stock master cylinder with the residual check valve removed and they have performed flawlessly.
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New original type wires were ordered a I fabricated a complete new harness incorporating turn signals, the fuel pump and tank switch, heater, electric trailer brakes and fuse center. A 12 v GM type 1 wire alternator was used with all new 12v bulbs and negetive ground system. A 12-6v resistor is used for fuel and heater electrical.
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The WDX was roadworthy by late October. All mechanical components were completly disassembled, new bearings, seals and wear sleeves fitted. Worn parts replaced. I made many personal sacrafices during this project in order to get it done working long hours after my 40 hpw job and weekends. The intense Mad Dog (as friends called me) would be become Solo Lobo (lone wolf) several months after the WDX was complete. No other vehicle I have owned has had the impact to change a persons life, opportunities, friends and companions as much as this Power Wagon has.
Now some 12 years later the WDX has seen some wear and use. Myself, I have grown wiser through it all but much worse for wear. Ahh, if only they these rigs could speak more clearly and advise us on this journey... life.
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