The 1950 Dodge Power Wagon is one of the most legendary and iconic vintage trucks ever made. Built to be tough and with genuine off-road performance, this post-war workhorse proved its usefulness on the farm, job site and beaten back roads. Today, 1950 Dodge Power Wagon parts remain some of the highest quality options to keep these iconic trucks running and looking like new.
It was built on a sturdy ladder frame with solid axles and driven by a reliable flathead six-cylinder engine, making the 1950 Power Wagon more about pulling rather than yawning. Equipped with a four-speed manual transmission and permanent four-wheel-drive system, it was one of the first for off-road use by civilians. Granted, there were a lot of years between the era of most these trucks being beat to snot and today, so reviving one from the dead now mostly consists of R&R’ing worn-out stuff.
When embarking on a restoration, the mechanicals must come first. When it comes down to you and the pavement, you want your brakes to have a strong bite.
Drum brakes are an old design, so original ones often need a complete makeover. Wheel cylinders, brake lines, shoes and the master cylinder are replaced for safe stopping power. Performance can be increased without losing that authentic look, thanks to modern materials.
Flathead engines are stout, but can run a little hot after many years of accumulated sediment. A new radiator and water pump with a thermostat/head of hoses is essential. Dealing with the cooling system early can head off overheating and more expensive engine woes.
Some problems are rust in the fuel tanks and brittle wire insulation. Newer fuel lines are added, as is a new wiring harness to improve reliability. Many owners also upgrade to 12V, for improved starting power and brighter lights but with a vintage appearance.
Safeguard your build by acquiring only the finest 1950 Dodge Power Wagon components that money can buy, so you won't have to make repairs later.
I think more importantly than mechanics, structural soundness and body are what separates a good restoration from the bad. All that exposure can lead to rust in floor pans, cab corners, bed panels and fenders. Replica body panels, weatherstripping, and all the seals and mounting hardware you need along with specialty 51-52 truck parts enable easier revivals.
Frame inspection is equally important. The heavy-duty frame of the Power Wagon was designed to last a lifetime, but corrosion and stress fractures will need to be resolved before reassembly. There are related items such as leaf springs, bushings and shocks that may also need replaced in order to assure ride stability and carrying ability.
You can go full factory-correct path with your restoration, or take the opportunity to make some mild improvements while you're at it in the interest of easing drivability. Better brake linings, better steering parts and stronger suspension gear can make a car safer for you to drive without your having to give up its vintage aura. Before hitting the stores to buy parts for 1950 Dodge Power Wagons, you should determine if your primary objective is to restore it as close as possible to its original condition or if will simply be used for on the tracks.
Reliable parts for a 75-year-old truck can be slim pickings, as they say, so you have to work with specialty vintage suppliers that know classic trucks specs. With detailed indexes by year and model, this book will make your search for the right part easy — even if it requires tracking down one of Nissan’s bone-dry sales brochures! Selecting good quality, well-crafted parts will help prevent you from having to repair or replace on a regular basis.
A Power Wagon rehabilitation isn’t just about mechanical makeovers, but also a tribute to automotive history. With some careful planning, attention to detail and good 1950 Dodge Power Wagon parts you can throw together that beat down rusty work truck into a mean cruiser that gets respect on the street and at shows.
Whether you are constructing a frame-off restoration for your classic muscle truck, or daily driving your current project vehicle base on asphalt pavement ridding of the open road it is important to ensure that this symbol of truck continues to carry its proper strength with appropriate appearance down many generations.
Steve is the author of this article, If you want to learn more about 1969 Ford Galaxie 500 Parts, you can visit to: classicpartspro.com