1979 DODGE W150 (4WD) POWER WAGON Rare Forestry Truck, 318 4 Spd. 55K Miles NICE

*1979 DODGE POWER WAGON W150* * U.S. Forestry Truck **4WD, 5.2 liter V8, 4 Speed Manual Trans. * * ONLY 55K Actual Miles!! * * VERY RARE TRUCK!! *
Before you and up for bid is my 1979 DODGE POWER WAGON W150 (4WD) truck. This is a very rare truck with a storied history. The particulars of the truck are as follows:
* U.S. Government, Dept. of Interior, National Park Service truck. (ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK)
* The W150 was in service from 1979-1993. Upon being designated for retirement, the truck was offered for sale and subsequently purchased by the park ranger that had exclusively utilized the truck during its entire service at RMNP, Colorado.
* The U.S. Government had a long standing service contract with DODGE for military & civilian purpose service vehicles dating back to the early 1940's.
* 5.2 Liter, 318 CI V8, renown for its durability & reliability. This engine fires right up first turn of the key, it holds a smooth idle and is amazingly quiet. There are no annoying drips or leaks.
* Original 2 BBL carburetor
* W150, "W" designation corresponds to 4 wheel drive, the POWER WAGON is equipped as a part time with 4 hi, 4 lo, and 2 hi
NP203 transferDANA 44 rear axleDANA 30 front axle
* Easy turn manual lock/unlock SPICER hubs
* 4 Speed Manual Transmission, 1st is a granny low...it'll climb a tree
* ONLY 55K Actual Miles !!
* NO RUST!!
Upon retirement, the ranger drove the truck minimally over the next 18 years. His intention being to maintain, enjoy, and keep it "forever". Upon passing in 2011, he bequeathed the truck to his daughter who is personally known to me. After 5 years of periodic starts and short drives, she determined that she would not be in a position to restore the truck, and I subsequently purchased it.
As a collector/hobbyist for many years I've performed and had performed, numerous levels of vehicle "restoration". To me, there is truly only one true level of restoration and that is a full frame off.
This truck did not necessitate nor receive, a full restoration. It received what I have termed to be a "rejuvenation/refurbishment" at a cost exceeding $8K.
I wanted to preserve the historic aspect of its Park Service purpose. This is indicated on both doors with the following text:
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY U.S. GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
In addition, beneath the text is the "ARROWHEAD" logo, which was adopted for use by the DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR in 1951 for all U.S. National Parks.
It was decided that the truck should be clear coated to preserve the surface rust "patina" while retaining the "distressed" appearance of the 39 model year(s) old truck.
Rust is the deterioration of metal, it is essentially "alive". If one simply applies clear coat over existing surface rust, it will fall off in a years time. The procedure to properly apply clear coat rust is to Scotch Brite the surface with soapy water, dry it, tape it and shoot it.
The product for this is POR-15, which is the same as WURTH saBESTO RUST GUARD CLEAR. Applied properly, the rust is "killed".
This appearance effect can be mimic'd by using salt or brine mixtures. Not here. The rust patterns visible on this POWER WAGON are natural from the course of time and elements.
The following areas were addressed in the rejuvenation/refurbishment of the truck:
The frame of the truck from rear of the cab back, was fully media blasted, primed, painted and then sprayed with the POR-15 in black.
The cab floors had pinhole deterioration, these were cut out and new oem floor pans were installed and POR-15 treated. They were not filled or patched. They were then treated with an epoxy sealant similar to Rhino Lining.
There was no rust to the cab corners or drip rails.
There is a new oem rubber floor mat.
The steel flat bed/headache rack is period correct HILLSBORO. It too, was blasted, primed, prepped and POR-15'd in black.
The wood bed is brand new, Appalachian Pine held together with galvanized hardware and finished with THOMPSON Water Seal. The rails are removable.
The seat is original to the truck, it has been rebuilt with new foam and upholstered in corresponding to original buckskin tan vinyl.
The door panels have been refurbished while still retaining their distressed appearance. There are no cracks. The armrests have been redone to match the seat.
Nice original sun visors
Original seat belts
New rear tail lights
All new weatherstripping, window channel gaskets, window sweeps and wing window vent gaskets.
New Windshield, all other glass is original to the truck, both windows roll up & down, the wing windows open & close.
The dash & glove box door have been refurbished. The dash bezel & instrument cluster were removed to access the entirearea behind it for cleaning. The temperature, volt and fuel gauge are fully operational, as is the speedometer, however, the speedometer will require a new needle as the original was brittle and broke. It has been retained.
The wheels are original, they were media blasted, powder coated and then cleared in off-white. (Wimbledon White)
The tires are BIG-O "BIGFOOT" 31x10.5-15 They have very good tread wear remaining with no checking or uneven wear.
The front bumper and grill received the same treatment as the wheels. As of the time of the pictures, I am trying to source a pair of bezels as mine were stolen from the shop that performed the bulk of the work. DODGE utilized numerous grills/bezels for the '79 POWER WAGON series. I will provide the correct bezels color matched to the grill.
New Interstate batteryNew radiator, thermostat (190 degree) and Gates upper & lower hose, new clampsNew Gates beltsNew alternatorFresh fluidsNew air, oil & fuel filterNew spark plugsNew muffler & exhaust workRecent shocks, brake service and repacked wheel bearings
The fuel tank capacity is 18 gallons, the tank is plastic. The tank was removed drained, cleaned and reinstalled.
There is no radio installed, however, I will include the period AM/FM/Cassette that was in the truck, it's an off brand that does power up, while the speaker holes are present there are no speakers.
Original bottle jack & tire tool in their under hood provisions.
Original period fire extinguisher still present
At 39 model years of age, the W150 Park Service Power Wagon looks, runs and drives great! The distressed appearance continues to receive favorable compliments and attention.
This is a cool old truck, a rare Power Wagon, with a unique service purpose history. It is not a $40K, or even $20K show truck for judging. The odds of finding another from the National Park Service, certainly not from RMNP service, is highly unlikely. Remember, there is no used truck factory.
You are bidding to purchase the Power Wagon, not to be the first to "look at it".
Please consult with your spouse, therapist, pet or MAGIC 8-BALL, prior to placing your bid, as I am not running a clinic for the confused.
Inspections are welcome and will be facilitated to the best of my ability prior to the auction concluding.
The W150 and I are presently located in S.W. Florida. (Naples, Ft. Myers vicinity)
Transportation and delivery are the sole responsibility of the buyer. I own a Hodges Hauler single transport. Delivery is available anywhere in the lower 48 states for $1000.00. (non-negotiable)
I will coordinate with your chosen shipper if that is the manner you elect to get the truck home.
While I am confident that the Power Wagon could be driven home safely to anywhere in America, I don't advocate it. Older trucks are just that...old. Miles from home, in an unfamiliar location, is not the place to become acquainted with your "new" old truck. Get it home first, I always say.
With that said, if you choose to fly in and drive home, I will gladly pick you up from the S.W. International Airport in Ft. Myers, or the regional airport in Punta Gorda.
I have set a reasonable, and fair reserve for the Power Wagon. It is commensurate with the condition of the truck, the ownership history, and the low miles. DO NOT ask me what the reserve is, as I will not disclose it. Bid what you can afford and are willing to pay for the 1979 DODGE W150 Power Wagon U.S. Park Service truck that you see before you.
A $1000.00 initial payment is due & payable within 24 hours of auction close via PayPal. NO exceptions.
I do require that the winning bidder call me within 24 hours of auction close to discuss transportation and balance payment arrangements.
The balance is to then be paid within 7 days thereafter under condition and arrangement made between myself and the buyer.
The balance is to be paid via a legitimate bank to bank wire transfer, as it provides a documented record of the transaction for both parties.
I do not accept PayPal for the entire purchase, only the initial $1000.00 payment.
If you are to fly in and drive home, or arrive to trailer the truck home yourself, I will accept cash in person provided that it is within 7 days of auction close.
Given the age of the truck, by bidding you acknowledge your understanding that the truck is being sold in "as is" condition with no expressed, written or otherwise implied warranties.
I am not a dealer, I am a collector/hobbyist. Since 2007, I have sold more than 35 of my personal vehicles via eBay. Almost all have had their expectations exceeded. Regarding older/collector vehicles, condition is open to interpretation. The POWER WAGON is represented honestly and accurately. Please have realistic expectations for a 39 year old truck. Thank you.
Clear Colorado title in my name.
The truck and the title to the truck will not be released until payment in full has been received. Upon receipt of payment in full, I will overnight via FEDEX to the new owner the title and bill of sale.
If you are to fly in and drive home, or arrive to trailer the truck, I will offer the option of hand delivering these documents to you upon your arrival.
* If you are "new" to eBay, have 0% feedback or excessive negative feedback, you will need to call me prior to placing your bid and express your intentions. If you do not call, your bid will be cancelled and you will be blocked from further bidding. This is to preserve the integrity of the auction, as they cost money, and more importantly...time. I will not waste your time...please do not waste mine.
Buyers from the U.S., Canada, the UK, Europe, Russia, Australia and New Zealand are welcome and encouraged to bid with confidence. If the truck is sold to an international buyer, I am available for reasonable expense(s) to deliver the truck to the requisite port.
eBay only provides for 24 pictures. I have selected pictures that best present a concise overview of the truck. If you would like any area specific pictures, simply ask for them.
I answer my phone quicker than I respond to e-mail. Call me directly with any questions. If you reach voice mail, leave me a brief message, and I will return your call promptly.
If you would like to discuss a "buy it now", call me and present your offer. DO NOT call and ask me, "what's the lowest that you'll take?"
The Power Wagon was scheduled to go to MECUM in Indianapolis last month, unfortunately, it was not completed in time.
Here's your opportunity to own an unusual, classic 1979 Dodge Power Wagon W150, one that is affordable, one that can be driven, and certainly not one that anyone else is going to be driving!
Thanks for looking and good luck when you bid!
Jeff(239)-549-9908(719)-492-1234,c