Power-Wagon Identification

The military-style Dodge Power-Wagon was in production and sold domestically from 1946-1968. Over the years there were quite a few changes to various mechanical components but the outward appearance did not change very much at all. Of course, this makes it hard to identify the model years by simply looking at the exterior of the truck. However, there are a few areas that were different which I will attempt to show on this page.

Express Bed Identification:
This is the easiest area to identify although there were only three series of express beds used over the entire production run of the Power-Wagon. These beds are commonly referred to as the first, second, and third series beds.

First Series Bed
Characterized by four stake-pockets per bed side (two stake pockets in the middle), smooth sides, and 45° sloped rails. Tailgates used on the first series bed were smooth except for a rounded bead that runs horizontally from side to side centered around the "Dodge" emblem. Rear fenders were distinguished by a straight lip that attaches to the bed sides. This is the first bed used on the Power-Wagon and was used on the following years and models:

Chris McKovich Photo
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Clint Dixon Photo
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Todd Somers Photo
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1946-1947, WDX
1948-1949, B-1-PW
1950, B-2-PW

Second Series Bed
Characterized by three stylishly curved stake-pockets per bed side (one stake pocket in the middle), three indented ridges on the sides (one at the base), and 45° sloped rails. Tailgates used on the second series bed have two raised panels top and bottom surrounding the "Dodge" emblem. Rear fenders changed for the second series bed; the attaching lip is folded at a 90° angle to the fender. This is the second bed used on the Power-Wagon and was used on the following years and models:

Todd Somers Photo
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Chris McKovich Photo
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Steve Pellock Photo
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1951-1953, B-3-PW
1953, B-4-PW
1954, C-1-PW
1955-1956, C-3-PW

Third Series Bed
Characterized by three square sided stake-pockets per bed side (one stake pocket in the middle), three indented ridges on the sides (one at the base), and flat top rails. Tailgates used on the third series bed were the same as the second series tailgates and have two raised panels top and bottom surrounding the "Dodge" emblem. Third series rear fenders are identical to the second series rear fenders. This is the third bed used on the Power-Wagon and was used on the following years and models:

Glenn Reid Photo
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1956, C-3-PW
1956, C-4-PW
1957, K6-MW300
1958, L6-W300M
1959, M6-W300M
1960, P6-WM300
1961, R6-WM300
1962, S6-WM300
1963, T6-WM300
1964, V6-WM300
1965, A6-WM300
1966, B6-WM300
1967-1968, WM300

Hood Name Plates:
There are three different styles of the POWER WAGON hood name plate or medallion. One style was used from 1946-1964 and another was used from 1964-1968. The change over occurred sometime in 1964 (after serial number 1366192). There is a third name plate listed in the parts books for 1968 (after serial number 1780000). The Sweptline POWER WAGON used the same name plates.

	Dodge Part Number
1946-1964 Hood Name Plate - POWER Up to serial number 1366192	1095 888
1946-1964 Hood Name Plate - WAGON Up to serial number 1366192	1095 889
1964-1968 Hood Name Plate - POWER After serial number 1366192	1790 750
1964-1968 Hood Name Plate - WAGON After serial number 1366192	1790 751
1968- Hood Name Plate - POWER After serial number 1780000	2833 447
1968- Hood Name Plate - WAGON After serial number 1780000	2833 448

Transmission Identification:
There were three different type transmissions used in the Power-Wagon:

Marty MacKenzie Photo
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Todd Somers Photo
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"Up to" type non-synchromesh: 1946-1951, part number 921 869
The "Up To" type has the drain plug in the center section of the transmission case going in at an approximately 30 degree angle to the bottom of the case.

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"After" type non-synchromesh: 1951-1956, part number 1265 422, casting number C-38711 on right side.
Difference between the "Up To" and "After" type transmissions is in the placement of the drain plug. The "After" type has the drain plug in the rear of the transmission case going in parallel to the bottom of the case.

Todd Somers Photo
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New Process 420 synchromesh: 1956-1968, part number 1666 547, NP420
Visually the difference between the non-synchromesh and later NP420 synchromesh transmission, when looking at the transmission tower inside the cab, is that the NP420 tower is located further forward towards the firewall where the non-synchromesh tower is located more towards the center of the transmission hump.

Cowl Lights
Cowl lights were present on models from 1946 to 1963. Dodge stopped supplying factory installed cowl lights sometime in 1963 with final production ending with serial number 2461298262.
Part numbers:
1567 150 Right Cowl Light
1567 151 Left Cowl Light

Last Updated:
March 8, 2004