Posted by John Bitter on November 09, 1997 at 17:07:09:
In Reply to: When is a 54 PW really a 51PW Help posted by Jay B. Good on November 09, 1997 at 11:22:09:
Hey Jay – As you know your VIN (I’d go with the VIN, too) indicates a ’51 B-3-PW (’54 would be C-1-PW) from the Detroit plant. If you’re really curious about the excruciating details, read on… (Joe - some of this might be helpful for your notable changes page.)
* “Dodge Pickup History & Restoration Guide 1918 – 1971”, starting on pg. 171:
1951 (big year for changes):
- Mounting angle of transfer case revised to improve propeller shaft angle.
- Addition of rubber engine mountings, front & rear.
- Addition of rubber insulators for cab & box mountings.
- 1,600 lb. Capacity front springs available as extra equipment.
- 3,000 lb. Capacity rear springs available as extra equipment.
- Pickup box side panels & fenders made similar to the one-ton pickup’s box
- Rear axle capacity increased from 5,500 to 6,500 lb.
- Front axle capacity increased from 3,500 to 3,750 lb.
- Instruments changed to style of B2 conventional trucks.
- New spark plug covers.
- Higher capacity fuel pump.
- More powerful starter.
- Brakes changed to Cyclebond molded tapered linings and anodized brake cylinders.
1952: Standard B-3-D carburetor and sandwich type governor became standard equipment, superseding the internal type carburetor and governor.
1953: Compression ratio increased from 6.7:1 to 7.0:1.
1954: 230 ci engine power output boosted by increasing the compression ratio from 7.0:1 to 7.25:1, by redesigning the manifold & by use of a new camshaft for longer duration valve openings.
1955: none indicated. (Joe’s “Notable Changes” page indicates 12 volt & synchromesh tranny.)
* “Standard Catalog of 4 x 4’s 1945 – 1993”, starting on pg. 111:
1951:
- Spring & axle changes noted above.
- The dash panel that had been used since 1947 was replaced by a unit identical to that used in the conventional two-wheel drive trucks.
- A quieter 4 blade radiator fan replaced the older 6 blade unit.
- The Power Wagon engine now used “Floating Power” engine mounts.
1952: No changes indicated.
1953: Compression ratio as indicted above.
1954: No changes indicated.
1955: Compression ratio boosted to 7.6:1. Among the features of this engine where aluminum alloy pistons, chrome-plated top piston rings, floating oil intake and exhaust valve inserts.
* Original “MoPar Parts List WDX – C-3-PW”:
1955: Confirmed 12 volt change – new generator, coil, lights, gauges, etc. after serial no. 83944001.
1956:
- Power steering available after serial no. 83949001 (believe this is the beginning of the ’56 C-3-PW).
- Synchromesh tranny after serial no. 83949164 (changes DURING the ’56 C-3-PW model run).
I’m just quoting (verbatim) what is stated in the various books I have – my only hand’s on experience is with the ’65 W100 Town Wagon – just trying to get info out there. Again, the general statement about different books having slightly different dates, etc. holds true. I believe the final word is the original “MoPar Parts List” – just really have to dig through to understand when changes are made. Hope that helps.
Jay - let me know if you pass through Charlotte, NC – we’ll eat a burrito at my restaurant. That goes for anyone in the PW community & double for you Joe Cimoch – bring the whole family – I’ll stuff you good – on the house, of course !!!
Cheers, JB