Posted by Brian in Oregon on December 31, 1999 at 16:33:50:
In Reply to: military purchases of 49 b1's ? posted by Dwight on December 31, 1999 at 15:40:48:
Yes, the Army did purchase some. They were a stateside truck, mainly for base use, and were not considered a tactical truck like the WWII weapons carriers or the future M37.
Fred Crismons book "US Military Wheeled Vehicles" shows a freshly delivered '49. It appears to be a semi-gloss olive overall, including the name plates (Dodge and Power Wagon). No stars are applied (perhaps the receiving motor pools did that themselves). However, on the hood is the typical USA with 2362633 beneath it. The tires are 9.00x16 NDT's mounted on what look like civilian Budd rims. Probably the same as M37 rims. No winch is fitted to this one, and I would suspect none were ordered with a winch since, again, they were not considered to be tactical trucks. There is no chrome anywhere. (Some 4x2's during that period did have chrome, notably the Willy's pckups and station wagons.)
You have a unique vehicle, probably more rare than many true military trucks. It is deserving of being restored back to military condition. You are lucky to have this info available under the paint.
If you do restore it to military original, please post pics of it!