Posted by Clint Dixon [108.162.216.103] on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 16:59:10 :
In Reply to: 1954 PW tailgate is the same as.... posted by Eric B. [162.158.214.61] on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 10:05:56 :
Thank you Eric for the rundown on the tailgates. This is one of those questions that pops up every so often. I hope people save it for future reference. And thanks for remembering the 600 or so early 1951 B3PW models that retained the early dash layout, the first series rear fenders, first series spare tire holder, and the first series pickup box. (Actually "late" first series box as the short bed side roll ahead of the spare tire disappeared early on and that detail would define the "true" first series box with the remainder of the 4-pocket boxes being the "true" second series. However I can accept "early" first series and "late" first series).
I have not actually tried it, and maybe you have, but I believe the first series tailgate will not fit a second and third series box as the tailgate chain brackets do not align properly.
And while I am on the subject, the second and third series boxes are each actually made up of two different boxes also - the "earlys" and the "lates". So, in truth there were 6 uniquely different pickup boxes used on the WDX-WM300 models of Power-Wagons throughout the years (not counting the Australian box).
Even though Power-Wagon parts suppliers typically do not differentiate between 6 uniquely different pickup boxes, and instead group them together into the commonly accepted 3 boxes, it does not hurt to know exactly what box and tailgate your truck has when searching for parts.
Junior
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