New Project Questions

[mberry]

I am looking at a couple of different options for a project. I need a hobby.



So I am looking at a Power Wagon restoration with a diesel engine swap or a 1969 Ford F-350 w/Cummins engine swap and extending the frame and adding 2 more doors for the crew cab look.



Which would you choose and why? Thank you all!



Mark.

 

[TKingsbury]

I'd do a 69 F-crewcab. I just like the look of em. Also, they are very roomy inside. Plenty of room under the hood also. Nice looking simple trucks. If you are thinking flat fender PW, I think they're cool but not something you want to drive alot. If you are talking pre 72 square PW they are cool but not as roomy as the Ford and they aren't quite as modern as the Ford. Bear in mind I've owned both a 71 W200 and a 72 F250 and I am a die hard Mopar man. These are my opinions, take them for what they're worth.

Travis. .

 

[mberry]

Thanks Travis. That's they way I am leaning also. Simply because of the cost savings as I already have the Fords available for the project. I was looking at the pre-1950 PW's.

 

[83 crew cab]

you can do search there was a lot of talk about the old powere wagons on here the big problem is the eng compartment lenght

 

[mberry]

I was planning on using a 4BT in it due to the length issues with the engine compartment.

 

[WM-300]

I have put a 4BTA in a WC-53 with no problems. Basic same engine compartment as a Power Wagon. Complete pictures of the reconstruction and repower with 4BTA/NV-4500 married to a NP-205, Saginaw Power Steering, 4 wheel Hydroboost Disk Brakes. My votw is with the Power Wagon, nothing out there is as tough looking, and as tough on the trail.



Pictures at www.imageevent.com/moosecreekmaple the album is wc-53 Carryall



WM-300

 

[WM-300]

Forgot to mention, double click on any of the pictures in the albums and they will go to full screen



WM-300

 

[mberry]

Hey WM-300,



Can't I just pay you slave labor to build one for me? Your work is amazing. I don't have the skills to come close to that. Truly beautiful trucks you have.

 

[TKingsbury]

If you are looking for a driver, I'd go with the Ford. As much as I dig FFPWs, they aren't what you'd call daily driver material. Unless you are building a toy, then all bets are off. If you have the Ford already, it sure makes it easy (er).

Travis. .

 

[WM-300]

I agree that FF Power Wagons are not really a daily driver, if you live in a high speed area. Up in the Mountains where I live, they work out well. No Interstates, tons of back roads. One Ton Power Wagons were designed and built for tough off road use. They ride hard, are noisy, can be cool driving during our brutal winters. You must accept them for what they are. Otherwise build a toy out of something that is more suited for high speed, comfortable road travel. But, Power Wagons are sure a Chick Magnet.



I am NOT a Coachbuilder, nor body shop person. I have always welded and done all my mechanical work including re-powers. I wanted a project to learn all about sheet metal fabrication, custom body work etc. The Carryall was the project for sure. It was a steep learning curve. It IS NOT a show truck, but a daily driver that I take off road, yet it will run 60 mph at 1950 rpms in real comfort. Once into 5th gear, its so quiet inside you can listen to CD's. Dont ask, I have no idea what the fuel comsumption is. I have never figured it out, dont really care. She is a heavy beast with all the extra steel I put in and the Cummins. She weighs 7320 pounds.



WM-300

 

[mberry]

Thanks Travis. Still trying to decide what I want to do. IF I do the Ford, I will have to share/give it away when my parents finally retire and begin to travel. The Ford would be a towing machine, not necessarily a toy.



The PW would be a toy for me and would be mostly used off-road on logging roads and in the mud and muck, snow etc... I was an aircraft mechanic in the USMC and have always chosen function over form but that doesn't mean I don't want it to be a nice looking rig.

 

[Crash_AF]

Just a quick note, there's no need to stretch the frame and cab... Ford did build a crewcab in that vintage.



Later,

Joe

 

[mberry]

Thanks Crash. That would save a lot of fabricating! I'll try to find one.