1968 Dodge Power Wagon W300 Van Pelt Firetruck 9 Foot Bed Survivor Napco Marmon

1968 Dodge Power Wagon W300 4x4 Van Pelt Fire Truck with 10,630 original miles. This is the original Bishop California W300 firetruck as photographed in Don Bunn's Dodge book. This one ton Sweptline Dodge Power Wagon has the much desired 9’ bed, Dana 70 axles, and a 383 V8 (not a 318). Modified as a brush truck by Van Pelt, it runs very smoothly, it’s surprising how quiet it is. The truck drives and stops great, I'd say just about the way it did from the factory. The drivetrain is in excellent shape. Maintenance is up to date, recently replaced the clutch master cylinder and brake master cylinder as there was a slight seep. Also, valve cover gaskets were replaced, I hate leaks. Truck has dual batteries and master kill switch. The engine compartment is clean and there is actually an original windshield fluid bag for windshield squirter.

The interior of the truck is near perfect. The only issue is the center of the seat is fraying, likely due to simply age, not use, please see the photos. I’m fairly certain it can be replaced in place by an upholstery shop or leave original. The dash pad is in perfect shape as is the headliner. The windows roll down smoothly, the doors shut solid-like new, no sagging, and the door panels are in perfect shape. The rubber floor mat is like new as well. Even the PTO lever was chromed. Absolutely zero rust. All the beacons and lights are operational, all very nicely marked. The siren is operated by a dimmer/bright switch on the floor - actually has one on both the driver’s and passenger side floor.

The siren itself is pretty cool besides being crazy old school loud, it takes over a minute to “spin” down but there is also a siren brake on the dash to stop it. All the gauges appear to be functioning. .

Van Pelt did the fire truck conversion. The exterior of the truck is in great shape, the paint will still shine. A good waxing would make it really nice but it looks nice as is now. It was stored indoors for the entirety of its life at the fire department and then for years while it was in a private collection. It lost it's spotso it need to go to a good home. There are many chrome accents around the truck. There are many of the original accessories hook, ax, reel hoses, hard hoses, etc….The reel hoses are functional and have a switch on the interior and push buttons on either side of the chassis. The original wood planks and metal strips are in good shape in the bed. I was told by the previous owner all the fire equipment is operating condition. Unsure of size of the size the tank but previous owner said the tank will leak down water over the course of a couple days. There is a very small dent on the driver’s side of the grill (see photo) and scuffs consistent with a used 50 year old truck, scuff on passenger door. Warn locking hubs on the front drive axle shine. All the fire equipment appears to be bolted in and looks to be easy to remove, if one so choose. The tailgate is in perfect shape. There is absolutely no rust out anywhere on the truck.

This is a 50+ year old truck not perfect, but I’ve never seen such a clean original truck. Why am I selling? I need to thin the herd as my interests have changed again. I recently sold my 1948 Power Wagon on Ebay and the new owner was thrilled with it. Also, listing a 1993 Dodge W250 Cummins Diesel with 87,000 original miles and possibly my 1992 W250 Cummins with 110,000 original miles. I am not a car dealer and will answer honestly and to the best of my ability. The truck is available for viewing in Austin, Texas.

The truck is used and is being sold as is, where is, with no warranty, expressed or implied.

The truck is for sale locally and this auction can end at any time. The vehicle is located in Austin, Texas. Buyer is solely responsible for transporting the vehicle, I will help facilitate if possible. I am very happy with the broker/hauler that has delivered various vehicles to me over the years.

I have a clear Texas title in my name. The vehicle and title will not be transferred until all funds clear to my satisfaction. A $500.00 non-refundable deposit is due immediately after this auction. The remaining funds are due within 3 days of the end of the auction unless alternative plans are approved by the seller. I would prefer a wire transfer and/or a combination of a wire and cash.