Classic: 1962 Dodge 4WD Town Panel
Description
I wanted an eye-catching utilitarian work truck to use with (and to promote!) our two seasonal businesses: winter snow removal and summer mobile concession food. I used this truck to pull a 20' trailer loaded with my John Deere 4WD tractor & snow blower for five (5) winters, and to pull our 7' x 14' commercial concession food trailer to local events and music festivals for 10 summers. It has not been used at all for the last two years.
The truck has a colorful history of renovation. The original slant six was replaced with a big block 383 out of a '69 Dodge Charger. The Charger's power steering was installed, along with its Edlebrock high rise manifold and 4-barrel carb. This work was accomplished by a previous owner. Another previous owner then converted the truck to 4WD using the rear Dana 60 and NP 205 transfer case from (I think!) a '78 Dodge Power Wagon. That owner did not want full-time 4WD, so another Dana 60 was installed up front with Selectro lock out hubs.
I bought the truck in '05 and proceeded with a complete ground up restoration. We removed the engine and took it to Jerry's Machine Shop in Idaho Falls for a complete rebuild. Snake River Restoration tore apart the body, cutting out and welding in new steel as needed. I have the complete photo documentation (and most of the receipts!) from this initial work. Unfortunately, Snake River was not able to complete the project, so after the truck was back together and the engine reinstalled, it was taken to TJ's Restoration in Idaho Falls for final improvements, modifications and painting. During this period we replaced the transmission with an NP 445 4-speed, and obtained and installed the new White Freightliner bucket seats. We powder coated the heavy duty after-market bumpers, installed work lights inside and outside, installed Bearclaw Latches in both cab doors, fabricated a steel 'stow-away' step for the back barn doors, and fabricated steel steps and hand grips for the two side doors. We installed a 3/4" laminated oak floor in the cargo area, new rubber around all the glass, and aviation seat belts for the new buckets from my Cessna 337. I have some of the receipts and TJ's final project summary invoice for this work. I also have the detailed Chromapremier BC Spectramaster specifications for the paint used.
Once the restoration was complete, I drove the truck to Las Vegas to have the NP 205 and both Dana 60's rebuilt. I then started using the truck that winter ('06/'07) for my snow removal business. I've done essentially nothing to the truck since then--beyond regular maintenance.
The odometer is not accurate. It currently reads 12,910, which based on reviewing our business records is the miles put on the truck since the complete rebuild & restoration in '06. I have no idea what the total original mileage is on the truck. All four tires (235/R16's) have great tread (see photos), but are 10 years old. All the glass is good with no chips or cracks.
From a distance, the paint is still shining and beautiful (see photos), and the truck is nothing less than an attention-grabbing head-turner; a true 'classic!' Unfortunately, upon close inspection, there are several areas of rust & flaws, along with numerous rock chips and blemishes. If interested, I can email a full set of photos of these various problems & defects. I've included a few of the defect photos in this listing, but eBay allows only 24 photos, total. I have many more photos that I can email; both of the truck and of its defects.
If you would like to come inspect and drive the truck, I can pick you up at the Jackson Hole Airport or Idaho Falls Airport. There are hotels here in Victor.
The truck is ready to go with a clear title in Victor, Idaho; and it's mechanically ready to be driven home or transported upon receipt of the full purchase price in certified US funds.
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