I Spent Two Years Restoring a 70 year old Power Wagon - Restoration Part 17/17

It's finally done! My 1951 Dodge Power Wagon is now almost 100% complete. In this final video I put together the wood truck bed, running boards, lights, and more. I bought this truck two years ago without ever sticking my head under a car hood before and taught myself how to restore a 70 year old farm truck as I went. I never envisioned making this a full cab off restoration and I'm not sure why I started recording these videos but I am sure glad I did :) Be sure to put some comments and suggestions down below. Thanks for watching!
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#truckrestoration #dodgepowerwagon #mopar

[@jefflilyea4669]

Thanks for keeping it original

[@jefflilyea4669]

Don't name it.

[@jefflilyea4669]

I want a m715

[@DIYSCOTT]

@@jefflilyea4669 Tow Mater was its original name but now its too pretty hahaha

[@frederickjeremy]

This is my dream truck as a life long dodge fan, a 4x4 enthusiast, a ww2 buff, and just a person with a huge respect and appreciation for things designed and built before the throw away concept, i will have one of these trucks one day, and it will put in work as it did back in the day, pulling around my 1941 ford 9n tractor i have tuned up over the last decade or so and work the fool out of as well. They are getting hard to find, but some day.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Yes I am all for putting them back to work! Took me several years to find the right one and a couple more to fix it up but well worth it in the end

[@frederickjeremy]

@@DIYSCOTT if you dont mind me asking how much did the initial purchase cost you?

[@DIYSCOTT]

@@frederickjeremy $4,000 which for California is a pretty good deal

[@frederickjeremy]

@@DIYSCOTT thanks for getting back with me. Man if i could find one like that for 4000$ i would be 4000$ broker. That is a good price for one of those. Granted isn’t chump change at all but given what some of them go for, and that it was salvageable that is awesome. Thanks for sharing with us. Some day ill run across one and have the money to throw at it.

[@shanesmaineshop]

I am working on a 66 power wagon that i have had for over 35 years. been in storage the last 30 or so. time to bring it back to life. thanks for sharing all your videos.

[@DIYSCOTT]

That is awesome! Yes get her purring :)

[@pelonehedd7631]

I love all the old Military Jeeps , Trucks Tanks etc. and anything old. My Brother and I Restored a Military Jeep and it recently got a thorough going over by one of Our employees who in His spare time completely disassembled it sand blasted and repainted it. You have done a fantastic Job. It takes a lot of patience and attention to detail. One thing I would have done different is with the fuel float. Instead of cutting two to make one , any similar rod could have been used to modify both so You would have a ready spare. Also instead of a butt weld , leaving the extension piece longer on each end would allow for sistering the pieces and providing more of a weld surface that will be less prone to cracking and losing the float in the tank. Otherwise You did a real good job , better than I have the energy for. I leaned How to drive on a 1951 Dodge 3/4 ton two wheel drive flatbed with a six cylinder and Four speed manual transmission Kids today are missing out on a real driving experience. Oh one more thing . If You ever lament not having enough cranking power Do not change to a 12 volt system . Just get a bigger six volt battery. Your truck looks so much better than any modern 4x4 .

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thank you! I really appreciate the recommendations. I think I learned the most on this project just from peoples help in the comments. Also I agree learning to drive again on a stick is really cool

[@daveandmarlenemartin5532]

Congrats, I’m currently restoring a 65 power wagon, been awesome watching you journey, they are one of the hottest ticket out there. Enjoy!!!

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thank you! Good luck with your DPW!!

[@t-roy1605]

I've followed along through the whole journey and am happy to see such a nice piece of history restored. I think you've done a great job my dude!

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thanks Troy!

[@ferrymondolang2634]

Good

[@rhemeon]

Beautiful truck! G.H

[@user-nf9pc8pj6b]

it's a work of art

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thanks!

[@shoutingatclouds1050]

I gotta tell ya that is a work of art. The first 4wD in my New Hampshire village was a Ford Tractor and its still being used for logging today.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thank you! That's awesome

[@andykirkendall8285]

Beautiful restoration 😎😎😎

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thanks!

[@dnovello]

What a beautiful piece of history and craftsmanship, Scott!!! Amazing work!!!

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thank you Paul! Glad you've been along for the journey :)

[@blabaduplatinum1]

Nice job. I’ve got 6.5 years into a basic motorcycle so you killed it. Looks great.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thanks! Don't worry there's still plenty of things to be done on mine too haha

[@danetket]

Just a congrats message from France !! I 'm continuing my '59 Power Wagon project ! Thank's a lot for your inspiring videos By the way, very nice that green, I hesitate between that color and the dark green whitch is his true color ;-)

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thank you! Yes, I went back and forth for a long time on the green but love the way it looks. Good luck with yours!!

[@robj2704]

Always liked the Power Wagons. They're beasty.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Yes they are

[@ericcoffedgp40]

That rig is beautiful! Great job preserving this old iron!

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thanks Eric! It was definitely a lot of work but it paid off in the end

[@ericcoffedgp40]

@@DIYSCOTT You're welcome!

[@mikesilva5069]

Very nicely done! I'm currently working on a 47' Dodge D-24, that my grandfather purchased back in 50s.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thanks Mike! That's awesome good luck with your project

[@robinjeffery4389]

WaydahgoBuddy!!!!

[@gilbertogomezhernandez]

COSTA RICA ...suoer truck, nice work.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thank you!

[@restorays]

Small Steps lead to big things! Great work, @DIYSCOTT

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thank you! very true

[@kristofffowler5065]

Treat the interior paint with patina oil. It will make the inside of the truck look even more amazing. My favorite stuff to use is called Sweet Patina Sauce. Love the original interior.

[@DIYSCOTT]

I thought about doing something like that especially on the dash but I also am a weird stickler about not modifying the interior in anyway so it is exactly as it would have been. I might get over this at some point though so thanks for the recommendation hahaha. I have the same debate on the rust spots on the exterior of the bronco but am thinking more about if people care value wise on that one as I am not as emotional attached... yet ;)

[@TheGenerationX894]

Low volts equals high amps, make sure you charge those batteries after sitting, it'll detonate that starter fast. Also the smoking under the carb was flooded fuel in the bowl likely. Nice truck and good job getting it looking great!

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thanks Joel!

[@wdxwm300]

Nice job looks good

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thanks!

[@deepbludude4697]

Good job ive owned several of these ol WM300s great trucks I used one as DD on an island I used to work at there was about 10 in the junkyard so I always had spares...

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thanks! That's awesome

[@birdssurfshed]

At a Boy Scott! Keep um running!!!

[@DIYSCOTT]

That's the goal!

[@billkramer1853]

Love it iam doing the same to my 1957 w 100 power wagon

[@DIYSCOTT]

That's awesome!

[@josephnagle3852]

Great job hope's my 1940 dodge tow truck will look that good in 4 years

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thanks! Good luck with your project

[@craigbowley6783]

That's a beautiful ruck. Those are my favorite. You did an awesome job on it congrats.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thanks Craig!

[@bobbates7343]

Very good job

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thank you!

[@patrickwelch620]

Nice work! Drive it often.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Yeah I need to fix the transmission so I can

[@patrickwelch620]

@@DIYSCOTT John at Midwest Military or VPW can help there. All the best!

[@taylorm2399]

Congrats! Looks amazing!!

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thank you!

[@dumpsterchicken6287]

Good job, looks great.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thanks!

[@bujowithzozo]

Nice 🤩

[@DIYSCOTT]

Hahaha thank you!

[@patcastaldo3989]

I think it is Really cool , I want one

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thanks Pat!

[@ReaperRestorations]

i had a customer leave a '54 at my place after a repair. he never came to pick it up, so i drove it every day for 5 months! I personally own a 1952 M37 Airforce truck, and a '41 Dodge WC12 Army truck. i wish they were as far along as yours. do yourself a favor, keep it original!

[@DIYSCOTT]

That's awesome. Yes my goal was definitely to keep it original as possible. Only thing I am debating is adding the highway gears to get it up to speed a little easier but I'll keep the old ones so I could always go back

[@cameronmcpeak5183]

great work! i painted my axles red on my 56 and it really made them pop. super jealous of your truck!

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thanks! The owner before me painted the axles and I just kept it cause I also liked it

[@rays2877]

Too bad I just found your channel Real Power Wagons have always been one of my favourites.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Best truck ever made

[@jimsteen7648]

Sweet! Great job love it forever!

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thanks!

[@dunk5647]

Check the box is square you may have a slight diamond in it making the boards hang over the rear cross member

[@DIYSCOTT]

Hey yeah that is definetly the problem. The bedsides are clearly warped if you look at them closely (i got the whole bed in super rough shape for $500) so without some major body work I don't think I could've gotten it square enough. I also found myself super limited by all the bolt holes that needed to line up in the cross members and wood that it didn't really give me any wiggle room to try to square it out

[@dunk5647]

@@DIYSCOTT I think the job you did is amazing ... not so restored that you have to use it as a trailer queen ... nice enough to get plenty of attention and be able to actually use it ... I have a 1982 vw rabbit that I'm doing only the drive train and new floors ... I am auto body tech. By trade ... love the truck amazing work once again !

[@mikef.1000]

Great rescue! End result a bit too shiny for my tastes... but then, it's not my truck! Well done.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thanks Mike! I agree lol the patina was definitely awesome but I'm hoping I gave it another 70 years to happen again

[@mattlombard2919]

It looks like a prowler.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Maybe a prowler's older brother on steroids

[@fabieneldridge3414]

I almost called 911 when it started. Thought you were going to have a heart attack ! Hahahahaha 😂!

[@DIYSCOTT]

Hahaha... the fumes had definetly gotten to my head that night

[@richmonk508]

Great job. Your determination is inspiring!

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thanks Rich!

[@birdssurfshed]

I'd like to send you a Bird's Surf SHED T if you'll wear it. Just need a size and ship too!

[@DIYSCOTT]

ooo I would love one! Thank you! Send me an email: [e-mail] :)

[@ferrymondolang2634]

Good I liket❤❤❤

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thanks!

[@bobbates7343]

The only thing I would change on that truck is the gearing. I would do that so going at least sixty is possible and could be done for as long as you want

[@DIYSCOTT]

Hey Bob! Yeah I bought the "highway" gears and that is gonna be one of the next things I do. I think it will also be nice for making first and second gear more usable on the road

[@edwardclark3980]

I've heard you can burn up the points leaving the headlights on without running. I cant see how but.

[@DIYSCOTT]

hmmm interesting. I think that could be true if I had them wired off of the ignition switch but I just have my switch always hot directly off the battery

[@drewclarke5920]

that must be a newer cab the gauges are not 1951 but still nice.. also switch over to 12 volts but use the 6 volt starter it will improve your cranking speed dramatically and last a long long time....

[@DIYSCOTT]

@@drewclarke5920 I like the 6 volts I’m trying to keep this truck 100% original as it would’ve came. I believe they switched the gauges in 1951: “Starting in 1951 Dodge changed to a different set of gauges, and moved the gauge cluster to the middle of the dash. The 1951 (after the first 500 or so) to 1954 Power-Wagons used gauges with a Bluish Gray background, and chrome bezels. The AMPS gauge reads 50 0 50 and the HEAT gauge was still mechanical.” Seems like a good resource: www.t137.com/registry/help/gauges/gauges.htm

[@drewclarke5920]

@@DIYSCOTT sounds good l stand corrected but unless you only drive it in warm weather you will wish you had the 12volts on that 6 volt starter years of experience with my '56 Fargo w300m....6 volts is hopeless in cold weather...

[@DIYSCOTT]

@@drewclarke5920 Yeah it definitely takes a bit to get it started up even in warmer weather. 12v is good to keep in mind if I ever bring it somewhere colder

[@wesleymason8064]

Good job, great old truck, I think your truck body was out of square, is why your bed board's were crooked. If you squared the body, I don't believe you would have had to cut the board's

[@DIYSCOTT]

Yeah something was definitely off. The bed sides were also warped which made it hard

[@jameswilliams8089]

Let’s goooooooo!

[@DIYSCOTT]

Lol powered by Jebus himself

[@guysgt5003]

Why not swap the rod instead of weakening it!!?? This was a very painful series to watch.

[@DIYSCOTT]

what rod are you talking about? This should help: www.amazon.com/Advil-Reliever-Reducer-Ibuprofen-Temporary/dp/B0000VLK4O/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2DJN52VLRCWW&keywords=advil&qid=1675315251&rdc=1&sprefix=advi%2Caps%2C300&sr=8-6

[@phillipbybee7157]

Sounds like the timing is a few degrees fast

[@DIYSCOTT]

That is definitely a possibility

[@oscarwalton1188]

You want to be careful with any rags and brushes you used with the linseed oil they can spontaneously combust and have burned downed more than a few wood shop over the years.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Good to know thanks!

[@drewdavvv]

Around how much money did you spend in those 2 years on it

[@DIYSCOTT]

That’s hard to say maybe 20-30k?

[@davidcurry9292]

Like your color choice! Looks like a gloss olive drab?

[@DIYSCOTT]

Yeah we color matched the inside of the door and I think its the perfect color. It looks pretty different depending on the lighting its in also which is kinda cool

[@williammorgan7176]

Paint the inside to

[@DIYSCOTT]

I like the idea of it being original though...

[@julianreid8179]

rather than cut ther wood and strips the channel under them might be pushed forward,,,

[@DIYSCOTT]

Yeah the whole thing wasn’t perfectly square but I didn’t have the patience at the time to try and get it straightened out

[@brianbassett4379]

Good job. You couldn't just be happy with a job well done, could you? Had to use it to beg online and show off a little. Regardless... nice work.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thanks! KZbin pays for parts lol

[@brianbassett4379]

@@DIYSCOTT At least you threw in a laugh at the end.

[@guysgt5003]

I feel so bad for whoever ends up with this pile of shit! Someone will think it’s a restored truck when it’s a terribly ruined and it’s value has been severely diminished!!

[@DIYSCOTT]

wow thank you! you're a real nice guy

[@MarkBerlin]

You have no idea what it feels like finding something thats been neglected for decades and bringing it back to life.

[@reddye2331]

I get it tht he was going for the all original restoration. But tht engine could have been 1 big COMPONENT tht could have been switched out. Or I guess drive Train. Wait who am I kidding here but not even myself. Cause u can’t just change out a drive train for even a say an 9 cylinder without changing tht whole truck around. So right on to this young man for doing what’s right keeping it O G baby.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Yeah keeping this truck original was my biggest priority but going forward on future projects I'm open to modernization more