1966 DODGE W500

This 1966 W500 Dodge Power Wagon was used by the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources to help control forest fires near the city of West Branch. In service it was equipped with an approximately 300 gallon water tank and pump, along with a hydraulic controlled V-plow for creating fire breaks.
This vehicle is one of 504 total W500's manufactured in 1966, of which 384 were fitted with V8 engines. The engine is a 318-3 V8, known as a wide block or 'poly' motor, which produces 205 horsepower according to the decal on the right valve cover.
It is equipped with a four speed manual transmission and two speed transfer case. There are two PTO's attached to the transmission; the left one powering a five ton rated King winch nestled in the front grill guard; the right one powering a hydraulic pump used to raise and lower the rear mounted V-plow.