“Breaker breaker 1-9!” Thanks to pop-culture references in music and film, CB radio use became an important piece of 1970s life. This phrase was used to indicate that you wanted to start a conversation on channel 19. Some vehicles from that era still have CB radios installed.
The Pick of the Day is a low-mileage 1978 Dodge Power Wagon 150 listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Moneta, Virginia. (Click the link to view the listing)
The Power Wagon medium-duty pickup was originally derived from military-style utility vehicles and first launched in the civilian marketplace in 1945. It was indeed a powerhouse for its time, boasting a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 8,700 pounds and a maximum payload of 3,000 pounds. Even by today’s standards, that’s some robust capability.
Today’s focus vehicle is a 45-year-old pickup which shows just 68,641 miles on the odometer. This Power Wagon generation shared the look of a traditional Ram pickup, but it was strengthened just about everywhere including under the hood. Torque comes from a 400cid V8 mated to an automatic transmission. The seller states that the truck came well-equipped from the assembly plant with air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, bucket seats, and – best of all – a factory CB radio.
Otherwise known as a “Citizens Band” radio, this tool was engineered as a two-way radio that allowed “one-to-many” communication across short distances. CB radios became popularized in the 1970s, particularly among commercial truck drivers who would alert one another about speed traps, obstacles, or other noteworthy information about a given route. Aside from all that, the communication channel made for an easy way to connect with colleagues along the road. These days, mobile phones and other built-in vehicle communication technologies have made CB communication mostly obsolete, but having a pickup with an original CB setup is a nice way to enjoy period-correct nostalgia.
The seller states that this Power Wagon’s two-tone exterior was refinished at one point (the red is called Canyon Sunfire Red Metallic). Mechanical work included a transmission overhaul, a brake system rebuild, and replacement of the carburetor, fuel pump, sending unit, and dual exhaust system. Receipts are available.
The listing concludes, “The truck runs and drives like it should for a 1978 model and is road-ready with a Virginia state inspection.”
The seller is asking $29,500 for this pickup, but before you buy it, you had better brush up on your 10-code nomenclature. Here’s a handy guide of a few commonly-used ones:
- 10-1 – Unable to copy
- 10-2 – Signal good
- 10-3 – Stop transmitting
- 10-4 – Acknowledgement
- 10-5 – Relay
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
$30K? Expensive nostalgia for a truck such as this. Questionable mileage for a 45 year old truck. Call me stupid.
Buy a new one! $65K? If I was in position, I think it’s a fair price. Joe
im all in at 18K
You have to reach out to the seller, who can be reached in the links in the story.