Buyer’s Guide WC-62/63 Dodge 6×6 Cargo Truck

Compared to the creation of many of the military’s vehicles, the genesis of the ton and one-half Dodge was simple. The army increased the size of a rifle squad from eight men to 12 men and, when that occurred, a squad would no longer fit into a 3/4-ton Dodge. Therefore, Maj. Gen. Courtney Hodges, chief of infantry, suggested the 3/4-ton Dodge be stretched 48 inches, and the vehicle became a 6x6. Most of the mechanical and some of the sheet metal parts were the same as those used in the 3/4-ton series.

Certain components, primarily in the driveline and suspension, were strengthened in the ton-and-a-half models, and many of these changes were incorporated into subsequent 3/4-ton production as well.

The transfer was a dual ratio in the ton-and-one-half version vs. the single speed unit used on the 3/4-ton trucks. The truck does not run in 6x2 drive. There is no way to disengage one of the rear differentials to achieve 6x2. It runs in either 6x4 or 6x6. 

The second version of the “Big Dodge” was the WC-63. It differed from the WC-62 only by incorporating a Braden MU2 winch. Like the WC-62, early models of the WC-63 had a Zenith 29-BW-12R carburetor, while later production used the Carter ETW-1 carburetor.

The total US Army Ordnance acceptance of WC-62s and WC-63s was 43,224 vehicles. A total of 6,344 WC-62 and WC-63 cargo trucks were provided to allies as part of the Lend-Lease program: 4,074 to the free French forces, 2,123 to Great Britain, and 137 units to Brazil.

Although the Fargo Division of Chrysler Corp., handled government contracts, the trucks were all built at Dodge’s Mound Road truck plant in Detroit.

These vehicles are popular with collectors today because they have the “big truck” look with the ease of driving of a 3/4-ton truck. Additionally, their long wheelbase gives them a smooth ride, at least compared to that of other military vehicles.

Engine: 6 cyl, in-line, 3772 cc (3.7L), 92 hp.
Gearbox: 4-speed, 2 speed transfer case, 1.5:1 ratio. The earlier transfer cases were  NP-38600 units, later changed to the NP-38620 units 
Length: 17 ft 11 in
Height (with canvas cover): 7 ft 3 in
Height (with top down): 5 ft 2 in
Width: 6 ft 11 in
Weight: 6,925 lb
Payload: 3,300 lb

WInch: Braden MU2 7,500-pound capacity
Length: 18 ft 9 in
Height (with canvas cover): 7 ft 3 in
Height (with top down): 5 ft 2 in
Weight: 7,175 lb
Width: 6 ft 11 in
Payload: 3,300 lb

Like any collectible vehicle, the price of any historic military vehicle (HMV) is based on a combination of three factors: Condition, rarity, and popularity.

A vehicle can be rare but if it isn’t interesting, it won’t be as valuable as an equally uncommon, popular vehicle. Rarity is determined by two factors: Production quantity and survivability. The rarity of vehicles in this guide are rated on a scale of 1 through 5 (1 being the most common and 5 the scarcest). “Rare,” however, doesn’t always mean “valuable.” It has to be desirable, as well.

A “preserved vehicle” is maintained in a “state of suspended animation.” All the flaws, scratches and rust that are present when the vehicle is “discovered” are preserved. While this style of collecting is more popular with vehicle enthusiasts overseas than in this country, it is commonplace in other areas of collecting such as furniture.

The single factor that drives price is — and will always be — condition. Another factor affecting price will be the quality of the restoration.

The term “restoration” is often ill-defined or improperly used in the historic military vehicle hobby. What some call a restoration is actually a “representation,” and sadly, sometimes, only a “characterization.” For a true military vehicle restoration, one must know the history of that particular vehicle. Once known, it is then important to define to what time frame the vehicle is to be restored. This could be as it appeared as it left the factory, or at any subsequent time (June 6, 1944; March 3, 1952, etc.).

The difference between “restoration” and a “representation” is often misunderstood. An example of this could be rebuilding, painting, and marking a Jeep to look like one driven on the beach at Normandy, even though the Jeep you own never left North America. While not a true restoration, this style of “representation” is the most popular with collectors.

Our pricing guidelines follow the standard set years ago by Old Cars Weekly. It uses a 1 to 6 condition grading scale:

1=Excellent: Restored to maximum professional standards, or a near-perfect original — 99+ points on MVPA judging scale.

2=Fine: Well-restored, or a combination of superior restoration and excellent original parts.

3=Very Good: Complete and operable original or older restoration, or a very good amateur restoration with all presentable and serviceable parts inside and out.

4=Good: Functional or needing only minor work to be functional. Also, a deteriorated restoration or poor amateur restoration.

5=Restorable: Needs complete restoration of body, chassis, and interior. May or may not be running, but is not wrecked, weathered or stripped to the point of being useful only for parts.

6=Parts Vehicle: Deteriorated beyond the point of restoration. 

*WWII's "New Dodge" The WC-62 and WC-63

*One of the rarest WWII Dodges: The WC-60

*Recreating a Vietnam Dodge Gun Truck