Hey guys, have a few questions about my 1950 F3(97HY);

1) Have a small tab welded to the drivers side frame rail, right at the back end of the frame. Any idea what it is/was for? Part of the hitch? Ok to cut it off and grind down?





2) Both sides of my truck are painted with: 7000 GW, which from my understanding the F3 Express box had a max of 6800... Anyone have any insight? The glove box data plate is missing (of course!).



3) And lastly for now, any idea what aftermarket hitch this is? Also is there any way to install the rear bumper with this hitch? It looks as though the mounting holes are covered/missing? (sorry so much clutter in the background)



Thank you all, I have learning so much from this form!

Brian__

 

Welcome to the group. Glad to see another F-3 being saved. That tab, and the hitch itself, looks homemade to me. But it's hard to say without seeing how it was mounted in the frame. The F-3 GVWR was 6800 lbs, and the 7000 rating painted on the truck is pretty common. I have a '51 with the same thing. If the hitch blocks the bumper holes you're outta luck, and since there's no drop in the hitch you're not gonna be able to use it with the bumper. If you haven't already read old threads about the F-3 wheels, I'd suggest doing a Google search on them. Called widow makers. Stu

 

Tab looks broken. My frame has nothing like it, but mine's an F1. No harm in cutting it off as it looks like it needs replaced anyway. Hold on to it if for any reason you find out you need a new one.

So far as hitch/bumper...Anything is possible with enough scrap metal and some welding tools. Looks like a home-made hitch to me, but who knows? So far as mounting a bumper??? Fab your own brackets and you can mount a bumper anywhere you want.

Peace,
Jim

 

I have no tab like that on my F68 (Canadian F3). Probably a safe bet to cut it off but like Blue said, maybe hang on to it just in case. I also agree with the guys suggesting the hitch is home made. I'd take it out if you're planning in putting a bumper back on.

 

Mine had no tab like that either.
Welcome to the forum!