Does anyone know if these bends in the frame rail are from the factory?? If so, what are they for? (passenger side, just in front of cab mount)


I will be boxing the frame in soon, and don't know if I should straighten them out or not.


Thanks,


Eric


ps. Nice new upload tool for the pictures.

 

I just checked the frame on my '49 F4 and it has similar formation in the frame on the passenger side. Perhaps it has something to do with the type steering box used on the RHS models.

 

Yep I would agree with that, for right hand drive models

 

If you're going to box the rails, you'll want to straighten the flange. But the bigger question remains, why on earth would you want to box the rails? They're pretty stout, as is.

 

I bet he'$ planning on hauling some high grade gold ore with it and wants to make sure its very stout!!!


But in all honesty ive seen plenty of these old 2 ton trucks with an added L channel (or flat plate) bolted to the outside edge of the frame rails to beef them up. Of course that requires all the brackets to be removed. And then re-attached. Not sure what would be more work?

 

Not stealing any gold Josh. Actually, I'm not in Elko or the mining business anymore. I had an opportunity to retire, and jumped all over it. So the wife and I moved to our place in Gardnerville and I am spending a LOT of time working on old trucks.


I am planning on putting a Cummins in this truck and upgrading to a modern front end. I realize that the frame is pretty stout as is, but that Cummins is heavy with lots of torque, and will hang right off the frame rails. Maybe it's a little overkill, but I'm taking a welding class and it will be great practice.