Proper welds would be as strong or stronger than bending square tubing. Bending stresses the metal. Having said that, there is virtually no threat of failure of either method if it is done properly, given the fact that no one is going to haul a huge load behind one of these trucks, at least I hope not.

1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission