I had to cut mine out to fit a Big Bolt radiator (thicker toward the front) in my '49 3100. I read somewhere that the X-rods where used to prevent stress on the radiator from extreme flexing caused by cab/front clip movement. Since I don't plan on driving mine across hand dug ditches all day long on the farm anymore, I'll be alright.
Carl

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