The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts '51 Chevy 6500 converted to a 6100

That is a pretty good introductory article. I see where he states to use a straight cut at the splice. I wish that he had explained his reason for saying this. I have always seen to use a tapered cut, or a sideways v cut on the web with the cuts on the flanges, diagonal in opposite directions, one forward and one back.

I seem to have misused the term fish plate as well. I really intended just to ask about reinforcing the splice area....I guess a fish plate is a full piece all the way from the cab to the rear end.

I'm glad you are going to reinforce the splice...all it takes is one small imperfection in your well to act as a stress riser and start a crack.