The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop welded frame

I'm underneath my '49 3600 splitting the intermediate u-joint and I notice the frame is welded together on both lengthwise rails. On both sides the rear part of the frame is welded just behind the e-brake cross shaft. Pretty much the same place on each side. It looks like the entire rear 1/3 frame section has been added on. I looked at my 48 1/2 ton and there are no visible welds. I'm assuming the the '49 3600 did not come this way from the factory?

Sounds to me like something has been repaired or replaced... I have a '50 1-ton frame sitting about 75 feet away from me, and the rails on it are single piece from in front of the front springs to behind the rear springs.

Leon:
What a puzzle. I have a 1/2 ton frame hanging on the back of my shop.... side rails definatly one piece!!

Perhaps a repair from many years ago...? or perhaps a wheelbase change?? only guessing.

But.... welded frame or not... what a gorgeous looking truck!! and cute licence plate!!

Ter

What a pretty little truck!

I've never encountered a sectioned (original) frame (that's not to say that it could never happen). I would concur with the guys who say it's been repaired at some point.

Now that you know that it is, I would verify the integrity of the welds and the fitting (alignment) to make certain it's truly roadworthy. If you have any doubts after inspection you might want to gusset it at the splice with an insert. Other than that - enjoy!

Beeeeeautiful truck.

Yeah. The 2 welds are definately old. Parts attached to the rear part of the frame look the same age as parts attahed to the front section. Overspray on the welds does not appear to be original so I would say these welds have held up for a long time.

In areas of the country where there was snow, salt, or even dirt roads the AD trucks were very prone to the frames rusting away, usually just in front of or in the area around the front hanger of the rear springs. Many were repaired with plating and a number were repaired by grafting on a good frame section. The latter was definitely better and as far as I can remember they gave no problem, even when returned to heavy duty use as a truck. I think the mild steel they used as opposed to the high carbon modern frames with "Do Not Weld" stickers was suited to this type repair.

I Concur with all of the above BUT,
After Rereading the opening post,I have Questions.
You say its a 49 3600,
Then why are the pics of a 3100?
Could it be that a prior owner cut down a 3/4 ton truck to a 1/2 ton wheelbase?
Are the wheels/hubs 6 lug or 8 lug?
Is the door plate/serial# tag still intact and what does it say?
Could very well be a "put Together truck" especially seeing the doors are 1951,with the pulldown handles AND Ventwindows,the only year available.
Dont Misunderstand me as Knocking this truck,as it is Beautiful,Just trying to show some facts
Regards Steve Sr.

I have a '49 that I'm getting ready to sell. The '48 in the pictures is staying with me. Thanks for the informatin about doors on the '48.

The '49 has a welded-on rear frame section. From what I can see it is very original. Still has a 216, 6-volt, 4-speed, etc. The frame add-on appears to be a long time ago. I have some history of the truck from a farm in Kansas. Maybe they did something for working on the farm? The truck drives solid. It's for sell. I thought the clutch was bad because of severe chatter when taking-off but it turns out that the drive shaft rubber spacer that goes around the front shaft bearing was totally gone. The driveshaft had over an inch of play at the intermediate bracket.

Leon
it is illeagal & really not a good idea anyway to cut and weld a straight line frame cut here in california. legal in other states.
we had a work trailer where the manufacture cut the entire frame and did a simple re-weld and no plate installed/welded. that trailer frame broke @ their simple weld while it was being transported by someone in my company. thank god no one was injured but it's a hugh law suit. the manufacturer was in texasss.
so comes another question
is this a straight vertical cut thru the frame?
if it is
are /is there any safety aux. plates welded that should overlay the straight cut and welded on to good metal. this type cut should have been an offset or zig-zag cut so frame stress was placed on several frame points/ angles. a couple blind /plug welds as well as a parimeter weld should be done to make this a safe frame on both sides of the frame. the frame really isn't that thick. make sure you have a good paint job over that weld so it does not rust/ crack/ break.