The Ford Barn

Uncle Bob · 06-20-2014, 01:35 PM

I recently acquired a B chassis and I'd like some informed commentary from those who are in the know on these. I've heard/seen remarks about early vs. late, reinforced, etc. And now I'm looking at reality. I did a Bing/Google and only came up with a short thread on HAMB from '08. Aside from a picture and a clipping about the exterior repair reinforcement patch on the rear frame section it was somewhat vague.

This is an early frame based on the center member not having the angled legs going forward to form the famous K (no open holes to indicate removal). The frame has not enjoyed a pampered life though appears very repairable. The front cross member is bolted in with 7 hex head bolts each side. Is that original? It appears so, but not something I've seen before. The rear frame sections have cracked on both sides just behind the rear crossmember, and one side has a slight buckle just ahead of the center of the arch over the axle. Again, from what I understand these are the weaknesses of the early frames that caused the July '32 exterior reinforcement (presumably a dealer repair kit?), and the addition of the later inner reinforcement doubler. Again, the rear cross member is bolted in, but these bolt/nuts don't have a factory appearance like the front does. Again, would the early frames have a bolted in rear member? And of course any other particulars that would be worth knowing would be appreciated.

06-20-2014, 01:35 PM	#1
Uncle Bob Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Salado, TX. Posts: 733	Model B frame questions I recently acquired a B chassis and I'd like some informed commentary from those who are in the know on these. I've heard/seen remarks about early vs. late, reinforced, etc. And now I'm looking at reality. I did a Bing/Google and only came up with a short thread on HAMB from '08. Aside from a picture and a clipping about the exterior repair reinforcement patch on the rear frame section it was somewhat vague. This is an early frame based on the center member not having the angled legs going forward to form the famous K (no open holes to indicate removal). The frame has not enjoyed a pampered life though appears very repairable. The front cross member is bolted in with 7 hex head bolts each side. Is that original? It appears so, but not something I've seen before. The rear frame sections have cracked on both sides just behind the rear crossmember, and one side has a slight buckle just ahead of the center of the arch over the axle. Again, from what I understand these are the weaknesses of the early frames that caused the July '32 exterior reinforcement (presumably a dealer repair kit?), and the addition of the later inner reinforcement doubler. Again, the rear cross member is bolted in, but these bolt/nuts don't have a factory appearance like the front does. Again, would the early frames have a bolted in rear member? And of course any other particulars that would be worth knowing would be appreciated. __________________ Luck occurs when preparation and opportunity converge.