Dating a G518: Frame to Lunette rails

[pfarber]

I noticed something while looking on ebay... the G518 has seen several variations of the two frame rails that hold the lunette and the front of the tub is bolted to. I'll assume (and will look further into it) that the 'less beefy' rails are early and the beefed up rails are later. There are also several variations on the type/manner of support.

First, well, as the photo say, 1941, steel, pneumatic wheel. Note the simple full length C-channel rail.

518-1.PNG (217.22 KiB) Viewed 8250 times

This is from the 42 TM.. it clearly shows a different frame rail and a support. The support channel is welded to the inside flange of the C shaped frame rail.

518-2.PNG (554.77 KiB) Viewed 8249 times

Now this is where it seems to get manufacturer specific... the inner support, at the front, is different. Here are some photos that show the different angles that the front of the support bracket are cut at.

Not this support is cut horizontally. No taper or angle.

g518-3.PNG (458.15 KiB) Viewed 8249 times

This support bracket is has a half height angle cut into it.

g518-4.PNG (172.06 KiB) Viewed 8249 times

This bracket is notched... this is the exact same notch as on the 1/4 ton trailer... and Bantam did make 1 ton trailers.

g518-5.PNG (156.96 KiB) Viewed 8249 times

And the TM photo, this time a full height angle

518-2.PNG (554.77 KiB) Viewed 8249 times

Water/fuel trailers also had these same brackets/varieties. My guess is that it might be possible to ID the manufacturer be the support bracket, and definitely the year of the trailer by the rail details.

[pfarber]

Well I checked my 43 Checked Cab Wooden Ben Hur (it may have been Yellow Cab.. I looked two days ago, will update if its wrong) and I have the 'Bantam' type notch in the reinforcing bracket on the frame rail. Will add photos when its not cold as balls outside.