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Mon Jan 08, 2024 8:30 am

Short question due to the reason that I was not able to find this information somewhere (or I had the wrong wording probably)

Are the reinforcements on the following pictures of the rear wheelhouse stock on a 1960 23W?

Thx in advance,
M

Mon Jan 08, 2024 8:34 am

Maybe. They seemed to be intermittent for a while. They are terrible and should not be used in any restoration, even if they were originally on a bus. They trap dirt and water and promote rust.

Mon Jan 08, 2024 8:39 am

I would say Yes as I've seen them on various 60s.

I don't remember my 8/60 (1961 model year) Double Cab having them but my 2/60 Double Cab did.

Mon Jan 08, 2024 9:08 am

Lind wrote: They are terrible and should not be used in any restoration, even if they were originally on a bus. They trap dirt and water and promote rust.

Thx for the answer.

I absolutely agree.

I was just thinking about any "function" of this parts and thought maybe there is something "behind".

It seems It was not due to sunroof or any other "extra" right? I have to weld in a new right wheelhouse due to the above mentioned topic.

I was additionally thinking about spot welding it on the panel before welding the panel in to get more stiffness which will take away some stress from the panel during heat introduction but now I am thinking again to just leave it out ;).

Br, M

Mon Jan 08, 2024 9:44 am

Seems like a 6 month run on the long side and passenger quarter strengtheners.
Yes they do trap enough road debris/moisture to cause issues. Yet I personally reinstall as they do provide the strength need to keep the sides from oil canning, flexing during body work. With todays sealers and caulk the chances of rusting out in our lifetime is unlikely.

Tue Jan 09, 2024 2:42 am

My 60 Single Cab has them also, and it caused rust there too.

Tue Jan 09, 2024 5:22 am

My July 59 also fell victim to these so called hat traps.

Tue Jan 09, 2024 7:50 am

They seem to have been used only on deluxes and trucks. I've seen them as early as '52 and sometimes only on one side. If the customer is okay with it, I like to leave or reinstall them. They really help stiffen that area up. I assume not many restored buses are seeing dirt road driving and salt.

Tue Jan 09, 2024 3:56 pm

DSweinhagen wrote: They seem to have been used only on deluxes and trucks. I've seen them as early as '52 and sometimes only on one side. If the customer is okay with it, I like to leave or reinstall them. They really help stiffen that area up. I assume not many restored buses are seeing dirt road driving and salt.

My 57 single cab had. and still have it only on the passenger side if i recognize right.

If it is rust protected it should be no problem.

I am sure you made that correct 👍🏻

-Christian

Mon Jan 15, 2024 4:32 pm

My 10/60 doublecab has them. And if I were doing a restoration on a bus that had them I would put them back as well. They lasted this long without any real protection like a good epoxy primer on the insides and it’s not likely the bus will see a very hard life after being restored.

Mon Jul 28, 2025 1:51 am

Does anyone have dimensions of these reinforcements.

I will make some for my ambulance and currently thinking of making these 10mm high and 25mm top and 10mm skirt.