1941 Ford Pickup cab crack
 

I have a 1941 Ford Pickup that I am restoring. I've noticed that on each side of the upper part of the cab where the factory put it together that the factory lead is cracking. What is the fix for this, remove all lead and weld or re-lead (I know nothing about leading a car)? See pictures!

Re: 1941 Ford Pickup cab crack
 

I have seen this on a couple of truck cabs. I often wonder why it happened at that same point. Have you ever lifted the cab at the point with a crane or winch???

Re: 1941 Ford Pickup cab crack
 

no, cab is still on the frame and has never been off. this is a point where the cab is put together in the factory. The cab consists of two pieces.

Re: 1941 Ford Pickup cab crack
 

Mine has them, I sealed with flexible seam sealer and painted over it. I'm sure not the correct way but worked so far for me.

Re: 1941 Ford Pickup cab crack
 

this was Ford's error, from 42 up, same cab, they did not lead this seam apparently the cab flexes at this point. on my 41 3/4 ton I welded the cab joint and then finished just like any other welding repair-grind, a little bondo, etc. It has been done for 5 years and over 5000 miles and still looks good. remember even 1/2 ton truck were used like trucks, overloaded and driven on rough roads. look where the rear of the cab mounts to the frame, they are prone to cracks there and look for cracks on the floor above where the floor cover goes on.

Re: 1941 Ford Pickup cab crack
 

My 40 was cracked like that, both sides. I ended up welding a plate over the cracked area and it has been fine since.

Re: 1941 Ford Pickup cab crack
 

The good news is you have a real 40/41 pickup made by Ford!! They all do that. I went through many cabs getting my '40 together and all of them had some element of the problem. I did not weld mine but would have been a good idea. Welcome to 40/41 pickups.

Re: 1941 Ford Pickup cab crack
 

Someone has a small book out on 40 - 41 pickups and states that this seam opens up on all Ford trucks of this era. I would weld it up and use a fiberglass embedded resin to fill the void and finish with body filler.

Re: 1941 Ford Pickup cab crack
 

Mine had the same cracks in that area. I welded mine up and made a little brace inside ,tacked it in,That spans the seam.

Re: 1941 Ford Pickup cab crack
 

Welded mine 20yrs ago. Welded and a little filler and its been fine since.