Odd Frame Repair?

[Blindhuckster]

I have the engine and trans out of my 37 coupe. Resealing, replacing original wiring, etc. Cleaning the frame of oil and grease and I am puzzled as to why someone would have welded what looks like the upper spring leaf to the frame. You can see that the front crank pulley at one time was hitting the spring
U bolts and wore a groove in them. When I pulled the motor, I did notice the wear on the u bolts, but the pulley was not rubbing at that time. The top and sides of the frame look good with no signs of damage. Has anyone seen this done before? Want to take a guess as to why someone did this? I am at a loss.