Hot Rods Spreader bar shims on outside of frame??

Last fall I bought a Model A on a ‘32 frame. It had a ‘V’ style spreader bar when I bought it but I didn’t care for the look so I got a straight one to replace it.

I was installing the new spreader last night when I noticed the car had shims installed on the outside of the frame rail. I thought that seemed kind of odd and pointless unless it’s just some cosmetic thing? I understand if the spreader bar was a little narrow someone might add the shims between it and the inside frame rail to get a better fit, but what would be the point of having them on the outside? Is this a thing people do or is it just another weird thing the guy I bought the car from did?

Thanks for any input.

 

1 - previous owner didn’t know what they were for
2 - Trying to even the clamping force.
3 - trying to save damage to the paint - although looking at that photo, I don’t think so
4 - didn’t have the finned ones
5 - he knew he didn’t need them, but didn’t want to misplace them
6 - trying to start a new trend………

in other words, probably no real reason.
- you don’t have to use them if you don’t want to.

 

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You forgot "bolts too long".

 

Lock washer in wrong location.

 

That's cold!

 

Maybe the ends of the frame rails were damaged, or not quite right and have elongated holes. The outside shims may be covering up something that isn't quite right.

I ran a welding shop for 30 years, seen lost of stuff covered up rather then fixed, until it had to be fixed.

 

See chrome ones on the outside fairly often.

 

I've also seen Deuce guys use the solid ones without the center hole on the outside of the frame. HRP

 

Made mine from stainless. Ron

 

I a;ways thought they were a sort of washer so the bolts wouldnt crack or pull through.My 33 has them,they are spot welded in place from the factory.

 

Just another dress up item, O'brien Truckers makes them in finned aluminum.

 

You beat me to it, these are designed to be used om the outside of the frame rail.

These are called 1932 Ford Front Spreader Bar Caps

 

And the solid ones for the outside of the frame, these are sold by a hamber (bodymanmp). HRP

 

These are merely spacers or they can be used to make a spreader bar. HRP