Technical 1950 DeSoto Fluid Coupling Question

I bought a 1950 DeSoto parts car a few years ago and just got around to pulling the Fluid drive trans, coupler, clutch and bell housing off the flathead 6. I'm putting it in a crate for storage and the trans and bell housing had to come off to fit in the crate. I'm keeping all of this as a spare for my 1950 DeSoto Sedan.

I was surprised to see how sloppy the welds were on the center of the fluid coupling (see picture). Are these factory welds? Do you think the coupling has been taken apart and repaired. Just seemed a bit odd to me. The other welds on the coupler seem to be much cleaner.

I included a picture of my 1950 DeSoto "crate engine". The 250 gallon totes are great for storing engine and transmissions as long as you have forks on your tractor.

Thanks,
Ken

 

btt