What is this????

After removing the bed from my 54 I noticed this bracket on the left side of the bed but there is not one on the right side does anyone know what this barackets purpose is, should there be one on the other side also

 

side mount

That is part of the side mount spare tire unit.

 

Re:Bracket

I'm thinking more along the lines of a reinforcement bracket. The bed side may have broken loose in that area. I've never seen a spare tire bracket that had a part like that.

 

I have a 54 also. My truck has this bracket on the left (drivers side) only, also. My spare tire is mounted on this side. So I suppose it could be for additional support of the extra weight on this side.

 

Re:re:Bracket

Wow cool. As they say,you learn something every day!

 

ditto

I thought the same thing when i saw the picture - due to the additional weight placed on that bedside (and probably above center) due to the side mount spare tire, looks like this bracket is meant to reinforce the connection of the bed side and the front panel at that point. It can probably be confirmed in an accessories manual somewhere....

 

RPO 341 Side Mounted Wheel Carrier

Here's a diagram from the "1947-1954 TRUCK Factory Assembly Manual"



I agree that, most likely, its purpose is to reinforce the bed side from the additional weight of the carrier and spare tire and to give it more rigidity.

 

Thanks guys for the info this was driving me crazy I even looked in my assembly manual but missed the part in the diagram. This site is awsome I am new to the AD trucks so I am always learning from here.