Originally Posted by ccislander

I've seen a few swingarm frames where the weld has cracked at the joint where the rear left downtube connects to the cast piece just behind the transmission. Not a tough fix and it'll stay together but you'll notice a little difference in the handling.
Those I've seen (one is from my '59) have all been Duo-Glide frames. It seems to me that this problem may have been solved on later frames with a plate welded to the backside of that leg. Regardless, I've put many thousands of miles on these frames without a second thought.
So sorry for the circumstances under which you're acquiring this bike, but ride and enjoy in his honor.