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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.
Correct! Later frames had a gusset welded there and harley sold the piece to anyone who wanted to strengthen up their earlier frame but of course you could just cut your own piece and weld it on there if you wanted.
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