FW35 fifth wheel, new or rebuilt? How can you tell the difference?

Thanks for pointing out the cylinder, hadn’t given it much thought. Find out tomorrow.

 

If that plate was originally custom built for someone that tag would have a customer code after the serial # where the impact/tear damage to it is. If blank it was probably an in stock replacement sitting at a parts place or dealer somewhere.

 

1951 FW35 with a new rebuild kit with new style jaws. Rebuilt in circa 2009. RH release and bar is still original I believe. You can see how the jaws sit unlatched. When latched they are correct and tight. 500 miles on it since rebuild with a plastic slip disk on trailer. I just touch up the red after use. I paint the jaws yellow on all my wheels to make an easier visual coupling check with flashlight.

 

I got the fifth wheel today. Delivered a mile away, worked out well. Got it home, put away. Turns out I know the Guy from delivering a few times to him. Didn’t figure that out till after the deal was made, when I recognized the dock. Lol. Made a fair deal just the same. Very easy to deal with. Any problems, which I doubt, I can swap it out with another. Glad I finally got one. Pin kit included. It’s definitely brand new. Exactly like the one the original I have on the Truck now. I already have the bushings. Probably wait till spring. I’d like to clean and paint the frame, replace cans, slacks and air lines, while the old ones off. I’m patient, this time it paid off.