hard tops

[incisor]

what year did this style hard top become available?

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/01/532.jpg

[pop058]

Am I stating the obvious, 1949 :D

[wrinklearthur]

Hi Inc

My operation manual, fifth edition for the 1951-53 models, on page 90, has the instructions for "Fitting the Hard Top ( export only )".

The parts catalogue P/No 4051 for 1948 - 53 series one models, has under section III Extra Equipment and Special Vehicles, has listed, Hard Top and Tropical Roof ( export only ), but there isn't any reference to availability dates or vehicle commencement numbers.

I have a 80" top panel here that was used as a punt on a farm pond for quite a few years, after the Kids sunk it several times, it survived ok but is now less most of it's paint.
.

[incisor]

Am I stating the obvious, 1949 :D

the info seems to vary

some tell me it was in the 50's

then you see a pic like that

so

maybe it was from the 1950 models which were made in 49 :p

no defintive answer it seems

[incisor]

another 49-50 with a canopy

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/06/449.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/niknodave/8396835680/)
millicent1hdrweb (http://www.flickr.com/photos/niknodave/8396835680/) by NiknoDave (http://www.flickr.com/people/niknodave/), on Flickr

[bobslandies]

First metal hardtop listed in the Grenville Motors (NSW) records is on an August 1950 build vehicle R16160086 (so a 1951 Model) sold in Sydney 6/12/1950. Pretty uncommon until Nov 1951 when they become regular fitments.

Listed in the August 1950 Export brochure - Other Items of Extra Equipment available if required as detailed in List below:

E/7 - "Metal Detachable Top covering driver's and rear compartment, in addition to or in Place of Standard Hood" .

Have seen Feb 1950 referred to as the introduction but think the SMHEA - one of the biggest LR customers would have ordered them straightaway if that was the case. They had previously purchased some Tickford Station Wagons.

Had another look at the records, six vehicles - R16160085, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90 all had Metal Tops (M/T). My initial post said R16160096 but on looking carefully it should have been "86".

The R1616 prefix denotes Basic Vehicle R.H.D Export

Bob

[B.S.F.]

I've got an original workshop manual dated March 1951, publication No. TP/138/A and the hardtop is listed under optional equipment. (For export only). .W.

[back_in]

for what it's worth
when I got my 49 I was told
It had been owned from new by a chap's father.
His father sold it in the late 50's
When he saw it many years later he bought it in the same area still with its hard top
so it look's as if they were around quiet early
cheers
Ian