Rivets were a manufacturing method used all over Canada and the UK (and really everywhere else) during the war and was the fastest and easiest way to employ a large percentage of the available workforce to speed up production. The USA had started new techniques welding Liberty ships and was able to turn them out faster than when they had been riveting. The T-16 was produced after that time so was able to take advantage of it while automatically gaining a relatively water-tight hull for possible amphibious use.
I still also prefer the rivet look myself but alas, it wouldn't be correct for my carrier. Course the T-16 has a stronger hull whereas other models had the easy opening feature.
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David Gordon - MVPA # 15292
'41 Willys MB British Airborne Jeep
'42 Excelsior Welbike Mark I
'42 BSA M20 Motorcycle
'43 BSA Folding Military Bicycle
'43 BSA M20 Motorcycle
'44 Orme-Evans Airborne Trailer No. 1 Mk. II
'44 Airborne 100-Gallon Water Bowser Trailer
'44 Ford T-16 Universal Carrier
'44 Jowett Cars 4.2-Inch Towed Mortar
'44 Daimler Scout Car Mark II
'45 Studebaker M29C Weasel
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