Reference: Top Bows - 15-cwt truck

[Chris Suslowicz]

Originally Posted by Grant Bowker

One interesting observation - the pipes are made in three parts, two shorter at the ends and a longer in the middle, joined by threaded couplers. The ends of the couplers appear to be more rounded than modern equivalents, possibly a modification to make them less hard on the tarp?

I think it's just the modern trend for cost-cutting. All the steel pipe unions my father had in the garage/shed (1, 1.5 and 2 inch) all had rounded ends - no sharp edges. These were all pre-1960, I would think. Old conduit 'nipples' were also a 'no sharp edges' rounded end. I think it's only the more recent mass-produced stuff that is parted-off square (and to hell with any cuts the users get from sharp edges - they should wear gloves approach to manufacturing).

Handrail unions are another matter, but they are cast and secured by grub screws (mostly).

Chris.