Original soft top?

[nzkiwi]

I have a 1957 Thunderbird gunmetal gray with the black convertible top. I finally pulled out the top for the first time and was wondering if it is the original soft top? On the plastic window it has the following stamped on it "Regalite AS-GM-1 L-96". Any help on this would be appreciated. If I need to look for some other identifying number let me know. Dan Brown

[Alan H. Tast]

Based on the code 'L-96' I assume it was made in late 1996 (probably November if the letter/month sequence of A=Jan, B=Feb, etc. skipping 'I' and using J for Sept, K= Oct, L=Nov, M=Dec), so, no - not original (at least for the clear vinyl rear window) to the best of my knowledge.

[nzkiwi]

Alan,
Thanks for your quick reply. I saw a similar question on a different car but was a Regalite top with similar markings. He explained that the first letter, "L" in my case is indeed the month of November. The second is the day which is a "9" in my case. So far November 9. Then he explains the last number is last digit of the year. So the possibility looks like mine being November 9, 1956. Since my car has a build code of May this could line up pretty closely. My top looks very old and appears a lot older then 20 years old. What do you think or are you pretty sure about your decode? Again, thanks.
Dan

[Alan H. Tast]

Post photos.

[nzkiwi]

Al,
Thanks. I put the Thuderbird away for winter storage last week. I should have taken pictures when I had it out. Anyway, we can take another look come spring next year. Thanks again. Dan