I can say that my '73 Vistas came with a hex head bolt to tighten onto the tom holder post. It used the same t-wrench as the nuts on the tom brackets.

I have a set from 73-74 and 76 I will check what the seams look like and the t handle on the bass drum.

From what I can remember the black handle is later and they did move the seam location at a later time also.

The replacement is older and sounds correct.

My 73-74 set has the lugs on the seam and the hex screw.

Ludwig did change to black plastic t-handles on the bass drum at some point.

Just not sure when.

Thanks for the info-didn't know quite what to make of it when I saw it-just seemed odd to see it both ways and structurally I wondered about having the lug in the seam.

The post hole seems a little different too.

Debating whether to change it out as I do like the knob as opposed to the screw and since I am not going to do anything with the cracked shell I have some spare parts inventory that I can either use to make the mod or sell......don't need two posts, two sets of claws, two sets of spurs, hoops, etc.

So glad I found a clear bass drum in excellent condition-cant wait to get back to playing them!