[Richard Coutts-Smith]

Hi Clive,
You're right, I could have described the situation a little better. Hoop and part in question have just been stripped and painted, too sticky for a new pic, hopefully I have been able to enlarge the previous image.
This bracket is part hinge, and folds down 90 deg. (to the rear). There is another in the same location on the drivers side of the hoop). On disassembly, after posting yesterday, I realised that the webbing strap remains were doubled over when riveted, giving two ends. This would then make it possible to pass one end up and over the stowed sections, and back to a buckle on the other end.
So I think I know how it worked, but still do not know if the bracket is original, an Aussy mod, or something else. I do know that if you don't secure the stowed tubes they do tend to disappear on rough roads.....
My manual/catalogue images show a much simpler arrangement of the front hoop itself, as can be seen in the pic I used for the seat query.

On another note, 7 years ago you showed a copy of the Commer Manual, found my own copy last month! Few differences I noted, including the snorkel arrangement.
Regards
Rich.