After looking through the archives & searching the net
this is what I found, mostly from Jan Heine's VBQ Vol. 2, No. 4 (Summer
2004)
but also from Joel Metz's http://www.blackbirdsf.org/
Maxi, C.A.R. & Maxi-CAR Timelines ======================================= Maxi: 1930~1950 "MAXI" Made by E. Depalle in St. Etienne ID: Cup & Cone with screw on dust caps Std hubs + 3 types of Drum Brakes Steel Pre-war / Aluminum Post War ??? ======================================= C.A.R.: 1930~1940 "_________" Made by Charles-Albert Ripet in Lyon ID: cartridge bearings ======================================= "MAXI-C.A.R." 1946~1999 Type 1: Riveted Flanges 1946~1950 ID: No "lightening" holes in flanges
"MAXI-CAR" 1950~1962 Type 2a: One-Piece Hub Shells ID: No "lightening" holes in flanges
Maxi-Car (Sp?) 1961 Type 2b: One-Piece Hub Shells ID: with "lightening" holes in flanges
Maxi-Car (Sp?) 1962-1980 Type 3: Red Maxi-Car sticker ID: adjustable annular bearings, oversize axles, double labyrinth seals
1960 Depalle retired -> le Decolletage Rationnel 1976 le Decolletage Rationnel -> Rousson-Chamoux
According to Norris Lockley: "RFG was a sub-brand of the manufacturers ROUSSON et CHAMOUX, based in Feurs, about 30 kms north of St Etienne.The company was better known to the cycling fraternity for manufacturing the excellent MAXICAR range of sealed-bearing hubs."
1990 Shells forged & machined instead of fully machined
1990 Type 4 Trumpet shape
More details would be useful, especially about MAXI, and C.A.R. and about specialty hubs based upon any of the above.
Amir Avitzur
R"G Israel