TR4/4A TR4 Front Spoiler

[jimitro]

Has anyone found or made a front spoiler for their TR4?
I'm trying to customize my '62 to give it that vintage racer look. I looked at a TR6 spoiler and that was too big.
Thanks.

 

[DougF]

The TR6 spoiler could probably be modified to fit. I've seen it fitted to a TR3.

 

[Alan_Myers]

Hi,

Front spoilers have never been as common for TR4 as for later cars. They weren't really used in racing, were prohibited by most rules until the TR6/GT6 MkIII /Spit MkIV era (when they were finally a stock item on the production cars). So, there hasn't been as much development of them for the earlier cars.

Possibly you'll need to make one. The fiberglass ones made for TR6 or one of the other models might be a good starting point for modifications. These are more easily found in aftermarket fiberglass reproductions. Fiberglass is relatively easy to work with and modify.

Another method would be to form one out of foam or other material, then make a mold and lay up your own fiberglass part. That's how some of the racers make theirs. Another method that avoids making a mold, I've even heard of using lighweight plywood, bent to shape and then covered with fiberglass.

Looking at their "Price List", www.honeybournemouldings.co.uk offers Spitfire/GT6 and TR6 models, plus a number of spoilers for other than Triumph, might be worth an email regarding TR4, or to use one of the others as a starting point. This company offers a number of "performance" body parts (TR3 Beta fenders, LeMans-style hoods, etc.)

Alternatively, look around at www.racetorations.co.uk Pretty sure they offer some spoilers and/or air dams for some Triumphs, maybe for TR4.

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[Winston]

I'm reluctant to run a front spoiler simply because of potential air cooling loss. Even with the skid plate I'm convinced that the air intake into the radiator is critical to the operation of the engine.
However.........if you go to your local salvage yard I believe you will find the 2005 Pontiac GT 6 front spoiler will give you what your looking for at a very reasonable cost. I've got one in the garage and it will work with a little modification but I'm concerned with the trade off.
FWIW.

 

[TR6oldtimer]

To follow up on Alan's fiberglass mold suggestion, simply get some surfboard foam (or equivalent), carve it to the shape you want, insert and glue in the mounting hardware, then fiberglass over the foam. Works for surfboards and homebuilt airplanes like VeriEasy's.

 

[Simon TR4a]

To solve the cooling problem you can cut a rectangular hole in the front valance and spoiler for mounting the oil cooler below the radiator, finish off the hole with plastic trim, cover the front with wire mesh so a stone doesn't put a hole in it.

If you are racing, make the spoiler mounts less solid so if you have minor contact with another competitor the spoiler will break away completely.
(You don't get black flagged for having no spoiler, but you will for trailing broken bodywork!)
Simon.

 

[jimitro]

Thanks for all the opinions on a TR4 spoiler.
I think I'll cruise a junk yard and look for a modern day one that I might retro fit to look good.