TR4/4A Early TR4 gauge glass

[Marvin Gruber]

Just got an early TR4. All the glass in the gauges are round like TR3 gauges,I thought all TR4s had flat glass. Think someone changed these out or is this correct for early TR4's?

Marv

 

[Mickey Richaud]

I read somewhere that the early ones did indeed use up the leftover stock of gauges before going to the flat ones. Maybe in Piggott's book...

 

[TR4nut]

For sure, early ones had dome glass - also the center gauge setup was checkered aluminum, not painted. The temp gauge on what you have is occassionally coveted by the TR3 crowd because it looks so similar yet is electric so a decent replacement for the capillary type.

 

[bgbassplyr]

For sure, early ones had dome glass - also the center gauge setup was checkered aluminum, not painted. The temp gauge on what you have is occassionally coveted by the TR3 crowd because it looks so similar yet is electric so a decent replacement for the capillary type.

My CT5589 has the dome glass but the painted center gauge insert.

 

[TRDejaVu]

My recently departed TR4 CT 89xx had domed glass. I even fitted it into the voltmeter I used instead of the ammeter.

 

[HerronScott]

Marv,

What everyone else above said. Early TR4's up to the commission numbers below had gauges similar to the TR3 with domed glass and the fully exposed needles.

TR4 RHD to CT15053, TR4 LHD to CT11307

Some pictures here of early and later TR4 gauges and center section.

Piggot's The Restorer Guide

What's your commission number?

Scott

 

[BRSLimited]

I've seen a couple of cars that had both, flat speedo and tach and domed center guages. Don't know if they were changed out at some point or if they ran out of the larger glass before the smaller.

 

[Marvin Gruber]

This one is titled as a 63, commission number is CT8385 L. I asked the PO, he owned it for 15 years. Said the gauges were original as far as he knew. He installed a (nice) wood dash in the car. I might change it back. I have one of the early aluminum gauge centers. Would this car have it or the black center.

Marv

 

[HerronScott]

Marv,

In the link to Piggot's book, he states that after CT4398 it was black crinkle finish.

Scott

 

[Marvin Gruber]

Scott,
Meant to tell you, this TR4 came from Norfolk, VA. Off the Military base. An Officer going to the Joint Chief Staff College. Car had lots of upgrade stuff on it. He had it 15 years before he gave up.

Marv

 

[HerronScott]

Marv,

How do you find these? (Not that I'm in the market for any more projects!)

Scott

 

[Mickey Richaud]

THEY find HIM!!!

 

[BRSLimited]

They seem to find me too, first the TR4, now I just got a line on 3 ::gasp:: MG's that have been sitting in a barn for years. I should find more out about them in the next few days.

 

[Marvin Gruber]

Been playing with them since 1976, they do seem to find me. I looked at 3 TR4's today, rough but lots of good parts. Will probably get them. Somebody's gotta do it.

Marv