TR4/4A Radio plate/dash support orientation

[Mink]

I just installed my dash support (after having to jack up the dash!) and I installed it as you see in the first photo. However, I have also seen them installed in the reverse orientation (photo 2). Which is correct? Even though mine is installed as in photo 1, it almost seems like photo 2 makes more sense.

 

[TR3driver]

IIRC, it actually varied by year/commission number. So both are correct.

 

[Geo Hahn]

Mine (1964) is like the first photo and it was also a snug fit.

I, too, have come tp believe that some were one way and some the other. Possibly some radios did not fit into the first configuration.

 

[Vila]

There were several different parts used throughout the TR4 production. A few years ago I ran across the engineering drawing for the two normally used on North American imports.

As shown in the picture, the one with the three button plugs on the car with the gray carpeting is the earlier version.

The one on the car with he radio is the later version and has a larger cutout for a radio

The dimensions and angles between the two are also different. Example, indent after the first bend from the bottom mounting part on the older one goes in deeper then it would go out on the newer bracket that faces outward.

My 1962 Bendix R2BT4 radio will not fit into the older style bracket unless the bracket is in like your gray carpeted car photo.

I believe the change took place at body number 8380 CT. There were also several different bolts used to mount the bracket just above the heater controls. I have seen original photo of hex bolts, pan head phillips bolts and counter sunk phillips bolts with finishing washers. There is a photo near the back of the original TR4 repair manual showing a car with the counter sunk phillips bolts and finishing washers as used on my car. I have had to use that photo to prove originality at car shows.

 

[Mink]

Wow, fantastic info...thank you.

My car is CT9796, so shortly after the cutoff. My plate was missing, so I bought the reproduction part that Moss sells. It sounds like the way I installed it is probably the only way I could have. Also, even though my plate was missing, the attaching screws were still in the "horseshoe" - they were pan-head Phillips screws.

 

[Vila]

I forgot to mention that the Bendix R2BT4 radio fits in the early bracket with no modifications to the bracket.

The tuning and volume control shafts to through the two outer 3/8 inch holes and the back lighting bulb sticks through the center hole, then the radio face plate is then mounted to the front side.

Here are photos of my cars configuration.

 

[Geo Hahn]

By way of contrast, the Bendix radio fitted to the later bracket: