TR4/4A Strengthening early type TR4 steering rack mounts

[TRMark]

I reinforced the early ear style steering rack mount in my 63. I contacted Ian Cornish who was kind enough to sent me pictures and narrative on several modifications to the early 60's Works rally cars, this is the method used at the time, so in a way it is period correct. Definitely changed the feel of the car. The later 4's had an entirely different mounting system.

 

[JerryVV]

I trust that the upper cross bar is bolted to the rack mounts, otherwise how would you get the cross bar removed for an engine removal?

 

[TRMark]

Yes the reinforcement fits very snugly and is bolted into the rack mount ears. Took some time to get this to fit correctly so the bolts do not take up the load.

 

[TR4nut]

Mark-

Great info. I have a later style frame but have contemplated getting into an earlier car - this looks like a pretty stout modification - Are those pieces below the rack part of the addition as well? Loks like you have sandwiched both upper and lower plates by the alloy rack mounts?

 

[TRMark]

The lower straps on the mount brackets are as manufactured. The piece I added fits inside the U shaped channel formed in the brackets, so it is on the back side.

Edit: Pictures are from Ian, not my car.