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TR4/4A TR-4 Chassis Frame question

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Celtic2

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Having just completed construction of my new garage, I now have the urge to start the restoration of my TR-4 (CT1547 L). And I’ve run across my first problem.

My project car is one of the early ones with the TR3 type front suspension. As I was preparing to bring the car into the garage I noticed major rust-through on one of the chassis frame cruciform members. I do have several other frames that I could use, but all of them are after the change to the later type front suspension. It appears that the change affected the front spring towers and/or the upper bump stops, but I can’t seem to verify what the exact change was on the frame.

Can I use the later type chassis frame while still retaining the early suspension or must I repair the damaged section of frame?

My other question is about the BMIHT certificate. I would like to get one for this car. Can anyone tell me what exactly is the Technical Data Specification? It cost an additional £25 but their web site does not give any details on what you get for the additional money
 
I think the biggest difference you have with your frame is the front steering rack & attachments. The suspensions pieces/a arms / vertical links etc can be interchanged between the early and late frames. If you are restoring to get on the road, a late frame should work - but if you are restoring to show as an early TR4, then I'd either repair or look for a substitute frame.

Sorry, can't help with the Heritage certificate.

Welcome to the forum!
 
Thanks to all for the warm welcome and advice. I guess I will pull the car into the garage and continue removing the body to evaluate the overall condition of the frame. Then I can make a more intelligent decision. In the interest of originality, I would prefer to keep the correct frame for this commission number. I really like the RATCO frame and I might reserve that option for a future project.

I live in a small town of less than 4,000 and we have 2 classic car shows every year. The last show in September had approximately 200 cars, but the only British cars were 2 replica AC Cobras and a Sunbeam Alpine. I'm shooting for the goal of entering my TR-4 in the 2011 season, hopefully the spring show in May.
 
I have an early frame for a four if your interested.but the later frame is no problem in your case.Just has different rack mounts and a little more bracing...
There was a change in the vertical links /trunions,just dont try to mix them.
MD(mad dog)
 
Thanks for the kind offer, but I think I may be able to use one of my later frames if the original frame is more damaged than I can see. I haven't completed taking the body off and I am hoping the only major rust damage is in the left front cruciform. If that's the case, it looks to be an easy repair. My other option is to wait until April-May and my son can bring me one of his early frames from North Carolina.

I'm getting real anxious to start this project. I should finish insulating the shop part of my garage within the next few days and then I can heat the area.

Thanks again for the offer.
 
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