TR4/4A TR4 Dash Handles

[jimstr4]

Hello All, I thought that I would contribute by posting photos of my recovered grab handles.
My dashboard handles or crash pads were recovered over 30 years ago with vinyl that never looked correct so I peeled the new layer off made a template and glued a better looking vinyl on.
I used contact adhesive, a very sharp pair of scissors plus a hairdryer to soften the vinyl in the curve that's hard to wrap vinyl around.
I also watched Cechaflo on Youtube, he's a master Mexican upholsterer. The major lesson I learned was to glue in stages and mark everything out.
The pads aren't perfect as the old plastic has cracked and split, but I think that they look good.
I used car filler to fill the holes as the vinyl will hold it all in.
The links are to photos of the work.
I have also made my own carpet, see photo of boot carpet. The carpet needs to be finished by being edged.
Re: windscreen install, I have already tried once but decided that the top crash pad was too far gone to use so I took it off, purchased an expensive new dash top and now need to put the windscreen back.
The first time I did it, the side rubber seal was hard down on the metal but the middle wasn't coming down too well.
I started to get paranoid about tensioning things up too much and breaking the glass.
Any hints re the correct steps to install and tighten the windscreen would be appreciated.

Thanks Jim and the 1962 TR4

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GTGTQL5rVkHJ-4IlXNaxtC2B-QF8RKV0/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PMCifpBhXD4xN2src0c_MRRsBNDlnlJB/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13HCcYlo7NxBr6O9MXG-pJ0ckyB4QccGR/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XXvVyhHNbX1O-LvCaDQI6NQZqw6pXh-3/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1B9dwdw0jpL8k28XF0w7_wRAZcQf7-dJ-/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DBsDKYLyJdjY_LKYfvr5A3t8-CxDufeY/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/10_XOCS9n8-oM92c3n49tynv7E6TA_sD1/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nkzli4TjVdyoDjLNLML1T54nXkl_QrOL/view?usp=sharing

 

[Popeye]

Thank you!

 

[charleyf]

I have installed at least three TR4-6 windshields now and never had any problems with cracking a windshield while pulling it down to the dash. They have a substantial frame. The only problem I have had is getting the center inner dash hold down started in position before you start to pull down the outer two ( in the body) hold downs. That old advice of getting all of the bolts/nuts in position and started before you start pulling and torquing any of them down works here. I would recommend that you work all of the bolts/ hold downs to pull the windshield down uniformly across the total length.
Also the bracket that is under the dash and bolted to the body can get moved slightly. This is the bracket that the windshield stud or bolt goes down into. Having it out of adjustment can cause the windshield to tip forward or back. This can be checked for best alignment by rolling up the windows and see how the windshield and window match.
Charley

 

[jimstr4]

Thanks for the advice.
It took me three attempts to install the steering column until I realised that I needed to put it together completely with all bolts loose.
The car has no front fenders or doors yet. The front fenders need to be repaired as they have been very poorly welded by by the past owner.
Which was a very long time ago as I've owned it for 33 years.
Jim