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TR4/4A TR4/TR4A Top questions

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dgaldrich

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So here's the story. I am restoring a 62 TR-4 that came with the Surrey top. I am going to put that top in storage and drive the car with the "normal" convertible top. Since I have absolutely NONE of the top pieces and will have to source everything, can I install a complete TR-4A top or must I use the TR-4 pieces? I know the purists will go into anaphalactic shock but the 4A seems to be the better design. If anyone has done this "conversion" are there any pitfalls or gotchas? Anyone have a top frame of either type they're willing to part with? Thanks...

Dave
 
I've not done the conversion, but I do know at a minimum you will have to add the latch mounts on the front windshield frame to make this happen. That might make it a little tougher than a simple top frame bolt in.
 
I agree that the front edge fixing mechanism on a TR4 is simpler (just slips in the groove in the aluminum cap). There may also be some interior pieces (like the back panel) that are suited to the TR4 top and not the 4A top. Like many here I only have one (a TR4 in my case) so hard for me to compare.

Putting the TR4 up is probably more work than the TR4A version - hence the 'better design' comment - but unless you see yourself putting it up and down frequently this may not be enough of an issue to deal with the extra hardware of the later top.
 
Dave,
I have spares of either top frames. I like the TR4a better, a lot easier to put up and down. Not a problem to change out if you have the parts. PM me if interested.

marv
 
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