Triumph

[rikker]

Does any one have hands on experience of the TR4 range by Triumph.I know this is not really 7 stuff but would appreciate the views of forum members as many of you have experience with multiple brit cars, and yes I do intend to join the TR clubs and forums too.

I always loved the look of these cars.

I have a chance to buy a totally frame off restored 65 TR4, no overdrive, live axle car at what i think is a fair price ($16000).

It is a fair ways from me so I am looking for input, pros or cons from any who has owned or driven one as I have done neither.

Thanks

Edited April 27, 2013 by rikker

[MHKflyer52]

Give Dave Wellwood a phone call Monday as he can tell you a lot about the TR4 and what to look for. He has restored a number of them for clients and is always willing to help someone with information about a British Car. Heck Dave even has a good clean body on a shelf in his shop above his office. Tell Dave I told you about him as we are very good friends and due a lot together when it comes to British cars.

 

Dave Wellwood

Wellwood Auto Restoration, Inc.

Ventura, CA.

1-805-469-7842

http://www.wellwoodautorestoration.com/

 

 

Hope this helps.

[rikker]

thank you.

[Silk]

I had three 4As, two with IRS, one with live axle. The handling with the IRS was much improved versus the live axle. If you plan to do track days/spirited driving, you might want to take that into consideraiton.

[rikker]

Thanks Silk, it will just be a Sunday driver, did you like them?

[Silk]

Yes, very much. Simple and inexpensive to maintain and fun to drive. I subsequently owned several TR6s, but much preferred the looks of the 4s.

[rzempel]

I've owned several, and still have one--a '64 that I first bought in 1980. I also have a '60 TR3, that I prefer, though the TR4 is a much more sophisticated car (roll-up windows...imagine that!). They are very simple/crude vehicles but loads of fun to drive in very different ways than a Seven. Parts are readily available, and there are huge forums and email lists for fellow enthusiast support.

[rikker]

Shake Rattle and Roll!

Bought it,

Love it !

Thanks for the input.

[MHKflyer52]

So how about some photos for all of us who enjoy all vehicles.

[DeanG]

One of the many cars I lust for is at TR250. So I too want some pictures.

[DavidL]

I drove a TR4A from 1982-1986, and a TR4 from 1986 - 1999. These were my "good car", and included a 5000 mile cross-country road trip. I went through many sets of tires, and frequently drove the TR4 from Oregon to the San Francisco Bay area (500 miles each way) for a weekend. I love TR4s, although they are a bit crude. Compared to an MGB, they have more torque, but don't have as nice a handling chassis. However, I would frequently slide mine around familiar corners, and really enjoyed driving it. The chassis flexes, but so what. I didn't enjoy it much autocrossing (completely stock suspension), much preferring my 64 Cooper S or my later Europa TCS. But for the street, the TR4s were great. I actually preferred the solid axle '64, as I found the rear IRS on the '67 mushy, and it squatted too much. But I was out West coast on good roads. Also, stiffer springs and tube shock conversions would no doubt benefit the IRS. I did have an overdrive on the 4, which I moved to the 4A, which made long distance trave lquite peasant, about 3500 rpm at 80 mph I think. THey of course dripped oil, even the rebuilt transmission, but not too bad. The generators and battery tended to die every couple of years. The generators probably because they were rebuilt poorly by the chain auto parts store, and the batteries suffered from vibration. If I had one today, I would probably convert to an alternator.

 

Anyway, I loved the TR4s, fun to drive, and I liked the style.

 

Hope that helps, -David (current car, '90 Caterham)

[rikker]

Here are some pics I took today, 80 on the Oregon coast is rare.

[xcarguy]

Fine looking ride!

[rikker]

Fine looking ride!

 

Yeah , it is thanks.

Funny tho, I have a 92 Miata, which is a British Sports Car made leak proof and generally bullet proof and never really had to do a damned thing to; this TR is a temperamental bitch to say the least, and I quickly realise just how far cars have advanced in the last 50 to 60 years, but I have to say there is just something about it that fires my spirit.When I park the car and just have to stop and take a look back as I walk away, then that is a really good sign that the car has a soul.

Plus, it is a great way to find out how every little mechanical item works, particularly those that use electric.(the whole car has 2 fuses, great right, well yes, but when one thing blows it takes most of the car with it,LOL.

Edited May 5, 2013 by rikker

[MHKflyer52]

Nice looking TR4 you have now. Make sure you pull your wire wheels and put a light coating of grease on the splines so they do not stick and seize.

So are you in Neskowin with your TR4, just woundering as we use to live there.

[rikker]

Martin,

Yes, that is a good tip.

I live way further north, a little beach town called Gearhart, one of the few places on the Pacific coast that you can still drive on the beach.Actually, many of the locals run up to 20 miles along the beach to Astoria area when the summer traffic blocks US 101.

So, I have been putzing around with this car, the one area that it really falls down( and I guess most others of this era) is in the seats, they have zero lateral support, I hate sliding around,lol.

Edited May 5, 2013 by rikker

[DeanG]

Replace the 2 fuse holder with a 4 fuse holder then allocate circuits to keep you running if something blows.

[MHKflyer52]

Martin,

Yes, that is a good tip.

I live way further north, a little beach town called Gearhart, one of the few places on the Pacific coast that you can still drive on the beach.Actually, many of the locals run up to 20 miles along the beach to Astoria area when the summer traffic blocks US 101.

So, I have been putzing around with this car, the one area that it really falls down( and I guess most others of this era) is in the seats, they have zero lateral support, I hate sliding around,lol.

 

I know Gearhart as I use to work in Tillamook at the Blimp Hanger. We looked at building a beach / vacation home in Gearhart at one point but decided on Neskowin instead before moving back to Southern California were I do not need a top for my clone 7 :jester:. As for the seats you can always modify the foam in the seat bottom and back to give you a little more lateral support or just sinch down more on the lapbelt.

:driving:

[DeanG]

So, I have been putzing around with this car, the one area that it really falls down( and I guess most others of this era) is in the seats, they have zero lateral support, I hate sliding around,lol.

 

Eat more cheese and the problem will go away!