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[Gary Gruchey]

My son and I have just purchased a 1962 Tr4 that needs reconditioning.I'm a GM mechanic and have never attempted his type of project before.We want to make the car a driver.I was hoping someone would direct us in regard to the do's and don'ts of this project.Gary

[charley fitch]

It would probably be wise of me to ask the condion of the car to begin with.  Are you talking a lot of body work or are you talking mechanicals?  I just finished a 63 TR4 last fall. I would recommed that you look at or get The book "How to Restore TRIUMPH TR4 & TR4A" by Roger Williams.   Or some similar book.  To start with assessing the condition of the body is a really big starting point.  The places to look for BIG problems is  with any deep rust in front of and behind and under the doors.  If the gaps in front of and behind the doors are uniform up and down the car you may not have excessive rust.  At any rate look the car body over very completely to be sure you don't start with a failing body.  If you are a mechanic you should have no problems understanding these little cars.  I am not a mechanic and have rebuilt a TR3 and a TR4 with only some help from a mechanic for the actual engine rebuild.  And that is to be sure that I don't screw something up that will cause me to break down on the road.

I'd be happy to give you extra feedback as you progress with the evaluation phase.
Charley Fitch

[Gary Gruchey]

Thanks for the advice Charley.We put a deposit on the car and have yet to see it except though pictures.It has slight rust at pss. rocker are and behind the convertible top above the wheel well,other wise the body is supposed to be good.The engine has good compression and runs well.I'm not worried about the mechanical repairs,but it will need an interior overhaul and top.I just don't know where the best place to buy parts from and we are trying to keep the car stock.Let you know when we pick it up.Gary

[charley fitch]

The one evaluation criteria that I have found to be a good indicator of the soundness of the car is  to note the gap between the rear of the doors and the rear fender.  I once found a car that looked okay at first and then I noticed that this gap was narrow at the bottom and rather wide at the top.  Puzzled by this I investigated further and found extensive rust in the sill ,which is the support member of the body that attaches to the frame).  The result was that the body was actually sagging at the rear end. I walked away from that one!!!
As to parts  there are several places to get items.  For me personally I like to use The Roadster Factory, Moss Motors and then Victoria British.   Once in while I find some things from other smaller suppliers.  Each of the three that I named will send you a free catalogue. I believe that you can find the information on these suppliers elsewhere in the VTR website. If not let me know and I can supply you with phone numbers( 800 type).  I am in California, what state are you in?
Charley Fitch 

[Lou Metelko]

If you intend to keep the stock appearance of the TR4, I would highly recommend Triumph Register of America's (TRA) Concours & Restoration Guidelines.  TRA's guide will give the details that Piggott and others seem to glaze over.  I don't see how anyone can correctly restore a 4 or 4A without this guide.  Check www.triumphregister.com for details.

Lou Metelko
Auburn, Indiana

[Darrell]

Hi Gary,
I would be happy to help anyway I can. I can confirm all the at as been said so far as very sound advise.  One point I might add however is that TR4's were notoriuous for overall bad body panel fit.  I have a 62, CT 5521 LO, that is restored as original and the door fit is horrible.  Probably in part from a poor restoration but how good was it originally? My original TR6 is not that great either.  Remember Triumphs were inexpensive Sports Cars. I also have a 63 TR4 in need of restoration.  It has all the rust problems described around the sills and doors so that is a very real concern.
Good Luck,
Darrell