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[slbolef]

I have a 1963 TR4. It is being restored. I would like to install carpeting that is as similar to the original type as possible. I am told that the original was a loop type that was a "salt and pepper" grey color. Does anyone know if this is correct and where I could purchase the correct carpet type and color. Thanks, Steve Bolef.

[Blake Discher]

I suspect that you might be able to source the correct carpet from The Roadster Factory (http://www.the-roadster-factory.com).  They have a subsidiary company that makes carpet sets for the TR4 Range and a phone call will tell you if that color is a)correct and b)available.  Good luck 

[Bob Muzio]

Steve, a good source for the TR4 is Piggott's Original TR4/4A/5/6 published by Bay View Books. The early TR4s didn't have footwell carpets but merely a rubber mat. I'd advise against doing just that if you plan on driving the car a bit. Whatever you choose I'd advise installing a  sound deadening/heat reflective insulation between the body and the carpet. Also seal the trans tunnel/body juncture with tape and insulate it also. The carpet description sounds correct.
Bob Muzio

[slbolef]

Bob,
Yes, that is an excellent book. The pictures on pages 22, 39, and 43 show the "salt and pepper" colored carpeting on an earlier model. While the picture on page 40 shows a black carpet on a later model. My car was built in June 1963; CT 23056-L.
I am not making anything close to a concours car, but if cost is not a factor I would opt for the carpeting that is most similar to the original.
Thanks for the suggestion on sound deadening insulation.
Steve Bolef

[Bob Muzio]

Steve, suggest you use something that also insulates/reflects heat as there is a significant amount coming from under the car and into it due to the way the exhaust is run.
Bob

[Darrell]

Steve,
All TR4's had gray carpeting as original with rubber mats in the footwells.  The rubber mats are no longer available anywhere as far as I know.  In addition to TRF, Moss motors is now selling gray carpet for TR4's.  I believe TRF's carpet may be more Concours correct using a simular fabric as original but there has been some reports of it fading over time. Most likely just like the original faded.  I have no real experience with either but I did get a report from a restorer that the new Moss grey looks good. Not sure what fabric they are using. Of course maybe because it is a new product it has not had time to fade? I have the same choice to make on my TR3B which also came with grey so if we get anymore info, that would be good. 
Darrell
62 & 63 TR4's
63 TR3B

[slbolef]

Darrell,
Thanks, I will ask TRF for a sample. I have contacted two other carpet suppliers who may have the "salt and pepper" charcoal loop curl carpeting. I am waiting for samples to arrive. When they do arrive I will post the suppliers' name and my opinion.
I thought the Moss Motors grey was not close to what I think was the original.
And, as Bob suggested, I will install heat reflective insulation.
Steve

[slbolef]

Two companies have sent me samples of carpeting.
One is Heritage Upholstery and Trim in Washington. I received four samples from them. The one labeled, Charcoal NUS56, is a very well-made black and dark grey loop type. It is a little darker than what I think was the original carpet color, but is close. The next one is a square weave labeled, Black H, and is black with some light grey in it. The third labeled, Charcoal A, is a square weave that is a mixture of black and light grey threads. All three would look good. The fourth sample is a standard grey pile, called Grey Classic. Heritage's phone number is 360-332-3022.
The other company that sent me a sample is GAHH in California. The sample is a dark and grey loop that is very similar to the Heritage Charcoal NUS56. This carpet seems to have rows of loop, where the Heritage is more random. But, they seem to be the same carpet. GAHH does not make carpets for Triumph. So, they will only sell by the yard. I would have to have the carpet cut and bound by a local auto upholstery company. Obviously, this would cost much more than buying from Heritage, Moss Motors, or The Roadster Factory. But, I like this carpet. GAHH's phone number is 818-767-6242.
I have not recieved the sample from The Roadster Factory, yet. I'll wait before I make a decision.

Since, I never saw a TR4 new original carpet, my opinion is based on pictures, conversations, and viewing of a few old Triumphs with the original carpeting that has most likely faded over time.

Unfortunately, I have not included picture of these samples, because the files are larger than 128 KB.

Any comments and opinions would be appreciated.
Steve

[Darrell]

Steve,
That a boy!  I will wait till your final recomendation since you are doing all the research.  BTW, in my 62 TR4 I have a custom made set in grey.  I had it made by Larry Learn, a really nice fellow who works with TRF in Armaugh.  He has a business in Indiana, PA.  His work is outstanding and the carpet in my 62 has withstood the test of time.  Unfortunatly I don't think he has any of the grey carpet left that he used. Joh Swauger from TRF could hook you up with Larry.
Also Mark Macy @ mark@macysgarage.com says he will custom make carpet.  Mark is very well known in TRA circles. I had him work on my TR3B seats and that work is excellent.  Mark is the one that told me the Moss grey looked OK.  Obviuosly, easier to buy a kit than to custom make but if the carpet by the yard is what we want?
Cheers,
Darrell 

[Darrell]

Steve,
I checked my stash and I do have an original piece of TR4 carpet that came out of my 63.  If you want I can send you a piece.  Just contact me off Forum @ TR250Driver@aol.com.
Darrell

[Smokey]

I am in the process of restoring a 1962 TR4, basing the details shown in the first TR4 road test in Road & Track - including wide whitewall tires, which look great with Signal Red. I owned a 1965 TR4 for five years in the late '60's, and it was my daily driver over that time. The grey carpet set sold by Moss is the closest to the original colour that I have seen. The TRF carpet is too dark, and the claim that the carpet fades is a myth: the original carpet was a light salt-and-pepper gray, as can be seen in all the early road test photos. TRF does sell correct full front rubber mats for the TR3, and these will fit the TR4, so that's what I plan to use for concours. The snap fasteners are slightly off, but the size is correct. On the early red TR4 shown in Piggott's book, it appears that they used ribbed rubber carpeting and cut it to size. Maybe someone will start making the TR4 front rubber mats again, which all TR4's had. They made no sense, because they allowed water to collect underneath and caused rust (ask me how I know), plus they provided no insulation from the exhaust heat. But that is what is correct for the car.

[helicfii]

For heat/sound deadening undercoat that contains ceramic and seals out moisture, try this:

Lizard Skin

http://www.lizardskin.com/

[Bob Muzio]

Hi "helicfii",
In the forum we ask that everyone include their full name either in their sign on area or at the end of their post. This way if we meet at events we'll know we've encountered a fellow forum member.
Thank you,
Bob Muzio

[helicfii]

In today's day-and-age, I believe that I am not alone in my concern regarding posting my "full name" on a public internet forum. If you decide to change this forum to a registered user only private forum, I will be more than happy to publish that information.

Until then, I will be more than delighted to introduce myself (full name, of course) at any event where I might encounter a fellow Triumph enthusiast.

I once had the pleasure of having Ken Gillanders in my garage as he demonstrated how to time the cam on my TR-3A... many, many years ago. I hope the TRSC and Mr. Gillanders are both doing well.

David

[Bob Muzio]

Hello, David in Texas. Yes, TRSC and Ken are doing fine. I spoke to Ken two weeks ago at a club BBQ and he is as energetic and enthusiastic as ever.
Bob