next »

[vila]

I own a 1962 Triumph TR4 CT7771L.  I am currently doing a ground up restoration and want to install an original 1962 Triumph Bendix 2BT4 radio. If anyone has a US TR4 up to CT8379 with an original bendix radio installed, I would like to hear from you. It appears that the radio bracket between the dash and dash support must be installed backwards from what you normally see in TR4s.  The only way this radio can be mounted in this bracket is to install the bracket mounted curving inward towards the firewall.  In my research I when to "My Little British Cars" website at http://www.geocities.com/tr4_1963/index.html: and selected the early radio bracket link which shows a modern drawing of this bracket which is identical to mine and identifies the front as described above.  Also, The Triumph TR4 & TR4A Workshop Manual (Second Edition) has a picture of the bracket installed in this manner on page 5-231 in figure 61 labeled "Ventilator control". I have no other references to indicate this is correct.  Visit my website at: http://mysite.verizon.net/vze114b79/

[schniedewind]

I also have a TR4 and have thought of putting a radio into it, but where did they put the speakers.  I'd want the positioning of the speakers to be original as well.

[Bob Muzio]

Hi Bill,
According to Piggott: "Speaker, radio, and aerial positions all varied too much to allow any definitive statements on originality".
I seem to recall on my '62 which I owned from '65-'67 had an AM radio mounted in the center bracket with one speaker mounted behind it.
There is sufficient room to mount speakers in the panels on either side of the front foot well area. For better sound one can also place self contained speaker on the rear floor area and for shows disconnect and remove them (very easy to do).
Another decision is the type of radio you desire. A modern one doesn't look quite right  but an original won't play CDs or have Ipod capability. Some mount the modern radio in the glove box and install a blanking plate in the center bracket. Another option is to install a radio that operates vis a remote in the trunk.
Choices....
Bob

[TR3driver]

According to Piggott: "Speaker, radio, and aerial positions all varied too much to allow any definitive statements on originality".

Just to clarify, Triumphs did not come to the US with factory-installed radios (except for the rare case of "personal export" vehicles).  The radios were installed by the dealers, pretty much however the dealer chose to do the install.  Many used radios that had the 'Triumph' name on them, but were actually made by Bendix, Motorola, etc.  Others installed whatever they had on hand.

[vila]

Thanks gentlemen.  Remember I want to go with period originality. Yes, all the radios installed in the early TRs were after market and installed at the dealer.  I chose the Bendix because it was one of the originals installed by dealers that has the TRIUMPH logo on the face plate.  With reference to the question on speakers, like the original radios, the sound is not as good from the original style speakers; but from my research the configuration of the speakers originally supplied appear to have been mounted up under the dash in a metal enclosure and attached with some metal supports.
OK now back to my original question, has anyone seen the early radio mounting bracket as I describe above in detail mounted in the manner also discussed above??  If you need photos, contact me through my email which you can obtain on my website at http://mysite.verizon.net/vze114b79/

[Darrell]

Per our off Forum disscussion, we should probably note here on the VTR Forum that yes I indeed have a center radio bracket exactly as you have described on my 62 TR4 CT 5521 LO. It has an original tube type radio installed also as you have described although it is not a Bendix.  Furthermore my 63 TR4 CT 14000 something (forgive me  ) has the same type of bracket with the center portion recessed towards the firewall and three small holes in the plate.  That car never had any radio installed and the holes are plugged with steel grommets. 
The speakers were commonly mounted on the passenger side at the top like you see in TR250's and even TR6's. Yuk!    Can't hear them and they get into the way of the bonnet release on the TR4's.
Cheers,
Darrell
 

[axb601]

Hi, I am fitting a radiomobile in my tr4 and purchased from ebay a radiomobile mounting bracket. They are around, whether or not they are exact originals I am not sure. With regards to where to fit the speaker, I will be fitting one in middle of the rear trim panel. It looks good if you've got a good looking speaker grill/original speaker and produces much better sound throughout the car. Altho when travelling at high speeds you'd need a stupidly large system to hear anything over a tr engine!

[vila]

Thanks for the info axb601, but I am going with a 1962 original appearance for judging purposes.

As far as sound quality, I don't really care about that for two reasons.  First, my hearing is half gone from fly military aircraft for over 32 years, so even if it is a quality sound system it won't make a bit of difference to me.  Second, I have never heard a sound system in a sportscar that sounds good driving at 35 MPH or faster with the top down, not even my BMW Z3 with a great sound system and a gillion speakers.

Bob Beers