News

Below you'll find our latest news updates, along with an archive of selected news further down the page. In future we will only email the newsletter to our members, as in a bid to save on costs and paper we are no longer mailing printed copy. If, as a member, you are not receiving email updates from us and would like to, then please make sure that your current email address is logged with us. Alternatively, please check this page on a regular basis for updates, or join our Facebook group by clicking here.

TR SDF News Update - October 2023

Published: 11 October 2023

Preserving the marque and keeping TRs on the road

Just when everything seems quiet, up pop new opportunities for the SDF!

Crankshaft for 4-cylinder, wet-liner engine 301815

Following the successful proving of the prototypes by the SDF, Moss is having the basic machining undertaken in India, but the machining for bearings, oilways etc. is being undertaken in the UK to the engineering data –thus ensuring that the finished article will be of the same quality as the cranks produced by Triumph from the 1950s onwards. Three cranks were successfully completed in 2019, and Moss ordered a batch of 50, for final machining in the UK, and these are listed currently as “Available” from Moss.

TR7 & TR7V8 Collapsible Spacer UKC979

After the SDF had searched for more than 6 years, John Clancy managed to track down an original unused item, still in its original packaging, belonging to TRDC member Simon Godrich. Simon was happy to lend the item to the SDF, providing it was returned intact, primarily to be used for dimensional verification.

Rimmers were originally working on the project, along with developing a range of differential offerings for the TR7, all of which would require a new spacer, but only had a used example to work from. Having received the spacer from Simon, Rimmers confirmed that all that was required were accurate dimensions, so out came the digital callipers….

With the work undertaken, and the information provided to Rimmers, these items should be available to the market in the not too distant future.

Alannid’s Cave

Thanks to Mark Gainsborough-Field (retired owner of East Anglian Sports Cars), the SDF has acquired a used, but decent, TR7 Windscreen surround – we believe the Part Number to be YKC3320.

And thanks to Simon Eaton, the SDF has acquired the following TR6 items:

• Front Valence (814020)
• Front Wheel Arch Assembly (complete) Lefthand (907097)
• Front Wheel Arch Assembly (complete) Righthand (907098)
• Plenum Chamber (811989)
• Rear Inner Wheel Arch Lefthand (815957)
• Rear Inner Wheel Arch Righthand (815958)

Incidentally, no one amongst our committee and advisers had ever seen a Plenum!

Equipment made by TR enthusiasts

A number of members produce some excellent products in small batch quantities, and the SDF is very happy to bring these items to the attention of members.

Peter Wigglesworth

Peter is a very early member of the TR Register (number 1510), once worked in the Cox & Buckles organisation, and has the following items available:

• Water Temperature Capillary Bulb Adapter. Suits any TR with direct reading capillary type water temperature gauge.

Revington TR still list this as part number RTR8155 TR, but no longer have stock or source. Revington TR is aware that Peter

 is offering these.

The item is a superb solution to enable the removal of the temperature bulb from the thermostat housing when the dreaded white powder aluminium corrosion has taken hold. Simply unscrew either the brass adaptor or the temperature bulb nut, and extract same. No longer do you destroy the temperature bulb when attempting to remove it, at the considerable expense of a replacement or a repaired capillary gauge assembly.

The brass adapters are £14.00 each. Add £1.50 for second class UK large letter post. Total for UK delivery £15.50

For overseas postage, please contact Peter.

Contact Peter: Email: aeroscreen@icloud.com or Telephone: 02084 290197

Tony Sheach

Tony is owner of a number of rally cars, including the ferocious TR4 “Beastie” (BST89B) and 5VC, one of the four Powder Blue Works’ cars.

• Cast Alloy Rocker Cover

These rocker covers are 3D CAD designed and machined from a single block of heat treated 6063 alloy, which means that it has good corrosion resistance, resists stress and corrosion cracking, and is generally a higher standard than anything else currently available for the wet-liner TR series cars.  The covers are anodised in satin/semi gloss black to give a long-life finish.  The oil filler cap and securing fittings are similarly machined from 6063 billet, and anodised silver for long life.

The alloy cover is symmetrical about its centre line both vertically and horizontally, and the filler has a low cap, and hence will fit any of the 4-pot TRs from TR2 to TR4A (and derivatives).   The cover has 85mm internal clearance so can accommodate up to 1.6 ratio lifters.  Fit has been trialled with both TR2 low port, TR3A / TR4 and the later TR4A (511695) cylinder heads, and also the new head supplied by SDF/Moss.

The main seal to the cylinder head is made from 3mm neoprene cord and sits in a machined groove, so cannot move and seals well, and it does away with the old cork gasket, which is prone to leaks.  The two retaining fixings each have similar neoprene O-ring seals and the filler cap screws in place with a further neoprene seal, obviating any possibility of leaks.

Because of this oil-tight sealing, there is a threaded outlet halfway along each side (which is supplied with an anodised AN10 blanking plate and O-ring seal fitted as standard), but allows an AN10 ½” breather to be attached to either vent to accommodate a catch tank and breathing system, or to the ground (as with the original vent on the side of the engine block).

Spares by way of AN10 anodised fittings and neoprene seals are available and low cost, so these covers should literally last a lifetime and give years of leak free service in even the harshest competition use. The photographs show the cover which was installed in 4VC in July 2022. 

If interested, contact Tony by email: tony.sheach@live.co.uk

• Surrey top stainless escutcheons, now available stand-alone, as well as being included with backlight kits (£30/pair + vat). 

• Surrey top tension hooks (£2.50 each +vat)

Tony Sheach also kindly leant Ben a set of TR4 hard top headlining bars to copy, so those are something else which he can produce to order. The materials are surprisingly expensive, so a set of 3 bars has to be £80 +vat.

Ben trades as Revival Fabrications and advertises in TR Action. His website is: www.revivalfabrications.com

Email Ben: info@revivalfabrications.com

A reminder and a new product!

• Early TR2 Thermostat Housing, which is the double thermostat housing fitted before TS1201E, Part 201522/105584 (see photo on page 72 of Bill Piggott’s invaluable to me, “Original Triumph TR2/3/3A”), remains on sale from Pete Cox Sportscars as Part Number 201522KIT, at £234 plus delivery. 

• In addition, the filler neck, which is known to fit some other Standard Triumph models and Jaguar XJ6 (albeit the Jaguar has 2 neck outlets), is now available as a stand-alone item at £20 plus delivery, from Pete Cox Sportscars.

See website: www.petecoxsportscars.co.uk

Storage for Alannid’s Cave

In 2023, we have continued to add to Alannid's Cave by acquiring new OE panels and parts as we have become aware of them, and we have been able to purchase them at reasonable prices, often below market value owing to the generosity of the vendors and their knowledge of the use to which the parts will be put.

To date, we have been fortunate in that the majority of the parts have been stored free of charge in two secure locations, with some other more recent acquisitions currently sitting in garages owned by members of our committee, awaiting moves to main storage.

However, we are faced now with an unexpected change of circumstances in that, within the next 18 months, half of the collection is going to have to be moved elsewhere, so we are looking for storage for the long term.

Might you be aware of the likelihood of there being available a secure barn or large double garage somewhere in mainland Britain?

Location is not critical as we have members of our committee scattered between Dumfriesshire and Surrey, and movement into or out of storage is not frequent.

Security, of course, is paramount, and the store needs to be dry, but not heated.

The SDF doesn't want to have to pay, but may have to - so lower cost areas are where we should be looking.  The store near Thame which I used to house 4VC and some heavy TR parts when we moved house in 2018, was a very strong steel container, 20' x 8', watertight, but no heating, and the car showed no signs whatsoever of any problems when I extracted it after several months.  But cost was £150/month in 2018 – the SDF cannot afford anything like that sort of money.

Finally!

This has been yet another rather long, but (we trust) interesting Newsletter. It’s great to see that there are people producing items which may serve a limited demand, but which are important for those who are in need – and it’s good to know that we have such clever and skilled people amongst us.

It is very good news that the TR Register has decided to stage what amounts to an International Weekend at Malvern, 28^th-30^th June 2024. The TR Register will be combining with the MGs and some other Triumph clubs, as occurred in 2021, and which made that the largest turnout to date – 2024 could be even bigger!  As the date is not in the school holiday season, let’s hope that those who came across the sea in 2023 to Shepton Mallet will join us in even greater numbers – they make such events truly International.

At an SDF committee meeting held in August at Shepton Mallet, we agreed to ask Bob Le Brocq, well-known to members of the TR Register’s Forum as an expert on LED lighting, to join our team of advisers – so we are delighted that he has accepted.

 As we near Year End 2023, we wish you an enjoyable New Year in your TR,

The SDF and PQI teams

SDF: Ian Cornish (chairman), Ian Gibson, Ian Brown, Roger Hogarth and Julian Garrett (treasurer).

PQI: Ian Brown and Roger Hogarth.

Advisers: Alan Graham, Pete Cox, Tony Sheach, John Clancy, Bob Le Brocq

Website etc: Darren Cummings.

SDF Communications

Website contact: https://www.trsdf.uk/contact

For those who use Facebook, there is a TR SDF group, at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/481394215834908/

Email address: info@trsdf.uk

Please note that we have decided that, to save an annual outlay, the email address "admin@" is no longer supported.

TR SDF News Update: Latest acquisition - TR3A font apron

Published: 14 February 2023

This item was originally purchased by Bill Goodwin, ex RAF aircraft engineer on Lightnings and Canberras, based at Binbrook and Waddington, who has sadly passed away. His car (TR3A), was quickly sold, leaving behind a large assortment of mostly good quality refurbished and used parts, but amongst these items was this unused Stanpart TR3A front apron.

Jon Ellis, Bill’s son in law inherited the task of disposing of the remaining spares, and the apron first appeared on ebay, and was promptly spotted by Tony Sheach who flagged up its availability to others in the SDF team.

We made contact with Jon directly and after explaining who we were and what our mission was, Jon agreed to remove it from the auction marketplace and agreed a very advantageous price for the SDF to acquire the panel.

The apron was duly collected from Jon and the SDF paid the agreed sum. The following day was the Stoneleigh MG and Triumph spares day, and the newly acquired panel was handed over to Ian Cornish for onward transit to the SDF storage facility.

This was a very generous gesture from Jon Ellis, and it was his wish to have W.V. (Bill) Goodwin recognised and that this transaction was completed in his memory.

TR SDF News Update - January 2023

Published: 2 January 2023

Preserving the marque and keeping TRs on the road

Recent years have been such that most of us may wish to forget and move on. However, the SDF has not been idle! 

TR4A Cylinder Head 511695

This was and remains by far the largest of our projects, and, with more than 800 having been sold by Moss, has ensured that many of the 4-pot TRs which otherwise would have been abandoned or scrapped are up and running (or being re-built). Definitely upholding the SDF’s guiding principles: Preserving the marque and keeping TRs on the road.

Heads are available in either cast iron (as original) or alloy.

In 2022, the quarterly sales have been 10, 7 and 24. The record for quarterly and annual sales was in 2015, with 26 in Quarter 4 and 64, respectively. To the end of Quarter 3 2022, the grand total is 831 – a staggering number!

Crankshaft for 4-cylinder, wet-liner engine 301815

Following the successful proving of the prototypes, Moss is having the basic machining undertaken in India, but the machining for bearings, oilways etc. is being undertaken in the UK to the engineering data – this will ensure that the finished article will be of the same quality as the cranks produced by Triumph from the 1950s onwards. Three cranks were successfully completed in 2019, and Moss ordered a batch of 50, of which a number are awaiting final machining in the UK – hence listed currently as Not Available at Moss.

TR7 & TR7V8 Collapsible Spacer UKC979

The SDF managed to obtain a good, used specimen, identified the material and, in conjunction with Rimmers, found a company which was able to reproduce the part, which will shortly be on sale from Rimmers.

 
Rimmers have now received the first batch of different ratios for the TR7/8 rear axle, and the collapsible spacer is part of that development. Rimmers are also investigating the “shimming” options when rebuilding the differentials for whatever reason.

Currently listed as Not Available.

Alannid’s Cave

The panels which the SDF acquired from John Sykes, Richard Wray, Tony Sheach and eBay, which had been stored temporarily in Ian Brown’s and Roger Hogarth’s garages, were moved to a permanent and secure home.

The three second-hand steel cabinets which the SDF purchased years ago to house the SDF’s collection at Didcot, were collected so that the SDF may make use of them.

John Reilly, who lives in Eire and owns an early TR2, offered the SDF a generous gift, free of charge:

603177 Reveal Moulding for an early TR2.

Ian Gibson, who has a considerable collection of mostly Triumph cars and spare parts, discovered some original TR4 parts, and offered them to the SDF. They were valued by Tony Sheach, and have been acquired. They were collected at Ambergate and currently are stored in Ian Cornish’s garage:

904120 TR4A radiator grille (in its factory packing)

850618 TR4 upper front valance

566601 TR4 rear seat pan (also fits TR4A/5/6)

Pete Cox offered the SDF a rather rare panel, which was valued by Tony Sheach and has been acquired:

815834 TR6 RHD Front Bulkhead Assembly 815834 (similar to TR4 850618, TR4A 850351 & TR5 812253)

In order to preserve the steel panels, the SDF has purchased a kit of Lanoguard, together with very strong Tyvek labels and cable ties. We have yet to commence the work of treating the panels – likely to be a rather messy business!

Equipment made by TR enthusiasts

A number of members produce some excellent products in small batch quantities, and the SDF is very happy to bring these items to the attention of members.

Peter Wigglesworth

Peter is a very early member of the TR Register (number 1510), once worked in the Cox & Buckles organisation, and has the following items available:

Triumph Part Number 131246 Spherical Bakelite Gear Knob TR4-6  (also Spitfire, Herald, GT6. & sold as part number 22B19).

A reproduction made in the UK of the original item in polished black with a correctly moulded-in threaded brass insert (not a converted thread).

Available at UK £14.40 each + P&P. Trade and volume quantity discount prices also available. For more details, contact Peter. Email: aeroscreen@icloud.com or Telephone 02084 290197.

Pressed Steel Jack Hole Plug for TR2 - 6

Originally only supplied and fitted to early Triumph TR2 models under the part number 602219 and subsequently replaced by the always-being-lost rubber plug 603384.

A pressed steel reproduction that incorporates the spring steel retaining strap, formed to fit snuggly in that big hole in both driver’s and passenger’s floors of all TRs from 2-6. They are painted in a simple black primer for customers to finish in their own colour.

The spring steel strap is available separately and will be supplied with a suitable rivet to attach it.

602219 - Single floor plug assembly: UK £18.00 + P&P

Car set for two plugs UK £ 40.00 including: UK P&P.

602219S steel spring strap with rivet: UK £ 6.00 + P&P

For more details, contact Peter. Email: aeroscreen@icloud.com or Telephone 02084 290197.

TR2/3/3A to Comm TS32833

Original style mounting brackets to fit aftermarket accessory aeroscreens to TR2/3/3A* without drilling. *Post TS32833 cars must add the body drillings when fitting aeroscreens and original bolts.

The car kit includes 4 polished and anodised mounting brackets with foam gaskets, 4 fibre washers, and instructions.

One Car Kit Price - UK £125.00 plus postage and packing.

For more details of all Peter’s offerings, please contact him on email aeroscreen@icloud.com or Telephone 02084 290197.

Tony Sheach

Tony is owner of a number of rally cars, including the ferocious TR4 “Beastie” (BST89B) and 5VC, one of the four Powder Blue Works cars.

Tony has available 806175BST Capping, rear, roof, which are the Stainless steel strips for the lid of the Surrey top.  The BST suffix denotes that these are the ‘BeastieSport’ version. They are based on the TR4 section as opposed to the later and slightly angular section.

Tony can ship anywhere in a large tube for £200 inclusive of postage. Tony will be in Hall 2A at the Triumph & MG Spares Show at Stoneleigh on 12^th February 2023.

If interested, contact Tony by email: tony.sheach@live.co.uk

Russell Church

Early TR2 Bonnet Catches as fitted to TS1 to TS4228

For his own TR2, Russell made the complicated double catches, spring pin and fittings, and has supplied kits for other owners both near and far. The cost of a pair is £260. He can also supply the wing mounting brackets at £40 a pair. Items are produced when order, so lead time is about 4 weeks.

For those who import LHD cars, Russell can supply the early and late side screen dip switch mounting bracket - cost £18.

The next photo shows some side screen accelerator parts, and the rear hand brake cable T crank. Cost of these parts is between £12 a pair to £38

The next photo shows some side screen accelerator parts, and the rear hand brake cable T crank. Cost of these parts is between £12 a pair to £38.

This pair of photos (above) show parts of the side screen door lock mechanism, and the mechanism fitted. Russell says, “I like this one, it works well, and even Revington gets his from me”.  Cost £36 per door.

Russell can also provide the bonnets pockets, bonnet support catch, and spring cups for the early TR2. He cannot supply the bonnet pins themselves. Cost about £12 to £22 the pairs.

He adds: “Note the spun pin cups, kindly made by Roger Hogarth for me. Despite trying very hard I could not make them!!”

Russell Church, email: tg500@me.com

Roger Hogarth – spun cups

These 2 photos (below) show the spun cups which Roger produced for Russell.

Roger has produced another type of cup which fits into the Surrey backlight frame above the driver’s head to conceal the roof attachment fastener heads. The cups are spun and then silver soldered to the flat flange. The chrome one is a flight of fancy!

Roger’s email: roger.hogarth@btinternet.com

Ben Ferguson

Backlight Frame for TR4/4A/5 (566993)

Ben has produced new aluminium backlight frames which are identical to the originals, and so fit the cars and the rear screen glass.

Ben trades as Revival Fabrications and advertises in TR Action. His website is: www.revivalfabrications.com

and his email address is: info@revivalfabrications.com

Some Reminders!

The Early TR2 Thermostat Housing, which is the double thermostat housing fitted before TS1201E, Part 201522/105584 (see photo on page 72 of Bill Piggott’s invaluable tome, “Original Triumph TR2/3/3A”), remains on sale from Pete Cox Sportscars as Part Number 201522KIT, at £234 plus delivery. See website: www.petecoxsportscars.co.uk

TR7 & TR7V8 Body Panels

The SDF worked with the TR Drivers Club and Ex-Pressed Steel in order to guarantee the sale of a batch of 10 front assembly panels WKC4077, this being the part which incorporates the holes for the lamps, comprises two pressings, and is one of the first parts of the car to rot away &/or be damaged. Despite the difficulties with which companies had to contend in 2020, Ex-Pressed Steel completed the batch as promised that December; eight were sold immediately and within a year all were sold. As originally negotiated, Ex-Pressed Steel Panels have been instructed to produce and sell front assembly panels direct to customers. 

The successful sale of the whole batch of front assembly panels means that TRDC can plan the next project, which will likely be a repair section for a wing – another part which rots nicely, but with the complication that wings are handed and both sides rot or get damaged!

TR6 B Post 817413

Reproduction B Posts were available, but they were not accurate and did not fit without a considerable amount of work. In 2020, the SDF acquired an original righthand B Post in very good condition and it was added to the collection in Alannid’s Cave. In November 2020, the B Post was loaned to Pete Buckles in order that Heritage could produce a truly accurate reproduction.  The B Post was returned in June 2022 and the reproductions were advertised on page 8 of TR Action 337 (May/June 2022). They are available from Moss as B Post Assembly for TR4/4A 850275/6 (LH/RH), and for TR5/250/6 as 817412/3 (LH/RH).

This illustrates the value of the SDF acquiring and holding original Standard Triumph parts, and we would encourage anyone who has an original TR part in good condition, but which is surplus to their needs, to get in touch. The list of parts in Alannid’s Cave appears on the SDF’s website - contact details are below.

Finally!

This has been a rather long, but (we trust) interesting Newsletter. It’s great to see that there are people producing items which may serve a limited demand, but which are important for those who are in need – and it’s good to know that we have such clever and skilled people amongst us.

We have now ceased sending this Newsletter by post, so the very few (less than a handful) who never supplied us with an email address will remain in the dark, unless they access the SDF’s website.

It is good news that the TR Register has decided to stage what amounts to an International Weekend at Shepton Mallet, 11^th-13^th August, naming it “Triumph TR @ 70”. Let’s hope that some of the people who came across the sea in 2022, but had only a day at Ambergate, will decide to join us this time – although, in the height of the holiday season, ferries will be very expensive.

Wishing you an enjoyable New Year in your TR,

The SDF and PQI teams:

SDF: Ian Cornish (chairman), Ian Gibson, Ian Brown, Roger Hogarth and Julian Garrett (treasurer).

PQI: Ian Brown and Roger Hogarth.

Advisers: Alan Graham, Pete Cox, Tony Sheach and John Clancy.

Website, etc: Darren Cummings.

SDF Website

The website address is: www.trsdf.uk

For those who use Facebook, there is a TR SDF group, at:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/481394215834908/

Email address

Please note that we have decided that, to save an annual outlay, the email address "admin@trsdf.uk" will no longer be supported from mid January 2023. 

From hereon, please use: info@trsdf.uk

TR SDF News Update - May 2022

Published: May 2022

TR4A Cylinder Head 511695

This was and remains by far the largest of our projects, and, with more than 800 having been sold by Moss, has ensured that many of the 4-pot TRs which otherwise would have been abandoned or scrapped are up and running (or being re-built). Definitely upholding the SDF’s guiding principles: Preserving the marque and keeping TRs on the road.

Crankshaft for 4-cylinder, wet-liner engine 301815

Following the successful proving of the prototypes, Moss is having the basic machining undertaken in India, but the machining for bearings, oilways etc. is being undertaken in the UK to the engineering data – this will ensure that the finished article will be of the same quality as the cranks produced by Triumph from the 1950s onwards. Three cranks were successfully completed in 2019, and Moss ordered a batch of 50, of which a number are awaiting final machining in the UK – hence listed currently as on Back Order at Moss.

TR7 & TR7V8 Collapsible Spacer UKC979

The SDF managed to obtain a good, used specimen, identified the material and, in conjunction with Rimmers, found a company which was able to reproduce the part, which will shortly be on sale from Rimmers.

 
Rimmers have now received the first batch of different ratios for the TR7/8 rear axle, and the collapsible spacer is part of that development. Rimmers are also investigating the “shimming” options when rebuilding the differentials for whatever reason.

Early TR2 Thermostat Housing

Production was limited to 50 units, and these went on sale as Part Number 201522KIT from Pete and Tom Cox at Pete Cox Sportscars., and are available. 

Website: petecoxsportscars.co.uk

email: enquiry@petecoxsportscars.co.uk

Early TR2 Rear Lamp bezel

The small batch of sets (pairs) of the Chrome Bezels 572249 were sold rapidly and were despatched to America, Italy, New Zealand and the UK.

TR4 Left-hand lower crash pad grab rail 805757/808732

This refers to Part 805757 (pad, crash assembly, facia bottom, LH, RH steering!) fitted at the base of the dashboard on right-hand drive TR4s, and has long been unobtainable. The SDF obtained a pristine original and is working with a major UK supplier in reverse engineering the product.  A second item was despatched across to the USA to a company interested in investigating remanufacture, but the sample received was not acceptable, was returned and a response is overdue – perhaps the well-known get up and go of the Americans just went!

TR7 & TR7V8 Body Panels

The SDF has worked with the TR Drivers Club and Ex-Pressed Steel in order to guarantee the sale of a batch of 10 front assembly panels WKC4077, this being the part which incorporates the holes for the lamps, comprises two pressings, and is one of the first parts of the car to rot away &/or be damaged. Despite the difficulties with which companies have had to contend in 2020, Ex-Pressed Steel completed the batch as promised in December; eight were sold immediately and it seems that all will have been sold in the very near future. The successful sale of the whole batch means that TRDC can plan the next project, which will likely be a repair section for a wing – another part which rots nicely!

Reveal Moulding for early TR2 603177

Thanks to the generosity of Irishman John Reilly, the SDF was gifted a used 603177 and is investigating the possibility or reproducing this rather odd and unwieldy item.  As it happens, Ian Gibson’s TR2 has always had this moulding, which should be helpful. Roger Hogarth enjoys a challenge and is experimenting with possible methods of production in very small quantity, but there might not be a result!

Small Tenax fasteners

From time to time, the SDF has investigated other unobtainable parts, including the small Tenax fasteners found on the sidescreen TRs – the larger Tenax are obtainable and are used nowadays on Morgans (well, of course!). Ian Gibson investigated fasteners by LOXX, a German company, to see whether some products could be used as an alternative, but came to the conclusion that owners would not accept such a substitute, so the project has been abandoned.

Steel Wheels

Supplies of 4½J and 5J steel wheels in good condition for TR2 to TR5 seem to be running low, and especially as far as the competition-minded members are concerned.  Ian Brown and Tony Sheach approached Weller, makers of the TR6 wheels, and its parent company AE Oscroft, but drew a blank. Subsequently, one of the major and well-known TR suppliers was approached and it is hoped that batch production may be arranged at some future date, most probably once MG steel wheels have been produced. 

TR2/3 Rear Aprons

Although new panels are available from Bastuck, investigation is underway with a UK supplier into the feasibility of providing repair sections in order to achieve accurate fit. The project was initiated with Stuart Edwards at The Watermill Carriage Company, but later terminated, in line with SDF policy, when it was discovered that such panels were available from Rimmers, albeit of different quality.

Alannid’s Cave

The panels which the SDF acquired from John Sykes, Richard Wray, Tony Sheach and eBay, which had been stored temporarily in Ian Brown’s and Roger Hogarth’s garages, have been moved to a permanent and secure home.

The three second-hand steel cabinets which the SDF purchased years ago to house the collection at Didcot, have been collected so that the SDF may make use of them.

John Reilly, who lives in Eire and owns an early TR2, offered the SDF free of charge a Reveal Moulding 603177 for an early TR2 – a generous gift.

Ian Gibson, who has a considerable collection of mostly Triumph cars and spare parts, discovered some original TR4 parts, and offered them to the SDF. They were valued by Tony Sheach and these have been acquired:

904120 TR4A radiator grille (in its factory packing)

850618 TR4 upper front valance

566601 TR4 rear seat pan (also fits TR4A/5/6)

In order to preserve the steel panels, the SDF has purchased a kit of Lanoguard, together with very strong Tyvek labels and cable ties. We have yet to commence the work of treating the panels –likely to be a rather messy business!

SDF Treasurer & Bank Account

Julian Garrett has been in post now for two years and is proving a very useful member of the team. Like the majority of the members of the SDF’s committee and advisers, he owns a TR4 – sensible fellow!

TR SDF Website - www.trsdf.uk

A great deal of effort has gone into creating, populating and maintaining our website. We owe a deep debt of gratitude to Darren Cummings who offered to mastermind the whole activity, and is maintaining the site on a day-to-day basis. In addition, Darren has been spreading the word through various other media such as Facebook.

Please keep an eye on this website, for it is where you will find the latest news of the SDF’s activities.

To complement the website, the SDF has an email address: info@trsdf.uk which can be used to contact members of the SDF’s Committee, to raise queries and to pass on information. Darren monitors incoming mail on a daily basis, and forwards where necessary.

Parts Quality Initiative

Just a reminder that, in the first instance, the online PQI Report form on the SDF’s website should be completed: https://www.trsdf.uk/projects#PQIIntroduction

The form asks questions relating to what an owner has already undertaken with the supplier as well as specific questions relating to product issues. The forms are collated and patterns amongst the responses identified for action.

A number of investigations were undertaken in the last 12 months, the first being in relation to the quality of the hook in the bonnet release mechanism used on TR4-TR6, a submission initiated by a combination of user errors. There are two reproduction versions, neither matching the original in design or material construction. One version is somewhat less sturdy, but, following discussions, the supplier has agreed to modify the design for the future, although existing stock will have to be sold first

The TR2 bonnet double latch is being beautifully and faithfully recreated by Russell Church (YOW500 on the Forum), please see separate report at the end of this document.

TR6 Fuel Hose - PRV to Metering Unit – 214890

In May last year, 2021, Inge Jonnson submitted a report of a failure of the above hose, this was on behalf of his friend Matz Anderson.
The failure was reported to the supplier, Rimmers, and an alternative stainless steel braided item was supplied which has solved any leakage/burst problem.

Photographs of the failure were provided and, due to the safety nature of the issue the PQI team followed the issue up with Rimmers.
The failed item was returned to Rimmers for onward return to their suppliers, and the information below was duly reported back……………

“Further to our telephone call and having read the various comments on the forum I would like to clarify some points:

The hose in question is manufactured using Aeroquip (Eaton) FBN0600 hose which as an assembly has a working pressure of 250psi and is rated as having a burst pressure of 1000psi.  This is as an assembly when using the correct “socketless” fittings that are designed for it.

It is a clever design that allows the customer to assemble the hoses without the use of a swaging machine or the use of clips.  The barbs on the fitting are designed to dig into the hose as the pressure increases, and the weave of the hose is designed to pull down on to the barbs as the pressure increases.

Although Aeroquip rate this hose as complying with SAE 100 R6, they also state it for use with oil up to 150C and rate the hose as “Good” with regards to compatibility with E15 fuel, making it an extremely versatile and widely used hose in the automotive industry.

For E85, if the fuel is left sitting in the hose, it will dry out the tube.  It would have to be drained and flushed between uses.

For peace of mind, for those who simply do not trust the lack of a visible fastening, the hose can be used with a narrow band clamp positioned between the barbs, if a clip is positioned directly over the barb it is likely to cut through the hose and cause a failure.

We have just pressure tested one of the TT214890 hoses and we reached 1600psi before it failed, well in excess of what we expect the hose to withstand in most automotive applications.”

At the time of writing, Rimmers are awaiting a detailed report on the failure from the supplier.  Since this failure, there have been no further problems notified with this part, however it is still held as a “red flag” on Rimmers’ system until the detailed feedback from the supplier is received.

TR3/3/3A Rear Wing to Chassis Stay

This item, part number 601937, is a simple flat strip with attachment holes at the ends and the centre has a stiffening ridge pressed down its length.

The item supplied did not have the stiffening ridge thus making it quite useless.

The stiffener was returned to the supplier where they found that all the stock was of a similar nature.  The stock was removed from sale.

AFFILIATED PROJECTS

Early TR2 bonnet catches

In the restoration of his own early car, which is fitted with dual bonnet catches, Russell Church made several sets of the catches for other owners in a similar situation.  Elsewhere on the website you can read how Russell’s efforts were appreciated by one of our Italian members.

TR Dove Seals

Tom Pringle (son of Alec & Diane) is having the roof to body seals remanufactured in order to further his own restoration.  Tom is intendingl to satisfy replacements for a good number of the 40 cars known to exist. Once Tom has seals to hand, we’ll publish contact details.

Alloy Surrey Frames

Ben Ferguson (Revival Motorsport) embarked on a project to remanufacture alloy Surrey frames to OE specification.  Details of his efforts are reported elsewhere on our website.

The first production batch of 20 has now been received and six frames have been fully assembled.

The SDF’s Committee & Advisers

Following the collaboration with the TR Drivers Club over the TR7 Front Panel, we decided to invite John Clancy to join us an Adviser – an invitation which we are glad to report that he accepted.

The Committee: Ian Cornish (Chairman), Ian Gibson, Ian Brown, Julian Garrett (Treasurer), Roger Hogarth.

Advisers: Alan Graham, Pete Cox, Tony Sheach, John Clancy, Dave Gibson.

Website: Darren Cummings

Forward into 2022

With the majority of the UK’s populace now vaccinated against the pernicious COVID-19, which has caused such devastation to the economy, education and so many lives, I would like to end this newsletter on a positive note.

The SDF has a strong and truly united management – where there are differences of opinion, these are discussed in an open and polite manner, with decisions being accepted by all.

The SDF is ever alert and is active - often unnoticed - and has achieved a great deal, even in the last difficult couple of years. The SDF has excellent relations with suppliers to the TR community – and this is vital for the way the SDF operates.

As Chairman, and on your behalf, I want to thank all members of the Committee, our advisers and Darren for their splendid efforts, and wish each of you – our members - an improving life in 2022, with the hope that the gathering at Stafford in August will prove to be as successful as last year’s splendid effort at Malvern.

Ian Cornish

By coincidence, one of the associates of the SDF, Russell Church, had undertaken the engineering exercise of replicating all the bonnet attachments for the early TR2 for his own car, and naturally he had also made additional units for just these sorts of request. Not only had Russell remanufactured the complicated double catches, but also the spring pin and fittings . . .

Ian Brown and Roger Hogarth were on the case, and after speaking to Russell, communication links were set up directly, and within a few weeks, Max was in the possession of all the parts, and more, courtesy of the work previously completed by Russell.
Another international success for the SDF and its associates.

Highlight Project: Aluminium Surrey backlight frames

Published: 20th January 2021

It was with great pleasure that we heard last week from Ben Ferguson of Revival Motorsport that he has now found a pattern maker and foundry to enable him to produce aluminium Surrey backlight frames for TR4, TR5 and TR250.

Ben says, "An original frame will be 3D scanned and the pattern tooling created from accurate CAD drawings. The end result will be a cast aluminium frame that is at least as good as the original Stanpart item. Hopefully even better!"

News that newly manufactured aluminium Surrey backlight frames could soon be available will be welcomed by anyone who has tried to purchase one of these second hand, as they are incredibly difficult to find and typically sell for between £2000-£3000 in the UK. These new frames will be priced at £1325.

It is particularly pleasing to see this project moving forward, as the TR SDF team has followed Ben's endeavours in this for almost two years and offered advice where possible. There was also an offer of help with funding, but that was not required on this occasion.

Projects of this nature fit perfectly with the TR SDF's remit and so we are always keen to hear of them. We wish Ben every success with this and remain on hand to help if we can. 

For more details, please contact Ben:

Email: revivalmotorsport@outlook.com

Tel: +44 (0)1347 879187

Update 19th February 2021:

Ben has kindly provided some CAD drawings of the Surrey backlight frame. Ben says that the project is progressing to the stage of creating the pattern tooling drawing. 

October, 2014: Incorrect windscreen wiper mounts – supplier amended their products to suit.

October, 2014: Vertical link quality – supplier rectified the issue.

October, 2014: TR3 R&P conversion – owner over ambitious attempting to fit this without adequate facilities.

November, 2014: TR4/4A horn push poor fit – owner solved the issue on his own.

December, 2014: Wiper spindle quality – problem solved by owner and their restorer.

March, 2015: Enquiry about TR2 wing piping availability and colour – not a quality issue.

May, 2015: TR6PI pipe incorrect size – supplier contacted and advised a solution.

July, 2015: TR6 camshaft, incorrect size – supplier fell short of a satisfactory solution. 

September, 2015: TR4A rear stub axle broke – refurbished item of unknown age/quality – new items advised.

April, 2016: TR3 seat slide incorrect assembly – supplier corrected the fault.

May, 2016: TR6 wash/wipe switch poor quality – ongoing.

May, 2016: TR6 Tonneau too tight – supplier aware and will resolve.

July, 2016: TR3 Triumph badge incorrect – all UK stock checked and correct (submitted by a US based owner).

August, 2016: TR6 master cylinder – owner had used mineral oil instead of brake fluid.

November, 2016: TR3 rocker arm – after investigation, this was thought to be a one off rogue part.

March, 2017: TR4A rear hubs incorrect settings/tolerances – supplier check stock and refurb process.

June, 2017: Mountney steering wheel failed – suppliers advised. 

July, 2017: TR4 handbrake gaiter – resolved.

August, 2017: TR6 Alloy fuel tank mountings cracked, tank was 4 years old and out of warranty – improved design sourced.

April, 2018: Gearbox layshaft not hardened – old stock carry over from known problem, supplier resolved and all faulty stock removed.

July, 2020: TR bonnet catch poor repro quality – various suppliers advised, and major supplier will improve design.

December, 2020: TR2-4 rear silencer incorrect – supplier will correct issue. 

For a download PDF of the PQI archive listed above, please click here. 

To find out more about the aims and activities of the PQI, please click here. 

TR SDF: Year end 2020

Published: 1st January 2021

2020 has been a year which most of us will wish to forget. Paradoxically,  for the SDF it has been a year of considerable activity for our small band of volunteers, and a year with a number of notable achievements.

TR4A Cylinder Head 511695

This was and remains by far the largest of our projects, and, with more than 749 having been sold by Moss, has ensured that many of the 4-pot TRs which otherwise would have been abandoned or scrapped are up and running (or being re-built). Definitely upholding the SDF’s guiding principles: Preserving the marque and keeping TRs on the road.

Crankshaft for 4-cylinder, wet-liner engine

Following the successful proving of the prototypes, Moss is having the basic machining  undertaken in India, but the machining for bearings, oilways etc. is being undertaken in the UK to the engineering data – this will ensure that the finished article will be of the same quality as the cranks produced by Triumph from the 1950s onwards. Three cranks were successfully completed in 2019, and Moss ordered a batch of 50, which are moving forward with finishing, costing and marketing. 

TR7 & TR7V8 Collapsible Spacer UKC979

The SDF managed to obtain a good, used specimen, identified the material and, in conjunction with Rimmers, found a company which was able to reproduce the part, which will shortly be on sale from Rimmers.

Early TR2 Thermostat Housing

Production was limited to 50 units, and these went on sale as Part Number 201522KIT – it will be first come, first served. 

The units are available from Pete and Tom Cox at Pete Cox Sportscars

Website: petecoxsportscars.co.uk

email: enquiry@petecoxsportscars.co.uk

Early TR2 Rear Lamp bezel

The small batch of sets (pairs) of the Chrome Bezels 572249 were sold rapidly and were despatched to America, Italy, New Zealand and the UK.

TR4 Left-hand lower crash pad grab rail 805757/808732

This refers to Part 805757 (pad, crash assembly, facia bottom, LH, RH steering!) fitted at the base of the dashboard on right-hand drive TR4s, and has long been unobtainable. The SDF obtained a pristine original and is working with a major UK supplier in reverse engineering the product. A second item has been despatched across to the USA to a company interested in investigating remanufacture.

TR7 & TR7V8 Body Panels

The SDF has worked with the TR Drivers Club and Ex-Pressed Steel in order to guarantee the sale of a batch of 10 front assembly panels WKC4077, this being the part which incorporates the holes for the lamps, comprises two pressings, and is one of the first parts of the car to rot away &/or be damaged. Despite the difficulties with which companies have had to contend in 2020, Ex-Pressed Steel completed the batch as promised in December; eight were sold immediately and it seems that all will have been sold in the very near future. The successful sale of the whole batch will mean that TRDC can plan the next project, which will likely be a repair section for a wing – another part which rots nicely!

Reveal Moulding for early TR2 603177

Thanks to the generosity of Irishman John Reilly, the SDF was gifted a used 603177 and is investigating the possibility or reproducing this rather odd and unwieldy two-part item. As it happens, Ian Gibson’s TR2 has always had this moulding, which should be helpful.

Small Tenax fasteners

From time to time, the SDF has investigated other unobtainable parts, including the small Tenax fasteners found on the sidescreen TRs – the larger Tenax are obtainable and are used nowadays on Morgans (well, of course!). Ian Gibson is investigating fasteners by LOXX, a German company, to see whether some products could be used as an alternative.

Steel Wheels

Supplies of 4½J and 5J steel wheels in good condition for TR2 to TR5 seem to be running low, and especially as far as the competition-minded members are concerned. One of the major and well-known TR suppliers has been approached and it is hoped that batch production may be organised at some future date.

TR2/3 Rear Aprons

Although new panels are available from Bastuck, investigation is underway with a UK supplier into the feasibility of providing repair sections in order to achieve accurate fit.

Alannid’s Cave

The panels which the SDF acquired from John Sykes, Richard Wray, Tony Sheach and eBay, which had been stored temporarily in Ian Brown’s and Roger Hogarth’s garages, were moved to a permanent and secure home.

SDF Treasurer & Bank Account

A successful hand-over from Dave Gibson to Julian Garrett was achieved at the start of the year, and, despite HSBC’s difficulties in making a simple change to the name of the SDF’s account, Dave and Julian’s persistence finally won the day! We would like to thank Dave Gibson for 13 years of sterling service to the SDF.

TRSDF Website: trsdf.uk

A great deal of effort has gone into creating, populating and maintaining our website. We owe a deep debt of gratitude to Darren Cummings who offered to mastermind the whole activity, and is maintaining the site on a day-to-day basis. In addition, Darren has been spreading the word through various other media such as Facebook. Please keep an eye on this website, for it is where you will find the latest news of the SDF’s activities.

To complement the website, the SDF has an email address: info@trsdf.uk which can be used to contact members of the SDF’s Committee, to raise queries and to pass on information. Darren monitors incoming mail on a daily basis, and forwards where necessary.

Parts Quality Initiative

Just a reminder that, in the first instance, the online PQI Report form: www.tr-register.co.uk/pqi should be completed. The form asks questions relating to what an owner has already undertaken with the supplier as well as specific questions relating to product issues. The forms are collated and patterns amongst the responses identified for action.

The only investigation undertaken in the last 12 months has been in relation to the quality of the hook in the bonnet release mechanism used on TR4-TR6, a submission initiated by a combination of user errors. There are two reproduction versions, neither matching the original in design or material construction. One version is somewhat less sturdy, but, following discussions, the supplier has agreed to modify the design for the future, although existing stock will have to be sold first. The TR2 bonnet double latch is being remade by Russell Church (YOW500 n the forum).

The SDF’s Committee & Advisers

The Committee: Ian Cornish (Chairman), Ian Gibson, Ian Brown, Julian Garrett (Treasurer), Roger Hogarth.

Advisers: Alan Graham, Pete Cox, Tony Sheach, Dave Gibson.

Website: Darren Cummings

BTW, there is no truth in the belief that to stand as a member of the Committee, one’s first name should be Ian!

Forward into 2021

As the UK severs finally its membership of the EU, and its populace gets vaccinated against the pernicious COVID-19, which has caused such devastation to the economy, education and so many lives, I would like to end this newsletter on a positive note.

The SDF has a strong and truly united management – where there are differences of opinion, these are discussed in an open and polite manner, with decisions being accepted by all.

The SDF is ever alert and is active - often unnoticed - and has achieved a great deal, particularly in the last couple of years. The SDF has excellent relations with suppliers to the TR community – and this is vital for the way the SDF operates.

As Chairman, and on your behalf, I want to thank all members of the Committee, our advisers and Darren for their splendid efforts, and wish each of you – our members - an improving life in 2021, with the hope that the gathering at Malvern in August will prove to be a truly memorable occasion.

Ian Cornish - TR SDF Chairman

TR SDF News Update - December 2020

Published: 20th December 2020

In this end of year update, we take a look at our recent success stories and give an overview of projects that are currently under consideration.

TR2 Rear Light Bezels - all now sold to owners in the UK, USA, Italy and New Zealand

There were only a very limited number of these handmade items, and they didn’t hang around long before they were all purchased by grateful owners of these early cars. Just to finish off, here is a selection of feedback received from owners:
 

"Both Gil (Sissons) and I received the packages of rear early TR2 taillight bezels. We thank you very much for your spares efforts and for including us." (Bill Lynn, USA)

"They arrived yesterday and are wonderful. I am very pleased with the quality. Thanks again to you and the TR SDF." (Michael Kutka, USA)
 

"Last week I received the bezels and I am sorry I couldn't write you but I was very busy with Mille Miglia. I saw bezels and they are VERY nice and well made, chrome too!!!" (Massimiliano Bresciani, Italy)

"I've got them!! Our mail system a bit slow, but worth the wait. They look good and once on the car even better. Thank you and your team. Now all I have to do is get and start restoring the car!!" (Shane Taylor NZ).

Current Projects Under Investigation

TR5/6 Rostyle wheel covers

Dialogue with Roger Ferris and Derek Graham has not revealed any great demand.

We will keep a watching brief.

TR2/3 Rear aprons

New panels are available from Bastuck. Investigations into options for all model types is underway.

TR5/6 B post (817413)

Now with Pete B for Heritage to investigate the quality of the current offering.

TR4 passenger grab handle for RHD cars

Two samples have been sourced. One is with MOSS in the UK, the second is with Don Hiscox in the USA, with the aim finding potential manufacturers. TR Shop have an offering, however we feel there’s still some room for improvement.

Tenax fasteners – are German LOXX fasteners compatible?

Samples of the LOXX fasteners will be purchased and evaluated against the small tenax item used on early cars.

TR4 centre switch panels in plastic 

Reinforcement, switch mounting 610818. Awaiting outcomes from investigations into manufacture of the grab handle (see above).

TR4A grilles (904120) & TR250/TR5 grilles (812300)

Available new from MOSS and Bastuck.

Although 2020 has been a difficult year with pandemic restrictions all round, the TR SDF has been continuing its work on behalf of all TR owners and all the TR marques. Progress has continued and will do so in 2021. It just remains for the TR SDF team to thank all our members and associates and to wish you all the best Christmas possible under the circumstances and a happy New Year, when we can looking forward to all getting together again. 

Rear lamp bezel for early TR2 (All Sold)

Published: 26th October 2020

The early TR2 rear light, fitted prior to TS1307, uses the normal L471 backplate, 18/6 watt bulb, the same lens and the same two chrome screws to retain the bezel and the lens. The two things that differ are the bezel and its gasket, which are unique to the early TR2 and never used on any other vehicle. As far as we are aware, this arose simply because Lucas failed to have their then new rear light (the L549, used on all later sidescreen cars) ready for the start of TR2 production.

Thanks to Christoph Mathey and Pete Cox, the TR Spares Development Fund (SDF) was able to make available a very limited number of sets (pairs) of the Bezels 572249. These are of high quality and finished in chrome – as can be seen in the photo, which shows a bezel sitting on a Lucas 471 lens alongside an upturned bezel. The bezels were announced for sale on 6th October and all had been sold by 27th to owners in the UK, USA, Italy and NZ.

Unfortunately, it has not been possible to find anyone prepared to produce the gaskets (572245), but Ian Gibson was able to describe how he produced a home-made gasket.

Ian Cornish (chairman of the TR Spares Development Fund)

TR SDF News Update – October 2020

Published: 12th October 2020

Well, Covid 19 regulations in 2020 may well have restricted many activities, and it certainly has affected not only ourselves, but also the major suppliers who have had to furlough staff members, move to on-line sales only, and cope the best they can.  There have been few, if any events organised and it is likely most TRs have seen significantly less mileage this year than previously.  That is not to say we haven’t been busy ourselves on SDF activities, indeed this update is not in the same format as those recently produced due to the fact that Ian Cornish has been fully occupied with providing materials for establishing an “on line” presence for the SDF (more about this later in this missive), and has been warned by his wife that if he didn’t take a breather from these activities he could find himself sleeping in the garage!

So, what has been happening since the March 2020 update:-

TR SDF Bank Account

After 6 months of dialogue and much duplicated HSBC form filling by both outgoing treasurer Dave Gibson and new treasurer Julian Garrett, patience and persistence has finally paid dividends, and the new bank has been formally established, and all connections to the previous name have been deleted. Dave and Julian both deserve credit for doggedly sticking with it to a successful conclusion, and we recognised Dave’s departure with a letter of thanks from Ian Cornish:-

Alannids Cave
 

Our quest to acquire as many rare original Stanpart parts and panels has continued, and we have added the following items to our stock for future use and reference:

• TR2 apron reveal trim (used item donated for evaluation)
• TR4/5 B post (NOS Stanpart)
• TR4 front wing LH (NOS Stanpart)
• TR4 rear LH wing (NOS Stanpart)
• TR4/5 rear valance, 3 parts (NOS Stanpart)

The TR4 valance and wings were provided at very competitive prices/discounts by Tony Sheach, the B post was bought on ebay at a reduced negotiated price from that advertised (and delivered FOC by the seller directly to Roger Hogarth), and the reveal trim, being used and not pristine, was donated generously by John Reilly, an enthusiast in Ireland.

The storage of Alannid’s Cave parts has also been rationalised and Covid-compliant meetings and transfers of items acquired from John Sykes last year, have been completed. There are now only a couple of items stored in garages of committee members.

We are always on the look out for parts suitable to add to Alannid’s Cave, if you have any OE Stanpart items you think may be good additions to this collection of reference parts, and which are no longer of use to you, please get in touch with us and we will try to agree suitable prices.

Thermostat Housings and Cylinder Heads

Cylinder Heads

Sales have continued through the pandemic and the numbers reported so far in 2020 were 11 in Q1, 3 in Q2 (lockdown), and 9 in Q3, making 23 this year to date. This brings the total sold to date up to 749.

Thermostat Housings

The invoice Sales for the first five units sold has been raised, and sales are now seven in total, with another enquiry live, well on the way to reaching ten, which triggers the next invoice (invoices raised in batches of five).

TR SDF Media Activity

This has taken quite some gestation since the decision taken by the TR Register denied us a presence on the TR Register website.

 
Ian Cornish has worked his way through many documents and files, conjoured up images and text enabling Darren Cummings to design and generate our own bespoke TR SDF website -

https://www.trsdf.uk/

Hopefully, being a member of the SDF you may know a great deal of the content, but please do take a look a give us any feedback you think may help.

You will also notice an email address, info@trsdf.uk for direct contact without having to go through an intermediary.

As if that wasn’t enough work, Darren has also established a complementary Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/481394215834908

Once again, please feel free to have a look and join in if you wish!

The website achieved 500+ hits within the first 24 hours, and the only place it was notified was on the TR Register’s Forum!

This covid pandemic has highlighted the need to have our own media presence to promote our causes, and the more people that log on to the website, and maybe join the Facebook group, the more the message will get out there and the support for our activities will broaden. The website is always meant to be a “work in progress”, and we will try and keep it fresh and up to date.  That is not to say we will cease sending our regular email updates to our members (if you still receive these updates via the Royal Mail and would like to be added to the email circulation, please let us know).

We cannot say “thank you” enough to Ian Cornish and Darren Cummings for getting us to the points on the media platforms where we are now, and we intend to ensure that we maximise the benefits from this social media exposure.

Now this body of work is 90% complete, we will be going back to our “more regular” tasks of preserving the marque and keeping cars on the road.

PQI

Only one issue has been reported so far this year!  That item was the bonnet safety catch on most TRs, and it related to the poor construction of some supplied reproduction items. 

Four of the six suppliers contacted provided good quality feedback, and all four were very positive about acknowledging shortcomings in the design as demonstrated in our “alert” note. The prime supplier (see below) will submit appropriate design changes for future production runs.

We are still awaiting feedback from the other two suppliers. It would appear that the majority of the catches currently available are supplied from one source and syndicated around many outlets.

TR SDF feedback has been accepted and submitted for future design improvements, although how long that may take and how many remain in the supply chain is not known. There was one variant that did differ materially from the rest, and this was provided by the David Manners Group.  This difference was the way in which the catch was attached to the bracket:-

Stay safe and manage the risks.
 

On behalf of the SDF, Ian Brown

Selected News Archive Section

Click on the buttons below to download a PDF of the archived news that you are interested in.  Please note that these are historical documents and as such some of the information contained in them is now out of date. For up-to-date details regarding the TR SDF and PQI, please refer to the main pages of this website.