Keith Lewin Posted June 30, 2015 Report Share Posted June 30, 2015 Hi Guys, First an admission. I have been a lurker for a couple of years now and thought it was about time I lost my virginity so here goes; I have just returned from a tour of Guernsey, Jersey and France in my TR4 with my good lady. Whilst in France, we had a few days where the temperature was around 35C (weather, not the engine!). Linda found it was unbearable at times with the top down (car's, not hers). My Brother in Law has a TR6 which has a zip-in/out rear window which he finds preferable when the weather is exceptionally hot ie. abroad. As my intention is to head abroad again in future years, I am considering having the rear window modified. Does anyone know if; It is feasible? It is advisable? If it is possible, is there anything I should be aware of or avoid? I will be at the IWE for the weekend in August and am hoping/assuming there will be trade stands who will be in that sort of market if I decide to go ahead. Otherwise, I will be looking for someone in the North West to do the job for me. Any advice gratefully received. Thanks in Anticipation. Keith. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BlueTR3A-5EKT Posted June 30, 2015 Report Share Posted June 30, 2015 (edited) Having a soft top produced and fitted for your car with a zip out rear window might be cheaper and neater than modifying your existing one. Yes the zip out rear window is a nice option for running in full sunshine with the roof erected. Peter W Link to ebay seller - unknown quality - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TRIUMPH-TR4-1965-67-Hood-Soft-top-in-Superior-Vinyl-/291388007310 NB the seller thinks a TR4 was made from 65-67 so it could be a TR4A top which folds with the frame. An internet search for Don Trimming or Car Hood Company brings up a raft of possible suppliers Edited June 30, 2015 by BlueTR3A-5EKT Quote Link to post Share on other sites
littlejim Posted June 30, 2015 Report Share Posted June 30, 2015 Keith, I learnt the same lesson the first time I took the TR4A on a long trip after the refurb. Up until then I'd always thought the 'robbers' cap' was an affectation, but it does the job of the roof sunburn wise, while letting lots of breeze in which the roof doesn't. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
duncan Posted June 30, 2015 Report Share Posted June 30, 2015 Keith, windows & rear unzipped = sun shade, saves bad sunburn & heat stroke Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ianc Posted June 30, 2015 Report Share Posted June 30, 2015 John Skinner might be at the International the Office will be able to tell you. The company has been supplying every type of trim for TRs for decades - see advert in TR Action. Protection for one's arm(s) can be a problem - I remember travelling north from Sicily in Roy Macgregor's TR4 in 2005, and I had to wrap a towel round my left arm (I was the passenger) in order to avoid sunburn. And I used a very wide-brimmed sunhat almost all the time. Never got burnt, even though I do not use sun cream. Ian Cornish Quote Link to post Share on other sites
nowtelse2do Posted June 30, 2015 Report Share Posted June 30, 2015 Protection for one's arm(s) can be a problem - I remember travelling north from Sicily in Roy Macgregor's TR4 in 2005, and I had to wrap a towel round my left arm (I was the passenger) in order to avoid sunburn. And I used a very wide-brimmed sunhat almost all the time. Never got burnt, even though I do not use sun cream. Ian Cornish Known in the trade Ian as Lorry Drivers Sunburn. Dave Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted June 30, 2015 Report Share Posted June 30, 2015 John Skinner might be at the International the Office will be able to tell you. The company has been supplying every type of trim for TRs for decades - see advert in TR Action. Ian Cornish They dont do weather equipment any more. Dons would probably do it but it would be probably best if you could get them to fit it to the car. Stuart. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ctc77965o Posted July 1, 2015 Report Share Posted July 1, 2015 Hi Keith, I did exactly that on my 4A, great for the sun and also changeable weather, easy to zipup on the move. Got one of the usuals to make it, can't remember who, but seemed to be an easy request. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dave Larnder Posted July 1, 2015 Report Share Posted July 1, 2015 Hi Keith When we drive up from Southern Spain to either Le Mans or Morges and even Stelvio in our TR3A we always leave when it is still dark and travel as far as we can before the sun gets too hot. We usually have the hood up during the long two day runs, but off it comes when there. I have never thought of a zip out rear window but it sounds a good idea, the only problem is, is that the window is in three parts, so do you make it to cover all three parts or just the centre section? I will keep an eye out for the replies to this one. Dave Quote Link to post Share on other sites
graeme Posted July 1, 2015 Report Share Posted July 1, 2015 I have a zip out rear window on my TR4A. It is similar to a TR6 so just the central window. It was provided by Don hoods about 5 years ago. Cheers Graeme Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dave Larnder Posted July 2, 2015 Report Share Posted July 2, 2015 I have a zip out rear window on my TR4A. It is similar to a TR6 so just the central window. It was provided by Don hoods about 5 years ago. Cheers Graeme Graeme Does it leak in the rain? Maybe here in Spain not such a problem but in rain soaked U.K. could be. Pity our girls lost the semi final especially by an own goal in extra time. The final is on your door step I see. Dave Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rogerguzzi Posted July 2, 2015 Report Share Posted July 2, 2015 We have just got back from a 2 week tour in Spain in our Spitfire 1500. Santander,Llanes,Sahagun, Avila, Cordoba, Jerez,(motorcycle racing + bonnie Tyler etc) La Linea, Ronda, La Iruela, Cuenca, Aranda de Duero, Espinama, Santander. 2580miles only 250cc oil used (Penrite Classic Medium (formerly HPR40)) and one hose clip re tightened very slight leak but no water used and it was 40degs so we were told!!!! and only one of the electric fans came on(the 83/78degs not the 88/82deg) twin sensor fitted to bottom of radiator. Only saw about 4 classic cars on the whole trip? but had lots of nice comments(I think) and photos taken etc. The hood stayed down all the time just wore a big hat and slapped on the old sun tan stuff. Roger Who says you can not use our cars for what they were intended? FUN Plus the spare water pump,head gasket, plugs, fan belt etc,etc stayed in the boot. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Motorsport Mickey Posted July 2, 2015 Report Share Posted July 2, 2015 Graeme Does it leak in the rain? Maybe here in Spain not such a problem but in rain soaked U.K. could be. Pity our girls lost the semi final especially by an own goal in extra time. The final is on your door step I see. Dave Must have been a different match Dave, it was in the last minute of normal time, it prevented us going into extra time. Mick Richards Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dave Larnder Posted July 3, 2015 Report Share Posted July 3, 2015 Mick I didn´t watch the match at midnight our time only thought I heard the result on the rdio, senior moment I´m afraid. Nevertheless, the ladies did us proud. Dave Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jersey Royal Posted July 3, 2015 Report Share Posted July 3, 2015 Keith, I hope you had a good visit to the Channel Islands, Your car was not spotted, had i known you were visiting I would have given you a tour around the Rock, taken you to places only the locals know. I have zip out window, which I unzipp in the rain, get plenty of air in and whilst driving very little rain in if any. It would have to be really chucking it down to get in whilst on the go. Excellent first post Cheers Guy Quote Link to post Share on other sites
signalredshaker Posted July 3, 2015 Report Share Posted July 3, 2015 This is really off-post as it were but here is an excellent maker of hoods for all our cars. they have a worldwide network of fitters who they reccommend but you have to buy the hood from America- I got mine done in Bradford for around £70.00. (TR4) http://www.robbinsautotopco.com/triumph.php They are in America, but the exchange rate being what it is, they make good value for money at the moment. Snag- they dont do Surrey tops, but I wish they did. My white surrey soft part from a UK major supplier of TR parts is a very poor fit and thin material too. J. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Keith Lewin Posted July 6, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 6, 2015 I have zip out window, which I unzipp in the rain, get plenty of air in and whilst driving very little rain in if any.It would have to be really chucking it down to get in whilst on the go. Many thanks for all the replies. Guy, You have convinced me to go ahead as your description is exactly what I was hoping for. Whilst we both like the hood down, the good lady has a skin condition that doesn't like very strong sun and intense heat so a removable rear window will suit us in the rain at home and when it is too hot abroad. Next move will to see if anyone is at the IWE and/or call at Don Hoods on the way home. Loved Jersey and was very impressed with all the restored cars we saw. Somewhat wary where we parked having seen the numerous scrapes on the modern cars but I suspect it's the same locally. It's just that you are more cautious when away from your usual stomping grounds. Keith. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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