Are TR2 and TR3 Front Aprons the same product?

[Devs]

Several years ago I purchased a used aftermarket TR2 apron to utilise whilst I restore my original TR2 apron.

 

This TR2 apron has pre-drilled holes around it's outer edge, at the very front of the opening. My question is:

 

Do both TR2s and TR3s use the same front apron and it's only the grill that is placed either at the rear for a TR2, or for a larger grill at the front for a TR3? I'm also aware that at some stage a decorative trim was placed around the front of the opening on some TR2s, so maybe it's this that the holes are for.

 

I've so far resisted welding up the holes, however may do in the future, although when I eventually sell it, it may benefit TR3 owners if I keep it as is.

 

I also see that Moss sell 3 different aprons (although the part number on the TR2 differs and is no longer available), whereas other companies sell only 2 aprons, allowing the TR2/TR3 to be interchangeable.

 

Any ideas?

[BlueTR3A-5EKT]

The difference TR2 to TR3 is the metal 'tunnel' that feeds air into the radiator.

 

On a TR2 it is full, as in all the way round top and bottom. On TR3 it is cut away at the top, allowing air to spill toward the engine bay via the horn positions. - For carb air feed perhaps?

 

The panels as far as I know are otherwise interchangeable as my first TR2 had aTR3 apron & grille fitted. The addition of piercings for the reveal moulding I think were added to the TR3 apron by the factory as it was a standard fitment item by then.

 

Peter W

[Lebro]

+1, & I have a feeling that the reveal moulding (around the front of the air intake) may have been an optional extra on the TR2 ?

 

Bob.

[stuart]

Late TR2 had the 2/3rds reveal moulding and so was drilled for the mounting plates whereas early TR2 had a smoothed aperture, there were also two different cutout shapes to allow air up to the carbs.

Stuart.

[Devs]

Hmmm. OK. Thanks all. Very interesting.

 

I only assumed that my apron was aftermarket as it didn't have the full metal tunnel and instead had cut outs (unlike my original early TR2 apron which has a full enclosed tunnel) so Peter's post pointed me to a TR3 apron. However ..... Stuarts last post detailed that later TR2s did come with cut outs too, so ..... my apron could be both late TR2 and TR3?

 

I was at the NEC last month and noticed that all TR2s had a full apron. Don't think I've ever come across a TR3 in the 10 years I've had mine. I guess it only matters when I sell it on so I can have an accurate description. I won't weld up the holes then!

[Les]

The apron on my TR2 seems to have come from a 3. It has holes all around the front of the mouth for the chrome reveal, Which were covered by filler but which I intend to lead load, and also two holes each side of the tunnel where the 3 grill would be fixed. (welded up by PO). Also has the air cutouts.