ray999 Posted September 26, 2020 Report Share Posted September 26, 2020 Hi, I have a TR6, it appears I have a TR4 top dash pad fitted as it does not have an ashtray fitted. I would like to fit an ashtray to make it look authentic, not much use at 80mph with the roof down! As the ashtrays are fairly cheap and readily available I would like to fit one without removing the dash pad, I presume they are just foam covered in vinyl and fairly easy to cut in situ? Obviously don't want to start and then find problems. Welcome any thoughts on any proroblems that may arise. Many thanks Ray Quote Link to post Share on other sites
foster461 Posted September 26, 2020 Report Share Posted September 26, 2020 I'm pretty sure it is just vinyl over stiff molded foam Ray. I pulled my ashtray out so you can see what it looks like. This is not the original dash pad but one from TRF in 1990 ish so I expect it to be a good repro. Funky reflections because I shot it through the windshield. Stan Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ray999 Posted September 27, 2020 Author Report Share Posted September 27, 2020 Many thanks Stan, also looks useful to give some acccess to the gauges, I wonder if you'd be kind enought to measure from the edge of the hole to the lip so I can position mine correctly. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Charlie D Posted September 27, 2020 Report Share Posted September 27, 2020 Ray, If you are going to cut it with a jig saw then it would be a good idea to measure how far down the highest point is behind the dash and use a short blade. You don’t really want to cut one of the small instruments in half. Also be a bit careful if there is foam under the vinyl (Soft foam might snag and pull out with a jigsaw). I would guess the best way would be to cut the vinyl/foam with a Stanley knife first and then remove it, so that you don’t need to touch it with the jig saw blade. Just be VERY careful with your measurements! Windscreen get in the way of the saw? Charlie Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted September 27, 2020 Report Share Posted September 27, 2020 I was thinking of doing something like to on my 4A in order to install a fix sat nav. However having spent rather a lot on a new top pad I couldn't do it. Maybe one day. Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tr6tuga Posted September 27, 2020 Report Share Posted September 27, 2020 The ashtray comes with a jig that must be in place and bend the metal strips so that the ashtray sticks in. It can be hard to set right if the foam is too thick, the case of repro top dashtops Quote Link to post Share on other sites
foster461 Posted September 27, 2020 Report Share Posted September 27, 2020 I think if you measure back 3 inches from the lip on a line perpendicular to the bolt holdling down the tonneau pegs you will be well into the hole. I think I would stick a scalpel blade through the pad at that point and find the edges. As pointed out already, dont go too deep and yes, if you ever need to change the leather washer in the oil gauge line this is the way to go. Good luck, let us know the outcome. Stan Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Waldi Posted September 27, 2020 Report Share Posted September 27, 2020 As you can see in Stan’s picture, the original pad has a bit recessed edge around hole, which you will not have. The ashtray will not fit in nicely. For this, I left the frame out. A bit better but not as good as the original. Waldi Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PodOne Posted September 27, 2020 Report Share Posted September 27, 2020 Just a suggestion to think about. The hole in the metal should be there so why not take the screws out of the dash front and pull it forward and remove one the largest gauge closest to the ashtray if space is tight. Then at each corner of the ashtray hole push up some strong wire and then mark the top of the dash and then cut the hole. That way you will know for certain its in the right place. I would cut it smaller than required and adjust to fit the retaining ring and use a bit of black silicone to hold in place if required. Andy Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Waldi Posted September 27, 2020 Report Share Posted September 27, 2020 (edited) removed Edited September 27, 2020 by Waldi double post somehow Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ray999 Posted September 28, 2020 Author Report Share Posted September 28, 2020 Many thanks for all your very helpful comments, I'm kicking myself for not doing this when I replaced the dash fascia and refurbished the gauges last year. I was toying with using a dremel tool to cut the hole out, but with Waldi's comment about it possibly not seating correctly I think I'm going to leave it for now and maybe take another look if I need to take the fascia out for any reason. Cheers Ray Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Andy Moltu Posted September 30, 2020 Report Share Posted September 30, 2020 Will the 6 pad fit a 4A? I assume there is nothing beneath to prevent fitting the ashtray? On the 6 I have drilled the base of the ash tray to feed the satnav charger cable through and CB speaker. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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