TR4/4a Hardtop colours

[Besalu]

I remember reading a thread where members were posting pics of different car/hardtop colour combinations. Can't seem to find it now though. My 4a is signal red and i am thinking about what colour to spray the hardtop once it is restored. Have seen signal red cars with signal tops which i think looks very good (like the attached pics) but i am also thinking about spraying it black or if i can find a good enough sprayer perhaps a chequered design (like member Tom Fremont).

Does anyone know what the original options were? I am guessing back when the cars were coming off the production line the Surrey backlights and hardtops were being sold only in the same colour combination?

I am looking forward to seeing pics of members cars.

Richard

[Malbaby]

Same colour as the body always looks best.

[Drewmotty]

White top for me as the rest of the car is “sorry mate I didn’t see you” green. 

[Hamish]

I do like a contrasting colour. 
whilst a black 3a I went for a silver hard top. 
 

i have seen a red 4 with a chequer top (Sam brown I think ?) looks good. 

[SuzanneH]

Here is a red car with a white hard top., and our white car with hard top which I would love to have either an RAF Roundel on or a chequered flag design on.

[valvebounce]

Black hardtop must of been an option, that is how mine left the factory.

[stuart]

Body colour is fairly usual though there are a number running round with different colours even back light to roof differences. I was tasked quite a few years ago to paint the hard roof the same colour as the cars Minilites. Contacted Minilites and they told me they didnt know the exact colour name as they bought in the paint in 205ltr barrels but they were helpful enough to give me the name of the paint suppliers. Contacted them and they couldnt have been more helpful and supplied me with a litre of paint and the necessary hardener and thinners for a very reasonable price, have to say it did look good once done. No pictures as it was pre digital.

Stuart.

Edited September 9, 2023 by stuart

[Colin Symonds]

Mine is in body colour which I always think looks best, it looks as if it was actually designed and made for the car rather than a later after thought that you haven't had time to respray.  

 

 

Edited September 9, 2023 by Colin Symonds

[ckeithjordan]

While it's a TR6, I like the contrasting silver hard top on this example. I plan to do the same with my Damson TR6 car this winter.

[Jase]

You could stick with body colour as a fall back and wrap a new colour or design onto the roof if you wanted a change - easy to remove then.

[stillp]

That's a good idea Jase. Union flag anyone?

Pete

[Besalu]

I went with 19 White, same as the wheels

[stuart]

18 hours ago, Besalu said:

I went with 19 White, same as the wheels

Nice, that`ll help with keeping interior cooler.

Stuart.

[RogerH]

Hi Richard,

 that is not bad at all.  Well done.

 

Roger

[ianc]

In his "Original Triumph TR4/4A/5/6", Bill Piggott states:

"When supplied with a new car, the 'Surrey' top was normally finished in body colour, although contrasting colours (usually black or white) could be ordered".

Graham Robson, or perhaps his wife, Pam, chose Powder Blue for the four TR4s in the Works' Rally Team.  Both the bodywork and the 'Surrey' top were painted thus - it's a combination much admired..

Ian Cornish