Rear Bulkhead Panel

Unofficially dubbed the TR3″A” – September 1957 saw some fairly major modifications to the TR3 – and this included updates to rear bulkhead panel. The most recognisable change is to the styling of the upholstery which focused around a horizontal and vertical line pattern. This aesthetic was initially achieved by sewing pleats into the cover of this bulkhead, and this technique was used until around TS 35,350, although records do vary on this. The majority of the TR3A models and the proceeding TR3B models used a HF/RF (High-Frequency/Radio-Frequency) technique to emboss the pattern into the material. The panel itself also varied between a part hardboard-part metal panel used on the very first TR3A models to leave the production line; followed by the much more widely seen moulded hardboard panel, to allow for the shape of the fuel tank. Unlike the earlier models, the TR3A also saw the introduction of piping on some of its panels, including the left and right lower edges of the Bulkhead. This served a dual purpose of not only improving the aesthetics of the inside of the car; but also served a practical purpose in helping to hide the gaps between panels and bodywork! Triumph, like many other marques of this generation, were masters of deception on their production lines! There was also a change in the size of the top to bottom measurement of the panel, to allow for updated rear deck shelf area at around TR60,000.

The TR3A/B models left the factory with the panels upholstered in Vynide (Leathercloth). Commonly these days, this material is superseded with Vinyl (Ambla), although Leathercloth (Vynide) is still available if requested (colour dependent). Very few cars, if any, would have left with Leather panels – and if they did, this would have been a special order item. Note when “Leather” is mentioned on the heritage certificates, this is often referring to the Seats and some of the Cappings around the cockpit of the car. See our FAQs for more information. The piping, which was now included as standard on the bulkhead panels, was predominantly in White leathercloth; with possibly a few special orders cars leaving with different coloured piping.

Our panels are templated using the original factory designs – and have been tried and tested for decades on thousands of cars around the world. Our bulkhead panels around moulded to create their shape in-house using a rudimentary vacuum moulded, akin to how these panels would have originally been produced. We, at John Skinners, are also one of the only restorers in the world who can offer the original embossed HF pattern, which is a sentiment to our dedication to offering not only the best fitting items in the industry – but also the investment in the machinery and tooling to allow us to authentically reproduce the parts to the original specifications. Needless to say, this approach to manufacture has made John Skinner Ltd the industry benchmark in quality and finish for your Triumph TR3A/B interior trim panels.

DETAILS

• Available in Leather, Vinyl (Ambla) or Leathercloth (Vynide).
• Two options of automotive-grade leather available to choose from – “grained” or “smooth” surface finish.
• Options to have either of the two original styling finishes – the rare sewn/fluted style or the more commonly seen HF embossed weld pattern style.
• Backing boards are pre-cut on our in-house CNC machine using automotive-grade 2.55mm hardboard wood, correctly moulded to follow the original top-curvature shape.
• Silver Rivet pre-installed on the back of the panel to allow the tonneau capping clip to attached correctly.
• Includes piping on left and right bottom edges; which was introduced as standard from chassis number TS22,014.

Why JSM?

• Made in England, only 50 miles away from the original production line.
• We source only the highest quality raw materials to manufacture our products – including leather from Italy and Scotland.
• John Skinners offer the widest range of colour options on the market – including all the correct original colour combinations, as well as many more custom shades.
• Worldwide material and colour samples service is available upon request, to ensure you get the look and finish your car deserves.
• Our kits are manufactured using the same methods and templates that we have used to great success for 40+ years. Rest assured, we know they fit!
• JSM has contributed to various notable Triumph restorations including TS01, and the much-publicised Triumph TR2 “Jabbeke“ MVC575 restoration project.
• Access to help and advice when it comes time to fit these panels – we have been making and fitting these same parts for a long time – we know all the tricks, and we are more than happy to assist you or your trimmer should you get stuck.

DISCOUNT – purchase this item as part of our Trim Panel Kit bundle to receive a cheaper price.