Carpet Set

On the initial release of the radically overhauled, Giovanni Michelotti designed, Triumph TR4 – the Carpets in the car were one of the most obvious interior parts to see some changes. The most apparent visual difference was related to the overall shapes of the carpet pieces, making them suitable for the fresh redesign bodywork chassis shape. Drawing basic inspiration from the earlier TRs – they kept the circular sewn opening for the Gear Shift Lever, as per the TR2 and TR3 models, and also stuck with a flat rear shelf area directly being the seats, as per the later TR3A/B models. The Front Floor Footwell carpets were extended allowing them the bend up into the engine firewall section of the car, underneath the dash – and although records are not conclusive on this matter – it appears that they may not have been carpet, but instead large rubber mats. The Rear Floor Carpets maintained the rear floor pan shape following the curvature of the tub around the Wheelarch Wheels. The TR4 kept the safety “handbrake” lever mounted on the right side of the gearbox in the footwell area – and so a rather rudimentary hole was put in the tail edge of the Front Floor Mats for this to be positioned through. The Rear Shelf was a large one-piece setup with it folding over the shelf and down onto the tub floor. There were cut-outs at the rear for the differential “diff” hump, and at the front for the prop shaft tunnel. The “A” Post Kick Boards directly in front of the doors were still carpeted, although, for the TR4 models, this was originally trimmed onto a millboard panel – and not directly onto the bodywork of the car, as per its predecessors. Unlike the earlier TR2-3B cars – the Sill areas of the car were also carpeted, with a long strip running from the footwell areas all the way back to the b post quarter panel area fully covering the step area below the door.

As experienced quite regularly with cars of this era – what material was used and which colours were offered for the carpets of the Triumph TR4 is a subject of much debate. There are certainly records that indicate that a large majority of TR4 cars left with a grey/charcoal coloured carpet, most likely in a synthetic “rayon” nylon carpet, most likely with a loop pile. Through our decades of experience, working with owners and restorers of these cars from all around the world – we have learnt to always air on the side of caution when it comes to “certainties” in terms of conclusively stating what was original. We have seen many examples that back up the above notion, but also several other examples to offer that alternatives were also supplied from the factory in cut-pile wool carpet, in matching colours to the main trim. Who is to know for sure, as inconsistencies were common practice on these production lines – and record-keeping even worse! The carpet pieces featured a Vynide (Leathercloth) binding on the edges, although not all edges of every piece were bound. A rubber ribbed heel pad was situated on the Drivers Side Front Floor Footwell carpet (or a whole rubber mat was situated here instead of carpet), as well a small “D” shaped heelpad on the driver side vertical A Post Bulkhead Panel, and a matching “D” heelpad on the drivers side section of the gearbox clutch housing carpet section. The Gearbox Cover itself included a pre-cut hole with sewn surround opening for the Gear Lever “Boot” Gaitor.

Our patterns for these carpets were originally templated using the factory originals. Over the years, John himself has owned and restored numerous TRs – and we have also worked very closely with trimmers and restorers to update and improve the carpets were possible. An example of this has been making certain un-edged areas of carpet pieces wider/longer to allow for easier position and fitment to cater for inconsistencies between the cars. We can offer either Wool or Nylon for your restoration, although we strongly recommend Wool as it is superior in quality, finish and feel. We include the three heelpads as outlined above, but can also offer a universal setup if you prefer with heel pads on both driver and passenger sides. Our familiarity with these cars, correctly templated – with logical improvements based on personal knowledge of the cars – and our use of only most premium raw materials has made John Skinner kits the industry benchmark when it comes to restoring your Triumph TR4.

You may wish to consider our Underfelt Soundproofing Kit to ensure the best fitment in the car, as well as the Carpet Fixing Kit. Replacement A Post Kick Board Panels are also available should your old panels be too far gone to reuse.

DETAILS

• Available in automotive-grade Wool or Nylon carpet; with a rubber latex backing.
• Traditional “e” cross-section binding edge finish – where the material edge trim material tucks round on itself meaning no raw material backing is exposed.
• The edging/binding/beading is made using Leathercloth (Vynide), which was original for this era of manufacture; see our FAQ section below for more information.
• Includes a pre-sewn opening section for the Gear Lever “Boot” Gaitor (actual Gear Lever Gaitor sold separately).
• A total of three Black Ribbed Rubber Heelpads are stitched to (1) the drivers side front floor pan carpet, as well as a small “D” shaped heel pad situated on (2) the driver-side outer A Post Bulkhead panel, and (3) the drivers side inner gearbox clutch housing cover.

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 – demonstrated in supplying the Wool carpet material used for the restoration of Daimler Princess belonging to the King of Sweden, Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.
• 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. We also worked closely with Mark Macy of Macy’s Garage (USA) on his wife’s TR4 – becoming the only Triumph TR to ever score the perfect 100-point score in the TRA Concours D’Elegance – back in 2018. Mark Macys own TR4 came in second place, at the same show – also with JSM trimmed fitted.
• Access to help and advice when it comes time to fit these re-trim kits – 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. As noted above, John himself has used this part on a number of his own TRs, so we are well versed in the fitment process.