Convertible Soft Top Hood

The TR4 “IRS”, with the introduction of the Independent Rear Suspension (IRS), was unofficially dubbed the TR4″A”. To glance at, the Soft Top Convertible Hood looked similar between the two models – but upon closer inspection, there are various areas of evolution. The Convertible Hood on the earlier TR4 model featured a unique, and quickly discontinued method for stowing the retracted down metalwork of the hood frame behind the rear squab bulkhead cover. The theory of this worked, but in practice, the process was a little clumsy and time consuming due to having to remove the actual material cover prior to folding the metalwork away. As a result, Triumph updated this process on the TR4A models and all other proceeding TR models after that. They designed a Hood that remained attached to the Hood Frame metal sticks even during the folding away process, thus eliminating the need to physically remove the cover before this process. Once folded down around the rear deck area of the car a sewn material Hood Frame “Envelope” Cover, similar to the ones used on the earlier TR2-3B models, was used to cover over the Convertible Hood and Framework. Due to the fact that the Hood and Framework were mounted together and remained as a unit when folded down at the rear of the car, the combination of the two was a lot bulkier in size when compared to the earlier versions. As a result, Triumph flattened the top of the rear wheel arches on the interior of the car to allow extra room for this bulkier Hood. This led to the changes to the interior upholstery and panels used for the Quarter Panels and Bulkheads. The Soft Top still included the 3 rear window set up as per the previous TR models; and these were then HF/RF welded into position. There was a significant update to the front of the Hood and the method used to attach this to the windscreen frame. The updated TR4A Hood was made longer with excess unfinished material on the front edge, allowing for the header rail to be wrapped with this material – with the three-piece metal channel and rubber seal then attached to this hood frame metalwork. Using clamps/toggles located inside the car near the centre sunvisor mounting bracket – the hood frame was attached to the top edge of windscreen frame. The rear edge of the Hood also featured some excess material on the underside which was wrapped around a metal assembly bar which was then bolted to the rear deck bodywork of the car, with male lift-a-dot “pegs” left exposed for attaching the Hood Frame or Tonneau Cover. Akin to the TR4 version – an additional left to right flap was sewn in the middle of the underside of the Soft Top with studs inserted – which was used to wrap around the horizontal Hood Frame rod above the drivers head, and secure in place. The side gutter channels on the left and right edges were also updated, but followed the same concept and served the same purpose.

The majority of Triumph TRs left the factory with PVC Hooding – this is effectively a pvc vinyl plastic material with a waterproof membrane, and featuring a grain in the surface of the material to imitate vinyl/leather. The actual material used was Everflex (known as “British Everflex”) – which was an ICI trade name for PVC Hooding (think “sticky tape” and “sellotape”!). Some special-order models may have left with Deluxe Mohair Canvas. The clear plastic windows at the back were made in a Vybak plastic. The TR4 to TR6 Soft Tops all seem to have been available in either White, possibly Off-White, or Black Everflex from the factory production line.

Here at John Skinners, we have patterns and templates for the Triumph TR4A Soft Top Hood, all designed using the factory designs and donor cars – of which John has owned a few himself. These same patterns and manufacturing processes have all been used consistently for 40 years – to good effect with our kits winning many awards the world over. However, please be under no illusions – the Weather Equipment elements (Soft Top Hood and Tonneau Covers) are tricky to fit, even for an experienced trimmer. We strongly urge you and your professional trimmer to contact us for directions on the best methods for fitting these items, as some fitment processes are irreversible. These parts are not meant to be easy to fit – that’s why when they are done correctly, the material is as tightly pulled and tort as a drum. Remember that a well-made kit still requires skill and attention to detail in order to fit it successfully, but a badly made kit will never yield good results. Don’t leave this to chance – use a John Skinner kits, and ensure you fully understand the process of fitting before you start.

We can offer these kits in the original PVC “Everflex” Hooding, or in the more premium Deluxe Mohair Canvas material, in a variety of colours to suit both the “as original” enthusiasts, or those after a more custom finish to their restoration.

You may wish to consider our Tonneau Cover to complete the external “Weather Equipment” set.

DETAILS

• Available in automotive-grade PVC Hooding (Everflex) or Deluxe Mohair Canvas.
• Three plastic “Vybak” windows, High-Frequency welded in place as original for these models (only for PVC versions, Mohair versions are sewn).
• Edged with the traditional “e” cross-section binding edge finish – where the material edge trim material tucks round on itself meaning no raw material backing is exposed.
• Includes excess material on the front edge for re-trimming of header rail during the fitment process.
• All “Female” fixings are included. These are supplied loose, not pre-inserted – see FAQs for more information.

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 by using on the premium versions of both the PVC and Mohair Hooding ranges. In both of these materials, there are cheaper alternatives available which many other suppliers opt to use. Please see the FAQs for more information on this.
• 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 weather equipment parts – 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.