----- Original Message -----
From: Geo Hahn <geohahn@theriver.com>
> Since this has come up a couple of times recently... I just stamped a new
>commission plate for the TR4. Highlights at:
>
> http://www.geocities.com/tucson_british_car_register/tr4-commission.html
>
> I see that the plate that Bill D plans too have available soon will have the
>weight designated in kilos which is (I think) correct for a 4. The plate I
>received from Moss had 'lbs', presumably suitable for some later TR.
Hi Geo,
I'm still researching the exact plates fitted to the different models
through the years - let's just say the situation is complicated! The early TR4
had a unique plate which showed the particular vehicle type, as did most other
Triumphs during the early 1960s. Early in 1964, a new universal plate was
introduced which was applied to pretty much the whole Triumph range, however
stocks of the remaining type specific plates were used up - some models did not
receive the new pattern plates until 1965 - I don't know how this applies to
the TR4 and I'd be interested in any feedback from late TR4 owners regarding
the types of plate fitted to their cars. This new plate is the one with the
weight shown in Kilos. The plate was further changed to reflect the seatbelt
mountings being approved to British Standards, which came into effect during
1965, hence the "BS AU48:1965" stamped onto the bottom margin of later plates.
I don't know at which point this marking was introduced, but 1965 or shortly
after is a safe assumption. There were several other changes over the next few
years, including the change to weights recorded in lbs and the offset of the
plate to give a large margin at the bottom and none at the top. There were also
several model specific plates introduced around this time with different types
being used for different markets. I don't pretend to know all the answers yet,
but I am doing my best to provide all of the different patterns.
On the web page you note that the stamping is "if anything a bit straighter
and more evenly punched than many originals". The original commission numbers
were stamped as a block, excepting the last numeral, which was individually
stamped. What this usually means is that the prefix and digits all sit nice and
square and stamped with the same weight, then the last numeral is struck offset
slightly and usually has a deeper impression. Stamping this way allowed the
plates to be block stamped in 10s, rather than the dies be swapped after every
impression. It appears that the suffix was stamped independent of the other
characters. This is the method I am using in finishing my replicas.
Cheers,
Bill.
--
Rarebits4classics
.......just what you've been looking for
PO Box 1232
Calne
Wiltshire
SN11 8WA
United Kingdom
http://www.rarebits4classics.co.uk
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