Hello and Welcome TR Enthusiasts to Revington TR´s May Newsletter.
I can’t believe its April already and Revington TR’s first event of the season has just taken place, that being our open day on the 10th of April. For those of you who were not able to attend it was a great opportunity to have a look around our facilities and with any luck spot something you wouldn’t of realised we had available. If you weren’t able to attend, don’t despair, we are already planning a similar event for next year, the date for your forward diary is April 9th 2011. We were blessed with the weather as the sun shone all day, which doubtless accounted for the significant number of TR’s that turned up: at one time we had 5 royal blue TR5s on site! I trust those that attended got out of the day what they had hoped for, learnt a little bit about what Revington TR can offer, perhaps took away a bargain, but at least had a chance to chat with
like minded TR folk. We have some ideas for expanding the event for next year. If you have any ideas of your own, we would be delighted to hear them.
Many of you will be pulling the covers off your TR by now, however the rally season has started unusually early for 6VC and myself, this year. I have already taken part, with navigator Bernard Northmore, in the 3 Legs of Mann Rally. This was a great event allowing us to explore all the roads of the Isle of Man...at least twice! The rally consisted of a series of regularity sections and driving tests much of which was on closed roads, meaning that it wasn’t necessary for the organisers to keep us within normal road traffic regulations, the result being a pretty hairy flat out rally. To read a full report, with photos, please
click here.
The year has started off well; we have had plenty to do in the workshops, so we are pleased to say things are looking up. We are all very excited about our new racks that have landed and are now in stock. For the first time in a very long time all steering racks fitted to the earliest TR4 right through to the latest TR7, both left hand drive and right hand drive, are now available, having been remade to original specification. There are a few technical issues which may be worth mentioning here. We have been asked if the racks differ in any way to the original parts. The general answer is no, each individual rack has been faithfully copied from original samples, to ensure a perfect fit and for its operation to be identical to the original part. This means for instance, that a late TR4 steering rack whilst visibly the same as a TR4A – 6 steering rack, has been made
with the discrete differences, notably in the length of the track rods, to ensure that it fits perfectly to a late TR4. Also, to ensure unwanted bump steer is not introduced, features such as the distance between the inner ball joints and fitment height have been faithfully reproduced. In addition the number of turns lock to lock, appropriate to each of the steering rack types, is identical to the original sample.
There are however small differences, late TR4 and TR4A racks have plastic anti-vibration buttons fitted through holes in the outer rack tube. These have been omitted, as these new racks are manufactured using modern technology, not using 1960s technology, the internal design means that no such devices are necessary. The rack will give many years of stirling service, without any need for maintenance, just as you would expect from a steering rack on your modern car. As the internal mechanisms use modern technology (our supplier is an original equipment supplier to General Motors) there is no need for the application of grease at maintenance intervals as the racks are lubricated for life, as a result the grease nipple has been omitted. We realise that the grease nipple is used to secure the earth tag on cars where the rack is rubber mounted. With the absence of the grease nipple an
alternative means is needed for earthing the rack. Our fitting instruction tells you how to overcome this.
Finally a button similar to that found on the TR4A rack tube is present in the early TR4 rack tube, all be it made of aluminium. We believe this button was used on the assembly line to speed up alignment within the aluminium clamps. This button can be more trouble than it’s worth and therefore the facility for its location has been omitted from the early TR4 rack. More information on this subject will be found in the fitting instructions provided with each rack.
With our workshops full and the promise of better summer weather than we have had for a few years, we are in high spirits and looking forward to another season of TR activity. Every year I promise to do more Hillclimb and sprints in our championship but never seem to find time to do more than 3. Roger McEwen our championship co-ordinator has had a fine battle with the MSA to get our championship rules approved for 2010, but with perseverance we now have an approved set of regulations. Thanks as ever Roger for your hard work in administering our Hillclimb and sprint championship. It’s always a pleasure to see our customers and friends at events and so that you know where to find us please click here
for a list of venues and dates of championship rounds for 2010. I hope to see you there.
Until next time,
Neil Revington
The days are getting longer and a little warmer. Spring must be here! We had our first OPEN HOUSE on the weekend of the 10th April and as Neil reported it went very well. I hope you were able to make it, I very much enjoyed talking to all those that attended, so thank you for coming.
You will be aware by now that the new steering racks have finally arrived and are selling well. We have a full range from TR4 early up to TR7, so give us a call if you need to order or require any further information.
Over the years we have built up a full range of roll over bars and full cages for road and competition use for the TR marque. As there are so many options we have been working on rationalising our roll over bar/cage part numbers. There has been some confusion on numbers previously so the numbers have now been made a little easier to understand. This has been done in conjunction with a matrix to help identify what is best for your application. As there is such a wide range of roll over bars they are usually made to order (though some are held in stock) but we are working with our supplier to speed up the production process to minimise lead-time.
Click here to view a matrix of our complete range
Click here to browse and buy from our website
While I’m on the subject of the web, it has been growing in popularity over the last 12 months. Last month saw the highest number of visit and sales. With a full catalogue of original and Revington parts, search-able by description or part number it is now easier to use than ever. If you have not used it lately it will definitely be worth a revisit. With a new special offer each week this weeks offer might be just the part you are looking for.
We are also starting to think about the International in July. Still a way off yet but just to let you know in advance, we’ll be there.
I’ve kept it brief this month but there is always so much to tell. If you need to discuss any of your requirements or need any further information please give myself, Bill or Neil a call.
Enjoy driving your TR over the next few months and speak to you again soon,
Alan Goodwin |
