[TR] TR4 panel lamp rheostat

[Karl Vacek]

My TR4 is a late commission number, and came with the wood dash, which should
be correct.  The PO removed the panel lamp rheostat and turned a wooden plug
to full the hole, and then covered the whole dash with wood-grain
fabric-backed vinyl wallcovering.  Really.

After removing the lovely wallcovering and discovering his customization, I
ordered the Lucas rheostat from TRF.  It's real Lucas, and the number matches
that sold for TR4 thru TR6.  Problem is, the threaded portion is at least
1/16" too short to extend through the thickness of the dash and leave threads
for the bezel, even without the rear locknut and washer.  It also appears that
the wood dash stands off the metal panel behind by a little over 1/16" too.
Before forcing and possibly bending the metal, maybe someone else has seen
this ? Shouldn't the wood and metal panels be flush against one another, which
would probably allow this thing to fit ?

Thanks!
Karl Vacek
'16 Model T Ford Touring
'40 Stearman PT-17
'46 Piper J-3 Cub
'64 Triumph TR4
'78 MG Midget
'99 Mustang Cobra convertible
etc.....