[TR] TR4 panel lamp rheostat

[Karl Vacek]

After more consultation with TRF, it appears likely that the earlier part 
had longer threads - the current rheostat superseded another one that 
superseded the original, all many years ago.  On metal-dash TR4's it was no 
problem anyway.  On TR4A's, TR5/350's, and TR6's, the rheostat was moved to 
the center panel below the dash, where it's only thin metal.

Only the wood-dash TR4's appear to have a conflict.  Wood dashes on TR4's 
had originally been a factory option, but were apparently made standard at 
the end of TR4 production.  Mine appears to be from the factory, it's in the 
right commission number range to have had a wood dash, and the metal behind 
it is indeed the metal that goes with a wood dash, as opposed to a metal 
dash that someone put wood over.  They're obviously different, and the 
difference is simple to spot when the glovebox is open.

And the DPO didn't want a rheostat - in fact he wired around all the 
original switches, using a toggle-switch panel below the dash.  Glad he 
didn't throw anything else away (except the ash tray, which got the same 
wood plug treatment).

Anyway, I've got to either find a good original rheostat, or make up an 
extension thread for the new rheostat I have.   Geez I wish the old TV 
repair parts store was still here.  If I can't find something standard to 
screw together (maybe a lamp parts supplier ?), I'll probably be spending 
some quality time with the lathe.

Thanks!
Karl



> I imagine that your dash was an aftermarket part. I imagine the wooden 
> plug is there because the PO that put the dash in couldn't get the 
> rheostat to fit, just as you struggle.