Volts:

Three types of voltage gauge was used

Early volt meter – This gauge does not have a curved lip as the later style of volt meter had.  this gauge is also green in the center:

More common TR7 volt gauge used through 1980

1981 model year with battery icon:

Fuel:

Two types of fuel gauges were used in wedge dashboards

early gauge, used until 1981:

1981 model year fuel gauge with fuel pump icon:

Clocks:

Two types of clocks were used in wedge dashboards, a cable operated clock and the later push button clock

Cable clock:

1981 model year pushbutton clock

Tachometers:

The TR8 has a tachometer with a 5500RPM redline, The TR7 tachometer has a redline of 6500RPM.  I’ve also seen a TR7 tachometer with a redline of 6000 RPM

6000RPM redline TR7 tach:

6500RPM redline TR7 tach:

5500RPM redline TR8 tach:

Speedometers

There were so many different styles of speedometers used in the TR7/TR8 it’s quite amazing

140MPH cable reset speedo:

140MPH cable reset speedo, only odd values for speed printed on the gauge:

80MPH cable reset speedo:

220KPH cable reset speedo:

220KPH push button reset speedo for 1981 model year:

140MPH push button reset speedo for 1981 model year:

80MPH push button reset speedo for 1981 model year:

TR7/TR8 Dashboards / Instrument Clusters.

It’s my hope with this page to illustrate all the different dash clusters that were shipped with the TR7/TR8 during it’s production run.    Use the key below to understand what informational light is assigned to which number.

Here is a very early 1975 dashboard with a couple of unique features.  The Tachometer has a 6000 rpm redline and the volt meter has a green zone.

3 – REAR DEMIST
6 – BEAM
7 – IGN
8 – OIL
9 – BRAKES
10 – FASTEN BELTS
11 – CHOKE
12 – LOW FUEL
13 – EGR SERVICE
14 – UNUSED

This dash is a NOS Prototype TR8 dashboard.  On this model, although it is a 140MPH speedometer, only the odd MPH values are printed on the gauge.

3 – CHOKE
6 – OXYGEN SENSOR
7 – IGN
8 – OIL
9 – BRAKE
10 – FASTEN BELTS
11 – PARK BRAKE
12 – COOLANT
13 – BEAM
14 – FUEL

This dash is a 1980 TR8 dashboard.  US Law required an 80MPH speedometer.

3 – CHOKE
6 – OXYGEN SENSOR
7 – IGN
8 – OIL
9 – BRAKE
10 – FASTEN BELTS
11 – PARK BRAKE
12 – COOLANT
13 – BEAM
14 – FUEL

This dash is a 1981 Canadian TR7 dashboard.  km/h speedometers did not have any MPH data written on them, so I guess Canadian guests to the US were expected to guess :).   This model year had several major changes – both the clock and the speedometer have a push button coming out of the face.  All other gages have a pictorial diagram on them explaining their function.  A battery on the volts gauge, a picture of a fuel pump on the fuel gauge and a thermostat picture on the temperature gauge.  The information display down the center has also been changed from words to icons.

3 – CHOKE ICON
4 – OXYGEN SENSOR
7 – BATTERY ICON
8 – OIL ICON
9 – EXCLAMATION ICON
10 – SEATBELT ICON
11 – PARKING BRAKE ICON
12 – COOLANT ICON
13 – BEAM ICON
14 – FUEL ICON

1979 Triumph TR7 Project

Chassis Number: TCT100307UF
Original Color: Platinum Silver.  This is a really nice color!


    I have always liked the look of the convertible TR7, the coupe.. well, let’s just say I didn’t.  Anyhow, I had the opportunity to get this TR7 because the engine blew oil (probably worn rings).  The body is in remarkable shape for a series of cars known for rust problems.  It has spent most of it’s life down in California which means no body rust.  However, all the rubber is shot.  (easier to replace rubber than metal).  I have several plans for this car.  First of all, I am replacing the engine with a rover V8 w/ fuel injection supplied by Ted at TSI.  I purchased a “TR8 Conversion Kit” from S&S Preparations in the UK.  Very nice guys to deal with and the kit is very comprehensive.  I have also purchased a complete interior trim kit from Rimmerbros, blue leather and a blue mohair top and boot cover.
    While the car is all stripped down and I’ve always wanted to do this… I am going to convert the car to RHD.  I purchased all the necessary components to do this from Robsport in the UK.  The transmission I plan on using is from Triumph Rover Spares, their Toyota Supra conversion.  The rear end will be changed to have a much better rear axle ratio.  I’m thinking of installing a modified ford rear end.


Here are some photos of the car made by the previous owner, he had a golf course in is front yard!