Variations/Evolutions in TC production

[4129R]

I don't know if this subject has been discussed before, but has anyone listed the variations/evolutions in production of the cars over the years?

From my limited knowledge the differences between the TC and the TCS are:-

1) Possibly the addition of the front spoiler
2) The silver door sills
3) The rear gearbox mounting bracket and chassis shape V to U
4) The size of the rear brake drums and shoes
5) The brake shoe adjusters manual to automatic by hand brake movement. 
6) 1/2" door hinge pins change from hollow to solid.
7) Fuel tank cap screw fit to flip top. 

Can anyone add more differences?

During the production of the TCS 1973-1975, I have noticed only the following evolution:-

1) An aluminium plate by the radiator stopping rainwater running down the channel and dripping on the radiator fan.
2) Map compartment on the rear bulkhead between the seats.
3) Gas struts on the engine lid
4) Cloth seat inserts
5) At some time they changed the bracket for the clutch cable from chassis mounted to engine mounted to stop clutch judder from engine/chassis movement.

I have noticed the difference between US Federal Spec to UK Spec

1) Zenith/Stromberg carbs to Weber or Dellorto
2) Inset lights in the front and rear wings, (but the last of the UK spec cars used the Federal shells they had left).
3) Different cams for emission requirements
4) US spec cars had manual sliders on the dash to operate the heater direction controls.
5) US spec had 2 wipers, UK only 1.
6) Pipes from inlet to cast iron exhaust (no idea what they are called but presumably emission again.
7) Catch tank right across the engine bulkhead and catch tank by the left fuel tank (oil fumes? petrol fumes?)
US steering column mounted washer/wiper switch and electric pump, UK push pump on the dashboard

Other variations:-

1) Cast iron exhaust manifold and tubular steel 4 into 2 into 1.

Can anyone think of any other evolutions I have missed?

 
 

[EuropaTC]

Hi Alex,

There's a comprehensive list of changes in the book on the Europa by Robinshaw (the one with the green car on the cover). Basically they say;

71.09.18.1000P   Introduction of Uk Spec. Type 74 Twin Cam Europa
71.11.25.2001R   Introduction of Fed. Spec Type 74 Twin Cam Europa
72.01.01.1000Q   Introduction of Export Spec Type 74 Twin Cam Europa

72.02..2150R   Introduction of 352 gearbox on Fed Spec cars
72.03..020Q   Introduction of 352 gearbox on Export Spec cars
72.03..1444P   Introduction of 352 gearbox on UK Spec cars
72.08..1089Q   Revised windscreen trim on Export Spec cars
72.08.1101Q   Introduction of 365 gearbox as optional extra
      Revised reverse indent on 352 gearbox
      Trim sills fitted to body below doors on Export Spec cars

72.08..1658P    Revised windscreen trim on UK Spec cars
72.08..1782P   Revised reverse indent on 352 gearbox
72.08.. 1783P   Introduction of 365 gearbox as optional extra
      Trim sills fitted to body below doors on UK Spec cars
72.08..2469R   Revised windscreen trim on Fed Spec cars
72.08..2684R   Introduction of 365 gearbox as optional extra
      Trim sills fitted to body below doors
      New facia panel & switches, dash & choke/heater illumination
      Introduction of lever operated heater
      Revised reverse gear indent on type 352 gearbox on Fed Spec cars
      
Edit to add - apparently I must have clicked on something while pasting that and submitted before I'd finished waffling, so.....

The TC also came with the front spoiler and I thought the gearbox mounting varied with the gearbox option you specified, apparently the 5sp was an option on the TC but when I was looking I didn't come across one.   I suspect you're right on the door pins because mine were original & solid bar. The CI exhaust manifold was on the basic TC engine, I think the tubular one came in with the sprint engine so that would be logically on the TCS ?

All the trim options seemed to be thrown in towards the end of the TCS including vinyl trim on the centre console which wasn't on the TC.

[4129R]

I met him in Birmingham, and bough stuff from him, and he sold me a signed copy.

He seems to have a thing about windscreens and gearboxes.

No mention of most of the stuff I listed. 

He seems to run out August 1972, so no mention of the later variations.

Next time I buy stuff from him, I will have words.