tr6 build, basket thru GNRS wins

[rhythm oil]

here we go with the story of this build in progress i referred to in my intro a while back.

the original intent was to base the project on a donor triumph. but it just didn't work out that way. so this became a piece-by-piece venture.

after a couple of weeks scouring ebay and craigslist for a mill, i found a '64 tr6 motor at a san fernando valley shop.

it wasn't too bad visually -- no broken fins anywhere, no chains had been flung through the case.

the shop owner and i broke down the motor on his truck's tailgate to see what we had.

the immediate issue was the timing-side piston rusted to the cylinder wall. it didn't take much to break it free. and after yanking the cylinders, we could easily rotate the crank. so i was reaching for the check book.



what i didn't catch on the visual inspection was that the chain tension adjustment section of the case that should have been there . . .



. . . had been completely torn away from the motor's case and a piece of wood (not shown) had been wedged against the tensioner blade to take slack out of the primary chain. i was assured it was the most worn and stretched chain to ever come through the classic cycles shop.



fortunately, they have a machinist who could build back that lost area with welds.



after grinding and milling, it's ready to be tapped for a new primary chain adjuster -- strictly cosmetic, though. we're going belt drive.



the old pistons were only .020 over, and a rebore to .040 is already done.



the cylinder head with valves and guides is also ready to go


we've come a long way. much more to come

[Simon]

This is looking great - I like the work done on the cases. Thanks for sharing the build with us.

Did you keep the extendochain? I have a pile of conversation pieces that I've taken from various bikes over the years - thrown out periodically of course, as there seems to be no shortage of it...

[rhythm oil]

that chain *might* still be somewhere in the shop, but it was so skanky . . .

[flypa38]

Lookin' good! Do you have Wes from Four Aces' rebuild video? Helps a great deal!! Lots of info on here if you search too!
Good luck the rest of the way and whatever you do CLEAN THE SLUDGE TRAP!!!
Johnny

[rhythm oil]

cases are getting tumbled and the springer front end's been ordered. meanwhile, we have this handsome flyrite loner frame to look at.



the one thing we didn't expect to see was this unadvertised feature, a maltese cross fender bracket.



no offense to anyone, but that just wasn't envisioned as part of this bike's design, so it came off pretty quickly.



first among the things that *will* be included is a two and a half gallon triumph tank that's had its surface smoothed for painting and badge holes re-tapped.



by the way, the tank's also passed the pressure test.



and many of you will recognize the oil tank from four aces.



i'm kind'a fond of this license plate tail light combo with a radius that should repeat that of the tire's.



this seat's something i'm anxious to put my butt in.



still just a collection of parts, but assembling the engine can begin pretty soon. and when the wheels arrive, it'll be a roller . . .

[JPV]

Looks great so far. Definitely cutting the maltese cross was in order. I like that seat....who made it? And looks like a Biltwell seat bracket no?

[Troy Fab]

For what it is worth:: These are the kinds of threads I come to the JJ for.
Keep up the good work!
Steve

[El Kabong!!]

Originally Posted by Troy Fab

For what it is worth:: These are the kinds of threads I come to the JJ for.
Keep up the good work!
Steve

Agreed. Gonna be a nice bike. Removing that Maltese cross bracket tells me so!!

[CLASSIC CYCLES INC.]

Originally Posted by JPV

Looks great so far. Definitely cutting the maltese cross was in order. I like that seat....who made it? And looks like a Biltwell seat bracket no?

Seat is from Roberti customs and seat bracket is a Biltwell (of course)....

---Andy

[Jackster31]

The work on that case is phenomenal. That guy should be damn proud.

[Deadbird]

Looking good. Keep the pics coming.

[Barrett]

Did you clean or replace the sludge trap in the flywheel/crank while you had it that far apart.

Seems like a dumb question, some people skip it, sliding to a stop on the highway as you notice that not only is that smoke from boiling hot oil, but, the cases, cylinders, and heads are all broken(rods too, couldn't see them through all the hot oil and smoke!).

Fine work on the case! Looks like it is coming right along!

[rhythm oil]

Originally Posted by Barrett

Did you clean or replace the sludge trap in the flywheel/crank while you had it that far apart?

we haven't begun the reassembly yet. but the sludge trap will definitely not get overlooked.

see how few posts there are in this thread. and already, you're the 2nd person to stress the sludge trap. -- let this stand as a "listen up" to everyone -- not only as a necessary step, but as a step to be done correctly. i've already suffered the circumstances of an incorrectly replaced sludge trap. and if anyone wants to discuss it off line, i'm here to offer my experience. otherwise, i say if you have it stripped down to the crank, just replace that sucker and do it right.

thanks for the input, ya'll!

[rhythm oil]

a little closer to becoming a rolling project. buchanan's finished the wheels and they're now mated with 19-inch firestone deluxe tires, front and rear.



the cases are looking good after a thorough tumbling



and the covers are so highly polished, they almost look chromed



still haven't received the front end, but all the motor parts are laid out in preparation for assembly.



the crank's in fine shape



and both journals are true.



can't say as much for the old, buggered sludge trap that'll be replaced



the rods are in good shape. the left one's gotten a little polish so any flaws will show up. the right one waits its turn.



new pistons



and new rings adjacent to old pushrod tubes that get replaced



barring any problems getting parts, we could be just days away from assembling the engine. and we'll post some video along with more pix. in fact, we shot a little test while andy was working on a customer's bike. this is only a test . . .

[blackcrown]

thanks for making my morning coffee that much better. good thread indeed.

[RetroRob]

Thanks for the pics, keep em coming.

[rhythm oil]

reassembling the motor has begun. the first steps down this road lead us to this new sludge trap . . .



and we want to get from there to here . . .



without any nonsense like here . . .



ancient history, but don't ask

here's the process in action, including a way to ensure it's done properly . . .



see ya next time.

[BRET IRON]

Damn man.. great job so far...keep the pics comin!

[deathwish]

This is the best thread I've seen started in a long time. PLease keep updating, these are the things worth reading.

[sylantbill]

Next to Wes' DVD this is the best help Iv'e seen in a long time, keep it coming man.

[RetroRob]

Excellent !!!

[rhythm oil]

in addition to replacing the sludge trap, andy extracted the old cam bushings . . .



to prepare for new ones



as with bearing races, you gotta heat the case so it expands to accept the bushing



line it up with the oil passageways and drive it home



ramming a steel ball of the correct diameter through the bushing prepares it to accept the cam



finally, you take the cam for a test spin into its new home



here it is in motion . . .

[Greengypsywolf]

Thanks for the sludge trap video. I have been really thinking hard about getting a triumph, but was kinda freaking on whether I'd be able to figure this sludge thing out (only have the most basic of wrenching knowledge, changing oil, tires, etc).
All that to say great fucking video!

[rhythm oil]

about seven weeks into 2008, i brought this worse-for-wear motor into classic cycles to be the core for this project. andy said it looked like it had been dredged from the bottom of long beach harbor.



25 weeks later, it's in the middle of a transformation.



in the process of changing from swamp thing to trophy, it also becomes something of a time capsule.



few will suspect this mill of ever being so unattractive.



however, in the course of this video, you'll hear a reference to its murky past.



next, closing the timing case.

[rhythm oil]

i was tempted to post this into friday art, but thought better of it. anyway, the timing case is sealed up now.



here's a whirlwind glimpse of the process.

[bhead1968]

kick ass video...

[rhythm oil]

here's what the top end looks like now. is this f'n gorgeous or what?



will soon follow up with the transmission. and that will pretty much take care of the mill. we'll put it into the frame at that point and when the belt drive arrives, it'll get installed in place.

until then, here's the cylinder and top end assembly:

[rhythm oil]

take one clean, empty gearbox



and offer up gears and shafts



in a not-by-the-book transmission assembly,



notable for its copious amounts of silicone



and judicious application of the swing press,



resulting in a fleshed out trannie with fully functioning kick lever and shifter



here's the process . . .

[BLACK13]

did he use case sealer on them 2 case halfs?.......looks like she's gonna be one Beautiful Scoot!

[Gepetto]

Steve the motor looks killer and the bike is coming together nicely!! It will be a fun bike when it is done. So if you need someone to ride the other bike let me know, I will take good care of it!

[CLASSIC CYCLES INC.]

Originally Posted by BLACK13

did he use case sealer on them 2 case halfs?.......looks like she's gonna be one Beautiful Scoot!

Yup - I'm always a firm believer in lots of sealer... the more the better!

[rhythm oil]

Originally Posted by Gepetto

Steve the motor looks killer and the bike is coming together nicely!! It will be a fun bike when it is done. So if you need someone to ride the other bike let me know, I will take good care of it!

thanks a lot! really happy that it's coming together so well.

about that other trump, you'll probably have to wrestle it away from tony dunn if i'm not on it!

[Gepetto]

I think I can take him.

[Tony the torch]

if you want to kick my ass you better a couple of
Julio's with you....

[rhythm oil]

with spirits running high all around, we're going to transition to this project's next phase: the mock up.

here's one shot of the motor you've watched getting to this point now in the frame.



more to come within hours in a new thread.

[Gepetto]

Hey Torch, I'll just get some teenage taggers to distract you while I take the bike out.
p.s. I heard one of them was a kicker for santa ana high school!!

[OzMat]

where did you get that tail light / plate combo?

[rhythm oil]

this project's now entering a new phase. but anyone wanting to see what got us to this point should click that image to the left. that's the mud pupppy we started with. but it gave us something to build this project around. final assembly starts here.

and away we go . . .

here's the mostly complete motor, now bolted into its frame. the 19-inch firestone deluxe rear tire is also visible.



side view



the original swoosh. who can say some shoe company's ad agency exec didn't look at that and say, "hey, if we just flip that sucker over . . ." the belt drive still has to go in.



top end on the drive side



essentially the same shot we began with, but from the timing side



like a winged valkyrie



clean



top end on the timing side with oil cooler



rear quarter view that we ended the previous thread with



we'll be back

[billyd]

Damn, that's a fine looking motor.

[rhythm oil]

Originally Posted by OzMat

where did you get that tail light / plate combo?

DreamWeavers Custom Taillights

they can put together any combination of what you see on their site.
http://www.dreamweaversprostreet.com/upgrade.htm

[bhead1968]

Curious... parts and labor...what would that cost retail? or should I say what would you charge? I can get rebuilt 650/750's all day for $3000. beautiful though.

[CLASSIC CYCLES INC.]

How much for which part??? Motor or the whole bike....

---Andy

[bhead1968]

motor only...

[CLASSIC CYCLES INC.]

Triumph 500 and 650's cost $1500 - Labor. Part and Machining are extra, depends on how much you want to replace/new or speed equipment. $500 - extra for bling.

----Andy

[bhead1968]

very reasonable...especially if you get the outcome above. Thanks and good luck on the build..I'll be watching...

[rhythm oil]

Billdozer2 posted this shot in the biltwell blog so it's his photo credit. check out the bsa pipes mocked into the spigots and awaiting modification. that's a 5" rear fender from justified defiance just resting on the rear tire. up front, tony "the torch" fabricated an axle that would connect the 7" drum to flyrite's shorty springer.



another "torch" modification in progress . . . opening up the frame's rear axle locations and notching them to receive triumph chain adjusters.



this image was among the 1949 life magazine photos hatch linked to on jan 4. in my mind, it confirmed my choice in handlebars.



and here they are mounted in the v-twin dogbones. the bars will be just right with a couple of inches cut off each end. those tree ears will get a trim so they won't be sticking out like electrodes on frankenstein.



she's off the lift and on the ground for the very first time. this new perspective convinced me to replace the front tire with the same size as the rear. it'll give her more of a vintage board tracker look.



great ass, huh?



rear wheel hooked up with the newly installed axle and chain adjuster.



the other side, just to prove it's not a hollywood prop.



i gotta say, it was really sweet to straddle that saddle after so long.

for the socal crew doing the meet 'n greet this sunday at classic cycles, ya'll can quiz andy and tony on how it's coming along and how far we've come. i have company in the house or i'd join ya. have a great ride.

[6T Sinner]

Cycle looks great! Really can't beat a stock Triumph tank for purposeful Beauty.

Also, I believe this thread should be stickied as "how to set the standard in streamlined and thorough thread building".

Great story, great storytelling.

[R-U-Up2-It]

She's turning out beautiful,I can't wait to see more now.

[Steve/stockers]

Crackin looking motor......... Loving the bars too........

[old.wrench]

Real nice, clean lines. Got me thinking about going back to a stock tank. I'm really liking the bars too. Where do they come from?

[rhythm oil]

Originally Posted by old.wrench

Real nice, clean lines. Got me thinking about going back to a stock tank. I'm really liking the bars too. Where do they come from?

thanks a lot -- those are flanders vintage indian type bars from sideroadcycles.com. sideroad appears to be the retail sales arm for flanders.

[Troy Fab]

I have been following this build, it is looking good. Where did you get the rear tire from?
Steve

[Jason_CHC]

super nice so far, did you make the finned rear mounts? they look great and I really like them with the finned rocker oiler.

[rhythm oil]

Originally Posted by Troy Fab

I have been following this build, it is looking good. Where did you get the rear tire from?
Steve

thanks steve.

both front and rear are firestone deluxe champions. i thought andy got 'em from coker. but he may have gotten 'em elsewhere. the front is 325-19 and the rear is 400-19.

[rhythm oil]

Originally Posted by Jason_CHC

super nice so far, did you make the finned rear mounts? they look great and I really like them with the finned rocker oiler.

those are classic cycles, inc. products -- and i'm proud to have 'em -- andy says there are only 15 sets in existence!

[Troy Fab]

Originally Posted by rhythm oil

thanks steve.

both front and rear are firestone deluxe champions. i thought andy got 'em from coker. but the front is 400-19 and the rear is 450-19. coker appears to only have the 400. so he may have gotten 'em elsewhere. will try to get that info for you.

I,m sorry I meant rear wheel?
Steve

[big_b]

love the bsa pipes, good idea

[CLASSIC CYCLES INC.]

Rear wheel is stock Unit Triumph laced to a 19" loop...

Andy

[Troy Fab]

Originally Posted by CLASSIC CYCLES INC.

Rear wheel is stock Unit Triumph laced to a 19" loop...

Andy

Just sent you a PM
Steve

[jonnysocko]

Looks great! Lets race!

[rhythm oil]

hey, we're taking the frame, tanks and fender for painting this weekend, so it's time to catch up this thread . . .

no one will know this machine is running a bob newby clutch and belt drive. the whole deal fits perfectly behind the drive-side cover.



we're keeping it real and simple with a 389/19 monobloc



here's everything buttoned up with a regina chain also on it



the bike in mid may includes a temporary headlight mount and a more narrow rear fender



tony the torch fabbed and circle city's jimmy white welded this elegant piece (yet to be polished) for the swing arm. it allows the springer fork to accept a twin leading shoe drum



the dogbones gave way to handlebars with a lower profile. they replicate some harley EL models from the 40s



almost road ready with the front 325-19 firestone now upsized to 400-19 like the rear. she runs strong . . . and loud



details remain, but we're closing in on completion.

[DRPD66]

great build! really enjoy the videos

[big_b]

what about those exhaust tips? ive been looking for a pair of megaphone type tips for a long time.

[rhythm oil]

Originally Posted by big_b

what about those exhaust tips? ive been looking for a pair of megaphone type tips for a long time.

just sent you a pm with the info.

[Charles]

When form meets function....beautiful.

Originally Posted by rhythm oil

like a winged valkyrie

[rivera]

looks like a quality build. more pics and a video please.

[rhythm oil]

The frame arrives from T Markus Customs and immediately impresses everyone with the quality of the work.



The oil tank arrived with the frame. It quickly went on, followed by the gas tank a couple of weeks later.



Torch and Gepetto install the fender.



Add a motor and it's a beautiful thing.



Torch applies the knee grips.



One of the motor mounts that Classic Cycles designed and produced goes on.



A view with knee grips and seat added.



Another angle.



And finally, a closer look at the striping on the tank.



For anyone who'd like to see what got us to this far down the road . . .

The thread containing the initial work on this build is here.

And the thread with our mockup from start to finish is here.

More to come . . .

[dirtymexican]

Not the color scheme i would have originally picked, but damn that all flows nice together. Very nice work on something with a little different color!- link worked for me

[6T Sinner]

That is disgustingly beautiful. You make me feel shame for my own efforts.

By the way, your first link doesn't work for me...

[CLASSIC CYCLES INC.]

Originally Posted by dirtymexican

Not the color scheme i would have originally picked, but damn that all flows nice together. Very nice work on something with a little different color!- link worked for me

The colors will tone down a bit when we get all the satin black trim parts on the bike.
man you can see the work the painter put into this bike when you look at the welds on the earlier assembly pics.

as for the links, one works and one don't

[rhythm oil]

Originally Posted by 6T Sinner

That is disgustingly beautiful. You make me feel shame for my own efforts.

By the way, your first link doesn't work for me...

thanks for the heads up on that bad link! it's fixed.

many friends are helping move this project along. it's their skills you appreciate. with only my solo abilities, this would be a post about an unattainable idea.

[rhythm oil]

Originally Posted by dirtymexican

Not the color scheme i would have originally picked, but damn that all flows nice together. Very nice work on something with a little different color!- link worked for me

thanks, man! we set out for "different" in the beginning!

[greasystain]

thats pretty

[rhythm oil]

Originally Posted by greasystain

thats pretty

yeah, it is. and it's bad. just the way i like my wimmins.

it's running a bob newby clutch and belt drive with a 21 tooth sprocket in the trans.

[byronj76]

That is a beautiful bike. I have a 70 TR6 that I am doing and i hope mine is even close to looking like yours. Glad that oil tank looks good to cause thats what I am running myself

[rhythm oil]

Originally Posted by byronj76

That is a beautiful bike. I have a 70 TR6 that I am doing and i hope mine is even close to looking like yours. Glad that oil tank looks good to cause thats what I am running myself

hey man, keep us posted on how it's coming. we're in the same general area.

you probably saw wes' post about that oil tank like i did. nice, huh?

[byronj76]

Originally Posted by rhythm oil

hey man, keep us posted on how it's coming. we're in the same general area.

you probably saw wes' post about that oil tank like i did. nice, huh?

I found it before I started posting her and then I found this little gold mine called Jockey Journal. if you want PM me with you info and maybe we can meet up and talk bikes sometime. This is my first Triumph & build so its all trial & error for me right now

[hillbillyhell]

That is looking great. Colors work really well together, they're BEGGING for lots of polished and stainless stuff!

[rhythm oil]

Originally Posted by hillbillyhell

That is looking great. Colors work really well together, they're BEGGING for lots of polished and stainless stuff!

thanks a lot! really!

we drew from a naturally occurring color palette. for the "launch," we're already committed to chrome wheels and spokes that you see in the mockup. otherwise, most of the remaining pieces, other than the pipes, are going out for black powder coating.

what specifically were you thinking about?

i really admire your work.

[Troy Fab]

Awesome Job!!

[BRET IRON]

Bang On Job!

[Olgraybeard]

Classy ride!

[Cali Kingpin]

Yeah,that is comin' along very nicely.

[Toecutterp]

Nice, love the stock tank

[papawheelie]

More, more, MORE!!!

[-BW-]

can I ask, how much stretch on that frame?

[CLASSIC CYCLES INC.]

Originally Posted by -BW-

can I ask, how much stretch on that frame?

It is a Fly Right frame and they only come in 4" over.
it took a lot of work to get it where it is now.

[servi53]

that thing rocks, beautiful work. George

[Troy Fab]

Is that fender being held on be just (2) bolts? Any stuts going to be added at the back?

[CLASSIC CYCLES INC.]

Originally Posted by Troy Fab

Is that fender being held on be just (2) bolts? Any stuts going to be added at the back?

Yep. the strut is in for chrome, Just on the tips. and then going to be black powder coated on the loop.

[sickboy_13]

Would have never picked out that color combo...but for some reason it just works!! Can't wait to see the finished product.

[cholo.]

Very nice. I also dig the color and the stock tank.

[image1]

wow!

[Tony the torch]

Originally Posted by CLASSIC CYCLES INC.

Yep. the strut is in for chrome, Just on the tips. and then going to be black powder coated on the loop.

I am planning on completing this bike by the BORN FREE bbq and bike show that we are hosting at our shop on Sept. 26, all you JJ's in the so.cal area are welcome to come by have a beer some tacos and see this bike and many others and it is all FREEEE ! .
See the Born free thread here on the JJ or our web site for contact info http://www.ClassicCyclesInc.com

[rhythm oil]

the fork may not be absolutely final. debating black vs. brown and black



the head steady, about which there's no debate



ya'll know what this stuff is



working our way around



strut and stripe detail



molding and strut attachment detail



and back around to the fork we're still pondering



black or brown and black?

later

[flypa38]

I think the black looks sharp. If your not completely set yet, maybe a black seat?
It's so clean looking....can't wait to see pipes on it!

[Glider]

Some brown on that fork might be nice.

Beautiful bike you built there!

[rhythm oil]

well, we resolved that fork-color issue. here's a walkaround . . .













still some fabrication, cutting and fastening details to do. but she's off the lift!

[supercrouton]

Very cool. Love the colors. Great job.
Cheers, Dan.

[crebo]

shit that bike is clean! awesome work...

[Slack]

Wow!
Great compromise between straight-black and straight-brown on the springer. I think it sets the bike off perfectly.
And the color works really well with the whole bike put together..

Nice Job!

[servi53]

love what you've done with it, classy as hell

[elementdependent]

Those bars look cool on there. Nice Job.

[Harry047]

Love it.

[fishnuts]

solid.

[210ken]

Bravo, nicely turned out. Thanks for choosing chrome for the rims instead of the butterscotch color.

Ken

[Troy Fab]

That is really nice!

[cholo.]

hell yeah. when the forks were still black I thought it might be a nice contrast, but i was way wrong the brown looks great man.

[Rigidspeedtwin]

wow, very nice job on this bike rhythm oil. can i ask where you got the pipes? i've been looking for pipes with a nice round sweep like that. i'd like to find a1 3/4 diameter set with those big sweeping curves.

[justrob]

Originally Posted by Rigidspeedtwin

wow, very nice job on this bike rhythm oil. can i ask where you got the pipes? i've been looking for pipes with a nice round sweep like that. i'd like to find a1 3/4 diameter set with those big sweeping curves.

Those look like BSA headers to me. I agree they look great!

[Rigidspeedtwin]

i found early in the thread that they are bsa pipes with different spigot ends welded in. does anyone know of anybody making big sweeping pipes shaped like these bsa pipes to fit on pre unit triumphs, or will bsa pipes fit?

[Gepetto]

They are B.S.A. pipes that we redid/ modified the ends on to fit Triumph spigots, we then had to fix the radius to match the bike. B.S.A.'s pipes come out of the head at a differant angle than triumph, so they took alot of massaging to fit the bike. Absolutely not an off the shelf pipe at this point.

[rhythm oil]

since we last checked in, the finish on the forks has been getting refined. we want the non-textured lower legs as smooth as the frame.



the primary cover has also gotten some attention. last time you saw it, it was just the way it left meriden.



that left the newby racing clutch and belt drive tucked away and out of sight.



here's the cover now, exposing the bob newby clutch.



closeup of the pressure plate



and a bit more of the interior visible looking toward the front



the bike's on a lift now. when it comes back down you'll see the treatment closer to reality.

[Harry047]

Cant wait

[6T Sinner]

This one is looking inspiring. Keep posting updates!

[model-a-fan]

Timeless!

[lowbrowcustoms]

Primary cover cut out showing Newby belt drive is awesome. Very nice.

[Lurkingclass]

I can't wait to see this one finished- nice work guys!

[jyingling]

where did you get the rear axle adjuster???? bike looks real f ing sweet....

[Tony the torch]

Originally Posted by jyingling

where did you get the rear axle adjuster???? bike looks real f ing sweet....

The axle adjusters are just the old stock Triumph adjusters that we have cadmium plated.
The whole trick there was cutting off the Flyrite frame Harley type axle mounts and making them into Triumph style mounts.

[Dan Boy]

Love the primary, good job.

Cheers Dan

[No honestlyitsme]

the only thing i would change are the bars, otherwise very classy bike

[Loffer]

its beautiful, nice work!

[Rolands]

Damners Lookin :O)

keep it up More .more .more .............

[rhythm oil]

aka tr6 build



For long-time JJrs, you know it's been a long haul getting this project to completion.



Here's a previously unseen feature . . . a distinctive, hand-machined, hemi-shaped ignition cover with no apparent fasteners.



Exposed copper fittings and junction on the rocker oil feed complement the polished fin edges. This is a pre-detailing photo.



A Smiths chronometric speedometer tops the fork tree on a custom bracket.



The bracket emerged from sketches done in the shop and rendered in CAD prior to fabrication in carbon steel.



Pinstriping by Vandemon has a striking impact on the frame and fork, especially in contrast with this brake stay.



Detail of the timing-side axle plate with fender mount and pinstriping.

*

[rhythm oil]

Here's the '69 hub cover we initially used on the front wheel's flip side.



Tony the Torch lobbied for switching out the '69 hub cover with a '66-67 part. He argued it was more in keeping with the rounded arcs of the ignition cover and pipes. Good call.



Completing the newby drive installation included a brushed finish on the pressure plate topped off with polished nuts.



This bike wasn't built for show. But its completion coincided with the GNRS. So we entered.



And the judges liked what they saw. They voted us triple award winners: First Place Class Award, Outstanding Detail Motorcycle and Outstanding Overall Motorcycle.



Props also go to Tim Martin for his '71 Triumph. It took two awards: a 2nd Place Class Award and another for Outstanding Engine. Our bikes were displayed nearly taillight to taillight. And we watched people pause and point and talk about his bike for several minutes. The same crowd would look at ours briefly and then move along. We thought he'd leave us in the dust. A real crowd pleaser!



Back at home, we have to get on with life. But after the long haul, it's nice to have been recognized for the effort.

In a world of V-Twins, we'd be remiss in failing to congratulate Triumph builder, racer and video entrepreneur Wes White along with his fellow video icon "Meatball" for wins in their respective classes.



*

[camoback]

devils in the details, Wow !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[whitexk]

great looking bike, alot of improvements from the last time i saw it at the born free show. superb work i love the 34 tail light and the paint layout of both the fender and the tank. btw i was the annoying young kid asking you all the questions. great looking shop, probably the cleanest/ most professional vintage shop i have been to.

[Metalman123]

GREAT bike one of my all time favs but help a newby out here where is the battery? Mag? Again one of the best!

[rhythm oil]

Originally Posted by Metalman123

GREAT bike one of my all time favs but help a newby out here where is the battery? Mag? Again one of the best!

thanks -- torch has your answer!

[Tony the torch]

Originally Posted by Metalman123

GREAT bike one of my all time favs but help a newby out here where is the battery? Mag? Again one of the best!

This bike has no battery and no mag, it has a Boyer ignition and a Boyer "battery eliminator" charge system. It fires up on one kick and the lights come on as soon as it runs.

[MANGOLD]

Beautiful Triumph. Well done.

[Coco]

Originally Posted by Tony the torch

This bike has no battery and no mag, it has a Boyer ignition and a Boyer "battery eliminator" charge system.

Is that the Boyer Power Box you are speaking of with the built in capacitor?

[Anvil]

Stunning bike. Real craftsmanship. Thank you.

[Tony the torch]

Originally Posted by Coco

Is that the Boyer Power Box you are speaking of with the built in capacitor?

yes, it is an all in one deal. rectifier, regulator, capacitor unit with a switching circuit that allows all the power to go to the ignition unit and only after the ignition system has full power it sends the surplus power to the lighting circuit. it is called a "Boyer battery eliminator, with light delay" it is just a bit larger than a pack of cigarettes and costs about $160. we have installed several of these and love them.

[Metalman123]

Thanks torch for the info my t140 thanks you too mabe one doy I will have one half that great

[ngarff]

That thing is gorgeous! I love it!

[Coco]

Originally Posted by Tony the torch

yes, it is an all in one deal. rectifier, regulator, capacitor unit with a switching circuit that allows all the power to go to the ignition unit and only after the ignition system has full power it sends the surplus power to the lighting circuit. it is called a "Boyer battery eliminator, with light delay" it is just a bit larger than a pack of cigarettes and costs about $160. we have installed several of these and love them.

Thanks Tony. Some online shops call it an eliminator and some a power box. Just making sure I was looking at the right one. I think iw as as the unit I was loking at had a delay for the head light to come on. The Boyer box does not call for resistor plugs/wires does it?

[Tony the torch]

Originally Posted by Coco

Thanks Tony. Some online shops call it an eliminator and some a power box. Just making sure I was looking at the right one. I think iw as as the unit I was loking at had a delay for the head light to come on. The Boyer box does not call for resistor plugs/wires does it?

there are several models of Boyer charge units available, one without the battery eliminator one with it and one with the light delay.

[CLASSIC CYCLES INC.]

Originally Posted by whitexk

great looking bike, alot of improvements from the last time i saw it at the born free show. superb work i love the 34 tail light and the paint layout of both the fender and the tank. btw i was the annoying young kid asking you all the questions. great looking shop, probably the cleanest/ most professional vintage shop i have been to.

Thanks for the compliments! And don't worry, we never mind answering any kind of questions. Your welcome over here anytime.

Andy

[Troy Fab]

Love it! Awesome Job!!!

[Dragon]

What delicious detail....congrats to you guys again...

[CRAP]

Originally Posted by Anvil

Stunning bike. Real craftsmanship. Thank you.

yes! what Anvil said.

[Charles]

Seriously cool bike...I mean, hell, even the speedo is f*cking cool!

[skidmarkjunkies]

Congrats guys and the bike looks great!!!

[JayBee]

nice

[Rob Axel]

That Primary / Clutch is frigg'n awesome!! Great work!!

[La Dolce]

Wow, I remember when you started on this.... Super good!

[REVHAPPY]

thanks for the great thread, the bike is 1st class, congrats on the win you deserve it

[DirtyDeeds]

WOW! What else can be said that hasnt been said already?! Excellent color choices and wise decision on the final tire size choices. Outstanding... any one interested in motorcycles would appreciate this. Congrats on the trophies!!

[Tony the torch]

Here is an update on this bike..the owner has just under 1000 miles on the odometer now, he loves it and rides the shit out of it. there is a couple of rock chips in the paint but he is ok with that,
The couple of changes we made on the bike is the tires, we swapped out the Firestone's for Dunlop K70's. He could not stand the way the Firestone's tracked out on the freeway, and we swapped out the Boyer ignition for a Pazon ignition because of low voltage kickbacks on start up.

[supercrouton]

Outstanding job guys! I especially love the way you cut out the primary cover just over the clutch, That has got to look killer when the motor is running.
Cheers, Dan.

[Kuyote]

Damn this thread has been inspiring! Makes me feel bad that I'm reading it instead of working on mine.

[Tony the torch]

Originally Posted by supercrouton

Outstanding job guys! I especially love the way you cut out the primary cover just over the clutch, That has got to look killer when the motor is running.
Cheers, Dan.

Hey Dan: a cool thing to do while the engine is running is pull the clutch and reach down with your fingers you can stop the clutch basket from spinning, those Bob Newby belt drives are the shit, if you try that with a QPD you be missing some fingers.

[Lucio]

Congratulations! One of the best builds I ever saw!
I REALLY like a Triumph with perfectly vertical cylinders. Sorry, I don´t want to upset other bike´s owners, but I don´t like those Triumphs with slanted back engines.
Only thing I´d do different: a slightly shorter rear frame. I like bikes with the engine mounted midway between wheel centers.
Lúcio

[Rotten Egg]

Hey Tony,
Could you post some pictures of the custom front axle you made?
I'd really like to see it, & I bet there's allot more work in it than someone looking at it might think.
It looks to me that the ends of the axle are drilled & tapped, so you don't have to unbolt one of the levers to drop the wheel.
Correct?
I'd like to do the same, so some details would really help. Like what size stock did you start with, etc.
Rick.

[Tony the torch]

we used a stock Triumph axle because of the brake plate retaining nut and bearing spacers, the axle diameter is machined down to fit in the rocker and slide in the rocker 1/2 way then the outside locating washer is also machined to fit 1/2 way into the rocker and the then the 3/8" diameter allen bolt goes through everything and is threaded into the axle. it is done that way so you can remove the wheel. you need to spread the rockers about a 1/2 inch and the wheel will come out.

[slayed]

thanks for one of the best and most comprehensive build threads yet....and very nice bike! thanks again man.

[Tony the torch]

Originally Posted by Lucio

Congratulations! One of the best builds I ever saw!
I REALLY like a Triumph with perfectly vertical cylinders. Sorry, I don´t want to upset other bike´s owners, but I don´t like those Triumphs with slanted back engines.
Only thing I´d do different: a slightly shorter rear frame. I like bikes with the engine mounted midway between wheel centers.
Lúcio

The frame is a one piece frame from Flyrite, it did not start out as a 2 piece Triumph frame and there is no rear section.

[servi53]

outstanding work and results

[WTF D00D]

damn shes a beaut

[rhythm oil]

Originally Posted by supercrouton

Outstanding job guys! I especially love the way you cut out the primary cover just over the clutch, That has got to look killer when the motor is running.
Cheers, Dan.

you're right--it does look killer when it's running. and i haven't manned up to sticking my fingers in the basket--clutch in or clutch out. check out this pic taken on the dyno last march and let's all give props to torch for his muy grande cojones!



anyone want to give it a shot?