Triumphrat

kiwee · 06-10-2006, 04:54 PM

Can anyone help me out with some petrol tank info.

The only real issue with my bike is that the tank has seen better days (a lot better). I am unsure if I should repair or replace because someone told me that the tank I have is not correct for the bike.

I understand there is the "breadbox" , "Seamed" and "Seamless".
Can someone tell me if different tanks were used for different years or were they pretty much optional.
I have the offer of a very clean seamless tank but dint want to put on my Tiger if it is incorrect for the year and model.

KADUTZ · 06-10-2006, 07:21 PM

Don't know what is on your bike so I cant say if its correct or not

Triumph used 3 different different "bread box" tanks between Late '71 and 81.
The one used in 71 & 72 had a Seam down the middle for a chrome trim strip.
In 73 the seam was removed and the strip no longer used. this tank was used from up to and including the 77 model year.
As far as the mounting rubbers on the frame backbone I am not sure if both were the same or not as I have never been able to acquire a 72 UK parts book.
My assumption is that they were different. With one being a little taller than than the other. This is the case in the 73 thru 77 "bread box" tanks which use two different backbone rubbers and the difference is as previously described.
With the 78 model year Triumph changed the tank, but only slightly. This change was to the petcock location that were moved slightly. Also tank backbone mounting rubbers were
no longer different as both carried the same part number. (I assume for fuel flow reasons due to the petcock location change)
In '82 a totally different tank design was used due to a supplier change,I believe.
Be aware if you use the breadbox tank you MUST USE a UK seat as it is a bit shorter than the us model. Failure to do so will cause the tank to crack and leak.
Also I believe the exception is the 77 Silver Jubilee. This bike is shown in the 78 parts book and I believe it uses the 78 up tank as all other standard parts are 78 model.
If I get time later I'll go recheck as I have one of each above tanks here.

Tank you for your attention

kiwee · 06-10-2006, 07:38 PM

Kadutz, Thanks for all the info.
That would indicate my tank is wrong. My tank is seamed down the centre (top) but has no trim. The only trim is around the the central hold-down bolt. This is then covered with the rubber grommet with the Triumph badge on it. Also the badges on my tank are what they call "eyebrow"???.
Would you mind having a look at this address and telling me if this is what I should have? Cheers

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...px?id=59074128

KADUTZ · 06-11-2006, 12:38 AM

Sounds like you have a 71 or 72 tank on your bike. I looked at the pictures on the web site you mentioned.
The tank shown is a 73 or later and is the style you want if you want a "US" style tank. I will stick my neck out and say the one pictured is a '79 or later T140D or 80 or later T140E
(same as a 79 1/2 T140E US). I don't believe that the badges shown will fit if the tank was 73 to 79 TR7, T120, T140V or T140E (different center points on the screw holes if I remember correctly) I think the T140D's and 80(79 1/2) & 81 750 unit twins shared the same fuel tanks with different paint. This is with reference to US style tanks.
The one think I do not like about the tank shown in studs in the front botton of the tank. These should be bolt holes.
May be something may be nothing
In trying to double check this info I referred to The TRIUMPH TROPHY BIBLE by Harry Woolridge. In that book it states as 1981 Extras "The TR7 could now be ordered to any specification, US or UK,with any one of six colour schemes."
Also this same book pointed out a detail I failed to mention
earlier. Iif you purchase a seat for you bike it has to be from an 81/82 as the pan pressing was different do to the fact the Electro's had a large battery (YB14AL-2)

As I'm typing in this postion we are watchin Neil Young on the TV, your bike, a 1981, is 25 years old, and my 70 was delivered to the original owner 36 years ago.
Dang I feel old.

By the way I'll try to make time to measure center points of the screws on my T140D & T140E tank badges tomorrow.

[ This message was edited by: KADUTZ on 2006-06-10 22:45 ]

KADUTZ · 06-11-2006, 10:48 PM

took some measurements to day of bread box tanks
7172 tanks petcok hole is about 2 1/2" from seat end of thak
73/77 tank petock hole is about 1 1/2 " from seat end of tank
78 TR7 tank petcock hole is abou 6" from seat end of tank
77 silver Jubliee tank is Missing in Action

Re tank on web
tank is 79 T140D or 1980/81 T140 or TR7 based on badges shown in picture

kiwee · 06-12-2006, 02:22 AM

Kadutz,
Cheers for that - owe you one.
Ill have a bid and see what happens. Hopefully I will have a spare tank for sale.
Thanks again, appreciate your effort.

KADUTZ · 06-12-2006, 11:14 PM

I just looked at last nites postings apologize for the typos
I was really tired
gonna change one thing take the 79 off the T140D thinking only of US models. Tank was used 79 on later home and general export model T140 D's with US style tank