Triumphrat

stogadog · 08-30-2007, 09:44 AM

Hello there all!
Ive just got back form the manx with a yearning for an old triumph. It'l be my first classic if I get it so I'm hoping for a bit of advice.
The bike in question is a 1958 3t 350 twin. It's in nice nick and starts and rides well (although Ive only been up and down the street on it.
I was wondering what the spares situation is like and how much upkeep these old ladies need. I know she won't run on unleaded but are those additives any good.
Also the price is £1300 which seems cheap to me - I'd be grateful for any advice before I commit myself and get some more imperial spanners!

GrandPaulZ · 08-30-2007, 10:11 AM

The price sounds reasonable if it's in very good shape.

Parts are easy enough to come by, especially in the motherland.

Don't expect the bike to do well on extended highway rides, especially if you weigh more than 150 lbs.

DAGAD · 08-31-2007, 03:28 AM

Hi Stogadog, if it's a 1958 then it will be a 3TA. A 3T is a completely different bike. As GPZ says, parts are readilly available, locally to you and via mail order. Confirming what GPZ says about power, the 3TA makes at best 18bhp and while it is a great little bike, hills and head winds do take their toll.
DO NOT use fuel addatives it will run perfectly well on 95 unleaded.
£1300 is a good price, but for that I would not expect it to have the original tin ware. You should also check the engine and frame numbers match, the engine will start 3TA H***** and the frame number will be H*****. Also check these against the V5c registration doc.
My first Triumph was a 1958 3TA and it was a great little bike, but don't expect too much.
Roy.

stogadog · 08-31-2007, 05:03 AM

Thanks for the tips fellas! I think that the tin ware is original. I knew that it was a 3ta but I forgot there was a 3t as well. I shall check the enigine numbers and frame numbers today if I get the chance. Sounds like I won't be going very fast then!

GrandPaulZ · 08-31-2007, 10:40 AM

If it's original bodywork, you've got a good deal there!

daveforty · 08-31-2007, 12:42 PM

Article on 3TA / T90 in this months (September) issue of Classic Bike Guide.

stogadog · 08-31-2007, 06:14 PM

Boo hoo!!!
Just phoned the guy with the bike and he's sold it to someone else so Ive missed out. darn it. Shouldve said I'd have it when I saw it. Thanks again for advice though.

Nickwiz · 09-05-2007, 09:06 PM

Not suprised it sold if all tinware was original that was a low price. Whoever it was got a bargain! Next time be quicker. I have a T100a I think the 3TA is a unit engine like mine. Aparantly when new these bikes had the lowest warranty claims in the Triumph range so I'd say they were good.