Triumphrat

oldebonnie

I have been looking through my references trying to determine when the tubes/triple clamps went from tapered to straight, but I can't find it. Can someone enlighten me please?

Mecchanica

The change occured with the disc brake. Tapered on early bikes, and on the conical hub OIFs.

So, figure 1973

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oldebonnie

Thanks Kim.

Next question: Are the tubes the same diameter and taper the same across the years until '73?

Reason I ask is that I want to use the later wider triple clamps, and might want to use my '66 forks if I don't find a deal on a more complete front end.

Mecchanica

Sorry, but I think the later forks (71-on) are about fifty thou larger. Probably metric. The taper may be different, too, but I'd have to go check that.

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oldebonnie

Up through '70 is still a pretty broad range of interchangeability. I may save a few bucks for the engine if I can find some '68-'70 triple clamps (the wider ones) and just rebuild my '66 legs. Ultimately I would like to go with the '70 legs but I can give that a lower priority. Thanks again Kim.

Mecchanica

All the unit fork tubes pre-oif will interchange in the pre-OIF yokes.
The lower legs are pretty much all the same, save for threads, even the 70 650, which were also used up through 1974 500s, but with the rigid handlebar mounts, ala the C and TT model 650s.
So....you want the Hard Chrome shuttle valve tubes....68-70 650 and to 74 500
Stainless cap nuts for these tubes, 28 TPI, compared to yours at 26TPI
Bottom nuts
Shuttle valves and circlips.
Restrictors and bolts
Drain plugs.
Late seal holders (dust excluders) with the o-rings.
Late yokes.
Late axle.
Hard bronze bushes
Progressive springs

Your sliders and axle caps will work with this fork.

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Triumph old, Triumph new, any Triumph will do.

DAGAD

Let's go back a bit here guys. We seem to be running before we can walk.
OldBonnie, why do you want to use the wider yokes? The twin leading shoe will fit in the 1966 yokes just fine and straight into your hub.
The only reason for the wider yokes was to accomodate the second condition steering lock, moved to the top yoke from the side of the main stem.
I would agree with Mecchanica to convert to shuttle valve operation if you are changing to hard chorme plated stanchions. Please don't be offended but do you know what the difference is between shuttle valve, restrictor rod and conventional damping. Also what have you got fitted in the '66 now?
Roy.

Mecchanica

The 66 frame won't accomodate the top lock, used from 67-on, but he may want the tapped boss for the finned zener pod, used only on the wide yokes. Correct, the DLS plate will fit either wide or narrow yokes.

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Triumph old, Triumph new, any Triumph will do.

DAGAD

Hmmm see where you're coming from Mecchanica, personally I would junk the Zenor in favour of a Tympanium.... however, while the forks are out, spot face, drill & tap the bottom yoke for the Zenor bracket....... yes? Or for originality, just leave it where it should be, on the plate attached to the battery carrier.
Roy.

Mecchanica

The stock yoke has a boss that is tapped for the zener which isn't present on the earlier forks. Sparks makes a combination rectifier and regulator which replaces the rectifier and zener and it looks just like the stock oval finned heat sink.

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Triumph old, Triumph new, any Triumph will do.