Triumphrat

barnett25 · 04-18-2008

I have a 72' Triumph Daytona 500 that my Dad bought around 1984. It had recently been rebuilt and bored +.060 when he got it. He rode it less than 25 miles and ended up parking it (got a Harley to ride instead). It has sat ever since.

My uncle started to work on it several years ago, and in the process of removing a spark plug, broke it off in the head. He also mangled the cross-pipe for the exhaust. My Dad and I have since removed the piece of spark plug and ran a tap through to chase the threads.

I am now at the point that I am ready to do a restoration on the bike. I plan to get the frame powder coated and work my way up from there. I will have to do most of the work myself due to my budget. I have done machining and welding in the past, and consider myself pretty decent with engines; however I have no experience with motorcycles or more specifically Triumphs.

I am confident that most of the questions I will have can be answered by reading through this excellent forum, books and manuals for the bike, and other internet resources. However I do have a couple of concerns specific to my situation.

First, the engine: Given the history that I gave for the bike, what would you consider to be a reasonable path to take? Does it need a full rebuild? Just certain seals replaced? And finally, can all of the engine work required be done in a home shop with no specialty tools other than what can be purchased for relatively cheap?

My only other question is how hard is it going to be to find a replacement crossover pipe?

OzBloke · 04-18-2008

Barnett25,

You're going to love doing this, and be frustrated by it at the same time, but in the end, when you take it for the first ride, and someone comments about your classic Triumph, it will all be worth it.

IMHO, it time for a complete stripdown - if you don't do it now, you'll be kicking yourself in a couple of year's time, because you'll be doing it then. New bearings, seals, gaskets right through, rings, and don't forget to do the sludge trap in the crankshaft. Read the manuals several times, and then re-read each section as you get to each area on the restoration. Take heaps of pictures as you go - before and after. Most of the work can be done in the home workshop, although there are a few special tools that make the job so much easier and better - eg the tappet block removal/insertion tool. When you've rebuilt the engine and understand how it's constructed and operates, fault finding down the track will be immensely easier. Find youself a local guy that can provide good quality parts, and possibly assist with some of the harder workshop stuff.

Biggest tip I can give you at this stage is that if you don't know for sure, ask. The guys on this forum are always willing to help with solid, sound advice and information.

Exhaust balance pipe won't be a problem to find from virtually any Brit parts supplier.

Ahobie17 · 04-19-2008

My 1970 T100C is freshly restored, by me of course, did all the work myself, except spraying paint and machine work to the engine, boring, balancing, valve job and the like. Very easy to work on, check out my space page for some pictures
(http://home.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user)
Neat little bike which likes to rev, only 110 miles on her so far.
Just a note, put dielectric grease on all the electrical connections, keeps corrosion at bay, also an oil filter. I've got one oil filter bracket to sell or you can make it. You can find the spec's and picture here (http://s151.photobucket.com/albums/s...iumph%20T100C/).

htown16 · 04-19-2008

You might want to check out a DVD by Wes White of 4 Aces Cycle. It walks you through the rebuild of a 650 Triumph, but I think the general information would work for a 500.

barnett25 · 04-21-2008

Thanks for all the great advice! I am currently looking on Amazon for a few books to help with the process. Besides the DVD that was mentioned, what books do you recommend to get me started? (I already have an old service manual).

quagmire · 04-21-2008

I had three things: a workshop manual, parts manual, and Hughie Hancox's DVD. The DVD is for a 1970 650, but the basics may be the same.

I highly recommend the parts and workshop manual. Any good supplier should have them.

Where are you located? We could then point you to a good local place for parts and mechanical work.

barnett25 · 04-21-2008

I live in Huntington, WV.

quagmire · 04-22-2008

I know a couple good suppliers up here in the Northeast. Not sure about WV. All places will mail, though.

barnett25 · 04-23-2008

I found a place called Walridge online out of Canada I believe. They seem to have everything.

quagmire · 04-23-2008

Only problem with Canada is the exchange. I think the Canadian dollar is worth more than the US dollar right now.