Triumphrat

Ridin' High · 10-22-2008, 07:29 PM

Hey guys I've posted a few questions and am definetly a newbie around here and to bikes in general. I've been wrenchin for years, on boats, on trucks, on dirtbikes. I've been inspired by a triumph I saw parked up by UCLA and since I've got this old girl resting (read rusting) in my backyard/garage/shed (basically anywhere I could fit it) I figured its time she get the love she deserves.

So I took a couple pictures and after asking a few questions I decided I should share what I've got.

Front angle

650

rear angle

GrandPaulZ · 10-23-2008, 11:07 AM

The good thing is that's a '67 Bonnie, very nice. The bad thing is that the frame has been chopped.

Either tear out all the Bondo and properly fair in the frame welds, then build it into a cool retro chopper, or find a good unmolested frame and refurbish it into a classic Aubergine & White (or Aubergine and Gold) Bonnie.

jimmy bush · 10-23-2008, 02:51 PM

Ok, GPZ. what feature allowed you to identify this as a 67 instead of a 64? Not trying to hi-jack the thread, just wanting to learn something.
Where are my manners, welcome to the forum "riding high"

Ridin' High · 10-23-2008, 05:53 PM

I'm interested to know how you saw that and I believe you are right. I think when we were talking about it, we were also talking about the 64 chevelle (malibu) and I got the years confused.

I'm having a hard time deciding which way to go. I do like custom choppers, but I also tend to be a purist. In this case not having a clear picture which way I'm going to go, I've been leaning toward just cleaning up what my dad started some forty years ago. He did it when he was sixteen and had limited resources.

When you say the bad thing is its chopped, is that because you see a problem or are you just a purist also?

Thanks for the welcome guys and I look forward to your input. Please remember that this bike has a good deal of sentimental value to both of us.

GrandPaulZ · 10-23-2008, 09:06 PM

Hee hee

That's funny, I was working on pix of mine and my brother's "twin" '67 Bonnies when I came across your photo, and I guess I had '67 on the brain.

'63 through '68 are virtually indestinguishable from that resolution photo. '66 and later could be determined by the speedo drive if the speedo cable was installed from a photo such as the one you posted.

Beyond that, I'd really need the serial number stamping to verify year.

I only refer to the chopped frame as "bad news" because you can rake a Triumph without hacking the frame. Typically, that's not easily reversible, if at all. Also, Bondo can hide bad and dangerous welding; no matter how it's refurbished the Bondo MUST be removed and the welding inspected for safety.

Red1959 · 10-23-2008, 10:31 PM

I removed a bunch of bondo, and found the metal was rusting! If you're good at fabricating, the rear end of the frame needs attention as well. I'd take everything completly apart to see what is salvageable, then go from there. Maybe create a TRIBSA or Triton or a bobber using the existing frame. Try and find a local Britbike club. You'll find members with their own talents and resources. Look at it like this; take evrything apart and clean each piece, decorate your garage with cool parts that one day, you will ride down the road.

Ridin' High · 10-28-2008, 06:47 PM

Hey can any of you guys direct me to sites or user galleries with pictures of some of the options of ways to go with this bike. I'm still trying to get a fix on what to do. I do like the chopper idea, since I'm already kinda on that track, but also enjoy the simple lines of going original.

jimmy bush · 10-28-2008, 09:41 PM

You can take it either way. You've got the main ingredients for original lines if you so choose in that the main frame and engine are there. The frame doesn't appear to have been raked or the extended forks wouldn't put the front end so high. A set of original length fork tubes from Franks Forks (or is it Forking by Frank, I forget) is somewhere around $200.00 but there are cheaper options. You can get rear frame sections pretty cheap off ebay all the time or could fabricate a rear tube yourself if you're handy that way. If you go chopper you're half way there already. My preference is the original lines. I like they way they handle compared to most choppers I've ridden. Which ever way you go it's going to take time and money to do it right.

Ridin' High · 10-30-2008, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrandPaulZ

Hee hee

That's funny, I was working on pix of mine and my brother's "twin" '67 Bonnies when I came across your photo, and I guess I had '67 on the brain.

'63 through '68 are virtually indestinguishable from that resolution photo. '66 and later could be determined by the speedo drive if the speedo cable was installed from a photo such as the one you posted.

Beyond that, I'd really need the serial number stamping to verify year.

I only refer to the chopped frame as "bad news" because you can rake a Triumph without hacking the frame. Typically, that's not easily reversible, if at all. Also, Bondo can hide bad and dangerous welding; no matter how it's refurbished the Bondo MUST be removed and the welding inspected for safety.

Just a follow up, I've been doing some more digging and research. The rear end of the bike was changed to accomodate a smaller seat and remove the rear fender.

The front of the bike was not chopped. The rake comes from an extended front end. The bondo was applied to accomodate a p nut tank from a Harley.

I think I'm going to stick with the extended front end and the chopper look for now since thats what I have. I intend to replace the tank and have a custom tank made. I will be changing the seat and the sissy bars. I haven't decided on the handle bars yet.

Thanks for your input so far. Sure has been helpful in terms of getting me thinking and researching. I'm learning a whole new jargon, again, it seems every time I take on a new hobby or career interest the hardest part is learning how to speak the language.

GrandPaulZ · 10-30-2008, 09:17 PM

You said the welds under the bondo were rusty, that means it definitely WAS chopped. Be careful!