Triumphrat

wldjay69 · 04-28-2009, 09:31 AM

I bought my 68 bonnie from a friend last summer. Rode the bike everyday and loved every second of it. I have ridden it a few times this spring and it has developed a smoking problem from the left side of the head. i am thinking that the valve guide needs to be replaced so i am endeavoring to tear the bike down fix the problem and do a general overhaul (after all the bike is 40 years old and to my knowledge never had any real work done to it) I have purchased the Hanes as well as the original shop manual along with the Hancox video (has anyone used this video? if so i would love some feedback) I am a fairly competent wrench and don't foresee any problems but we all know how that goes. I am thinking of redoing the electrical and that poses a problem...electrical is not my thing. i have a wiring diagram but might as well be looking at a caveman drawing....i have no idea what i am looking at

is there any how to video or manual that caters to the "not so smart" electrician? thanks in advance for any help and advice that is given.

GrandPaulZ · 04-28-2009, 10:14 AM

jay, welcome and thanx for getting another project thread started!

Electrical is a couple of notches below rocket science, so there is no need to fear. Bonnies are actually quite simple in the harness, so if you've got a decent shop manual diagram you'll do fine.

ONE WIRE AT A TIME. What else can I say, it's that easy. Before you just start disconnecting anything, or (God forbid), cutting any wires, just compare them to the diagram, one at a time, and perhaps trace each one with a colored pencil once you've verified you have it right; then, move on to the next wire.

If you have an electronic ignition, you'll need the appropriate diagram for it, and you'll find that the condensers and some of the associated wiring is no longer employed; you have the option of removing redundant wires at that point, if you intend to re-wrap the harness.

I'm going to modify the name of this thread to reflect the bike's model.

wldjay69 · 04-28-2009, 12:26 PM

GPZ,

Thanks for the sound advice. slow and steady puts the bonnie back together again. any opinion on the honcox video? i have heard that its worth it if its your first rebuild. thanks again for all the help. i will take pics of the process and try to keep everyone up to date on the project. that was you guys can talk me through the things i screw up

GrandPaulZ · 04-28-2009, 01:37 PM

I got the Hancox video years ago, stuck it in the VCR and watched about 10 minutes of it before I fell asleep; for some reason I've never tried to watch it again.

I've heard nothing but positive reviews of the video; the video itself had nothing to do with the one time I started watching it.

Kev_England · 05-10-2009, 09:50 AM

Jay,
I'm restoring a 68 Bonnie too. My first british bike, so Im new too.
Im still sorting out wheel/frame items then I will move on to the electrical and then the engine.
Once ive got most of the frame items done ill update my project thread with photos.
Keep us updated here. Photos would be great!
For some reason, not many ppl in this forum post photos. I tend too since it really helps with getting good answers.
Cheers, Kevin.

wldjay69 · 05-16-2009, 09:11 PM

Kev,

I am doing it a little backwards from you. I started by pulling the engine and from there will re-wire and whatever else needs done. Its not as bad as i thought it would be. It was harder to get the engine out of the frame then it has been to take it apart

wldjay69 · 05-17-2009, 12:30 PM

Got a little more work done today. Took the cover off the clutch side. the bolts holding it on were Phillips head bolts. was thinking of replacing with hex or alan head bolts. any thoughts? After getting it open i removed the stater and the magnet also got the clutch cover off and clutch plates out. How do i get the clutch shock absorber to lock so i can loosen the nut. Anyone have a method? I was thinking of welding 2 clutch plates together so that the splines will match up with the shock absorber and the outer casing. I think this will keep it from moving. I am stuck until i get over this hump. any help would be greatly appreciated.

-Jayson

Kev_England · 05-17-2009, 12:35 PM

Jay--thanks for the pics. Nice work.
Be thankful you bought a complete bike. I bought a 70% finished bike and although i got a great deal, im finding its extremely thrustrating to just get the right nut and bolt for every little item. Parts book numbers dont seem to be correct and/or Prev. Owner tapped in different bolts/nuts. Plus thte lag time in mail ordering parts.

If i ever buy another one of these bikes, I WILL BUY A COMPLETE BIKE (preferebly running!) Its easier to replace an existing part rather than find the right missing part. Big lesson!

wldjay69 · 05-17-2009, 12:45 PM

Thanks kev-

I don't envy you at all

that's got to be a giant pain in the butt. Do you have a local shop that could help? Hey i have a cousin that lives in Raleigh. I have been very lucky so far. things have come off as they should and i have had no real trouble and the engine parts look good so far. (fingers crossed) it stays that way. well keep us posted on your project. are you ordering parts from the UK? Try theses guys they are in Minnisota may cut down on delivery time. www.klempfs.com

-Jayson

GrandPaulZ · 05-18-2009, 03:38 PM

Just take one of each old clutch plate and drill them through on opposite sides (set them in place to mark them first), then bolt them through. You still need to hold the thing from turning, much easier done in place with the chain still on!

You can always take a piece of pipe and flatten one end, then bolt it up with the two plates, to use as a handle.