Triumphrat

loctitekid · 07-14-2010, 08:55 PM

I've had this bike since 1974. When I got it, it was a badly put together cafe racer. Because it was the 70's I made a mild chopper out of it. It had more Triumph parts on it as a chopper than as a cafe racer.
As I have become older and more boring I have been gradually bringing it closer to original.
I have finally obtained a fuel tank that is reasonably close to a 1959 tank, to replace the existing 1969 tank. I plan to put all the correct fittings on it, and it needs to be painted.
My question: Can anyone help with colour? The engine number is 6T027353.
Thanks and regards,
Neil.

Edit:
The first picture is from 1996, by which time it was no longer a chopper. The second picture is today, with some more original parts and a rebuilt motor and box. Still the 1969 tank, seat and front end.

DAVE M · 07-15-2010, 05:46 AM

http://www.raskcycle.com/techtip/p1959.html

loctitekid · 07-15-2010, 07:10 AM

Dave, thanks for the link. It shows exactly how the colour should be applied. The pinstriping directions are invaluable. Even though the bike is not going to be original or correct, I'd still like to have some info on Thunderbird colour schemes for that year.
Cheers,
Neil.

loctitekid · 07-25-2010, 08:59 PM

Thanks to BushyBester's post of July 22 in Vintage Technical Tips, I now know that my bike was Aztec Red when it left the factory. [I thought it was Gold. Re-read the post with my eyes uncrossed, and found it was Aztec Red].
Thanks for your help so far. I will update this thread from time to time as I make progress on this bike.

loctitekid · 08-08-2010, 07:58 AM

I have also (from this forum) found this link to brochures:
http://www.classicbike.biz/Triumph/B.../Brochures.htm
It confirms the colour, and shows chrome side trims on the tank. Anybody know if it had gold pinstriping?
Cheers,
Neil.

RetroRod · 08-17-2010, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loctitekid

Thanks to BushyBester's post of July 22 in Vintage Technical Tips, I now know that my bike was Aztec Red when it left the factory..

Hi Neil,

Just catching up on this thread, always good to see photos.

I mentioned to you that I owned a '57 or '59 T6. This post reminds me it had a Black/Red tank. It seems likely then that someone applied Black over the original colour. Black was popular in '64 as it is today.

I do like the old tart in all black and lots of nice chrome. RR

loctitekid · 08-27-2010, 03:38 AM

The oil leak that made me pull the bike off the road is now greatly diminished, thanks to this forum.

Because I'm on a budget, I'm improvising as I go. The aim of this rebuild is to have a reliable daily ride that looks the part. As far as possible I go for an original look, but I have no qualms about using 12V electrics, a halogen headlight bulb, a little oil cooler and an external oil filter.

I have decided to go with all Aztec Red for the tank and front guard, and Aztec Red with a black centre strip and gold pinstriping for the rear guard. The front guard is about '69, so does not have a raised centre.

A few Pics. Cheers, Neil.

GrandPaulZ · 08-27-2010, 09:36 AM

Loctite: I like the way your brain works re: special tools.

loctitekid · 08-27-2010, 11:28 PM

Thanks. It all adds to the fun of messing about with these old machines.

Dropped off my parts for painting today.
Cheers,
Neil.

loctitekid · 09-07-2010, 03:13 AM

The back of the battery case was mangled by the previous owner (prior to 1974), so I have no problem modifying it to take an external oil filter. This way there is no risk of damage from flying debris, and if I am careful there should be no mess when changing the oil. If I am careless, the oil should drip on the ground and not on the bike.

Cheers,
Neil.