Triumphrat

Distracto · 09-07-2007

Hello, I just purchased my first Triumph, and am very excited to learn about, and fix her up.

It is a 1964 T120 frame with a 1969 T120V engine, that has been chopped into a hard tail bobber.
The engine starts right up and runs great. The frame was cracked, so I took everything off and found 2 other breaks and am currently having that worked on.

My questions are:

While I have the engine off I plan on replacing all the cables and hoses. But I would like to do as much as possibly while its off to clean/fix it up... is there anything you would suggest doing?

What is the best oil (and gear oil) to use when I change that? Synthetic?

Would it be okay to put degreaser on the engine and pressure wash her?

Anything you would recommend is very appreciated, I am eager to make this a great bike.

Thanks

rmak · 09-07-2007

Welcome, Distracto. About the best advice I can give you on that '64 is to sell it to me quick. It's junk and you won't like it.....no, just kidding.

You probably would be better off asking those guys in the Classic, Vintage and Veteran forum these technical questions. I've been reading the posts over there about vintage bikes and they know their stuff.

It's included in the Classics and Cruisers Discussion Forums in the column on your left.

Distracto · 09-07-2007

$10 bucks cash its your's.... jk

Thanks for the tip, I didn't even see that one. I'll try there.

davidc · 09-07-2007

Hello Distracto. What I would do, since the motor runs, is before I took it out of the frame is check everything I could while it's in there, like the compression for example. If you can, check the electrical parts for voltage output, charging system, oil leaks, etc, then take the motor out. Many things are easier accomplished while on a bench, like pistons/rings, valves etc. If all is good with it, then just clean it up. Certainly get a Haynes manual for that model; you'll need it.

Good luck!

ssjones · 09-07-2007

Set the timing, adjust the carbs. Hope the sludge trap isn't gummed up...
Pop a picture up, I'd love to see it. I'm rebuilding a '66 hardtail Bonnie.

uzidzit · 09-08-2007

[SPLIT THE CASES AND CLEAN AND INSPECT THE SUMP!!!!!!!!
Now is the time I do not care how well it seems to run now there is absoultly no way to tell if it is CLEAR, or 75% plugged!!

If you Do not want to tackle this yourself check out collinscycle.com they are the only, only Triumph shop I've been to in years. They do restorations for customers all over the world and will be fair on the money and it will be right!

If you look recently a lad on the forum screwed up his '67 T120 on the general forum(not sure if this was the problem or not but a good bet).

When they are this old and you do not know the history split the cases now is the time!

davidc · 09-08-2007

Do you feel strongly about this issue, Uziditz?

You are right. Who knows what life this motor lived before.

uzidzit · 09-08-2007

I have blown a perfect 700 original mile T110 100% clogged!

And I did not learn the lesson and spun a bearing in my old Commando!

sometimes I'm a Little THICK!l

ssjones · 09-08-2007

Steve, the owner of Collins Cycles is a great guy and it's a great shop. They sell new Triumphs and offer vintage parts/service. I stop by every chance I can, which is maybe yearly in my work travels. Steve stops what he is doing to talk to me and show me updates, etc. I'd buy a new (or used) bike from him in a heartbeat. They are just East of Pittsburgh.
http://www.collinscycle.com/

Quote:

Originally Posted by uzidzit

[SPLIT THE CASES AND CLEAN AND INSPECT THE SUMP!!!!!!!!
Now is the time I do not care how well it seems to run now there is absoultly no way to tell if it is CLEAR, or 75% plugged!!

If you Do not want to tackle this yourself check out collinscycle.com they are the only, only Triumph shop I've been to in years. They do restorations for customers all over the world and will be fair on the money and it will be right!

If you look recently a lad on the forum screwed up his '67 T120 on the general forum(not sure if this was the problem or not but a good bet).

When they are this old and you do not know the history split the cases now is the time!

Distracto · 09-08-2007

Is that the Sludge Trap I have been reading about?

http://www.thehorsebc.com/sludge%20trap.htm

I think I am going to try tackling these sorts of things on my own, as I would like to learn about these motors. Just need to get a good manual.

...I actually just found out off the serial number it is a 1972 T120V.

I will try to get some pics up.