Nuts

Fitted the pushrods and rockerboxes. Bought a US model chainguard without the rear plate and fitted that. Engine plates are off again temporarily while I sort out a problem with one of the studs in the swingarm mount.

A while back I bought a repro speedo because the plan is to go for the '68 TR6C look with a single speedo offset to the right. This style of bracket requires special sleeve nuts and spacers in order to mate with the mounting studs on the bottom of the clock, so I picked up the necessary fasteners. All was looking good until I tried mounting the clock and discovered that the studs on the repro clock have a metric thread! The sleeve nuts are of course an Imperial thread (don't know if it's CEI or UNF. I may have to fire up the lathe and make up some bespoke nuts.

Running gear

Fitted the forks, though they'll have to come out briefly to fit the upper shrouds. Swingarm went in without a hitch and some mid-price shocks finished the rear end. I've swapped out the upper yoke for a solid mount TR6C item and have fitted US bars. The bike is a US import TR6R, but I have no pipes or lights yet and plan to rebuild it to "C" spec.

Forks

Rebuilt the front forks with new stanchions, bushes & seals. Meanwhile, Catherine (pictured) did a spot of Blogging and Tweeting.

From Triumph 650 rebuild

In!

Grabbed the motor with both hands and heaved it over to the frame, which was strapped down to my makeshift bike stand. Slotted it into place without too much difficulty and slipped some mounting bolts into place. I don't know how long the engine and frame have been apart, but it certainly seemed pleased to be back in its rightful place.

From Triumph 650 rebuild

Head, Part II

Checked the height of the pushrod tubes with the head placed on the cylinders, and worked out the correct thickness of translucent seals (bottom) and o-ring (top) to seat properly. With these seals in place the head was between 1-1.5mm off the gasket, and this closed up nicely when the head bolts were tightened.

From Triumph 650 rebuild

From Triumph 650 rebuild

Hubs

Picked up the hubs from the powder coaters. What a difference! Fitted new wheel bearings so all I need to do now is teach myself wheelbuilding....

From Triumph 650 rebuild

Head

Fitted new valves and springs to the head. In the kitchen.

From Triumph 650 rebuild