<%@LANGUAGE="VBSCRIPT" CODEPAGE="1252"%> TriumphResto
 
     


 

 

Let's see if we can make this look like a bike again...

 

So with all the frame and assorted metal bits suitably readied for some paint, it was off to MPS Paint Supply for some material.

  • Etching Primer - 4 spray cans
  • DuPont Epoxy Primer - 1 quart
  • DuPont Imron single stage gloss black - 1 quart
 

All bare metal was treated with the metal etching primer.
 

The morning I was getting prepared to paint I discovered some small cracks in the oil tank! The cracks were only visible after applying the etching primer. I ground down to bare metal and MIG welded the cracks. Then, just to make sure things were sealed, I applied JB Weld epoxy to both sides over the welds.
 

Finally a day with perfect weather came to me... moderate temperature and low humidity, low wind. My backyard now became a paint booth. A HVLP gun was used. Even after painting all the parts in one area, the grass below showed no overspray on it.

All parts received two medium coats of epoxy primer and then 2 hours later the single stage top-coat was applied except on the oil tank, side cover and front fork tubes that were wet sanded one more time after the epoxy. The gas tank was not painted with these parts. It will be treated as a seperate task.

Epoxy Primer Goes On...
 

Followed By The Top-Coat...
 
After the paint had cured for 5 days I treated the frame to new taper bearing conversion races from British Cycle Supply and then put together the front forks with new stanchions, seal holders and Gaitors...
 

Finally after a long winter reassembly began to take shape in March 2009. First the frame was dropped over the freshly rebuilt engine.
The only way to get a completely assembled dry-frame 650 engine into the frame is to do it before the rear frame section or any other parts are bolted onto the bike. Doing it this way only requires removing a single head bolt and one rocker cover screw.

 
 

Next came the front fork assembly, then the rear swing arm, center stand, and sidestand.
New Bridgestone Battleaxe tires were fitted to the blacked-out rims.

 
 

A Pazon ignition system will be used. Through Ebay, a new Accel ignition was found. Custom spacers made from 5.56mm NATO cartridge cases reflect my other hobby in the shooting sports.

 
 

Here is a shot with the tank, seat and rear wheel in a mock-up to get an idea of overall progress.