The "Spaghetti Western" Saga - Building a Triumph Chopper

Running? Yes. Ridable? Not so much. The clutch has never worked, so I decided to tear into it and see what was going on. Because it sat for so many years, I figured the discs were stuck. I tore it all apart but didn't find anything out of the ordinary. I then put it back together, making sure all three springs were adjusted properly. A little fine tuning here, a little there and I had a functional clutch. The following morning I knew I had a shot at finally riding it.

 

Update: I had it running and riding for a little less than a month before the big end bearing seized. Luckily I was on my street and not stranded. Here are some shots of it after it was finally "finished."

 

Initially, I thought it was the rings that seized. So I tore it all down...



Then I discovered the bearing issue. Rather that splitting the cases, I found another T100C motor for sale in Nevada. More updates to follow.

 

Now, where were we? Lindsey and I traveled to Fallon, Nevada, and picked up a T100C basket case. It was a running, stock bike, and the previous owner decided to tear it down and build a bobber. He said the motor was solid, shifted and didn't smoke, so I was sold. I bought the whole lot and kept what I needed for my project.
The mill.


Spotted this guy on the way back. You can get the full story here.

 

Twice. Pipes.

Hmmmm...should I use the spare frame to build a drag bike to take on @Kevin Lee?!
Maybe one day. As of now, the new engine is in the frame and I'm working through my extensive to-do list.

Mocked up with the Scrambler pipes. (I'll be running the TT pipes for now.)

 

Little by little, it's coming together as parts come in. Here's the new high-output MORGO oil pump in place. It's all buttoned up now, and I'm currently waiting on some hardware for the electronic ignition.

 

I will next time I go back to buy more metal. Haha.

Time for another update. The "running motor" I got in Nevada wasn't all the seller claimed it would be. It was disappointing to say the least. The final order of business was to adjust the valves before fire-up. Easy enough, right? Wrong. Only three of the four moved. After a little bit of head scratching, I popped off the rear rocker box and discovered that one of the pushrods was broken. No problem. I swapped in one from the last motor and was ready to rock-and-roll. Well, I put it back together and—still no movement. What?! Back apart it went.

Then I realized that it could be a stuck valve. I gently tapped the top of each spring with a hammer and yep, the valve with the broken rod was stuck. I've since taken it apart and cleaned everything up. The valve operates smoothly and everything seems to be within spec. I'm going to remove all the valves next so I can inspect them. I also had a fresh gasket set on hand, so that should help move things along. Now, for some pictures.



Gotta clean those pistons! I don't think this top end has ever been taken apart.

 

Just like that, we back...

In the past few weeks, I've had a little bit more time to work on this. After taking off the head, I measured everything, lapped the valves and installed new valve springs to replace the tired old ones.



While waiting on parts, I was finally able to use my new-to-me '60s Craftsman pop-rivet gun to good use. Could I have bought a chain guard that fits? Yes. But I love a little bit of farm-fresh ingenuity, and this modified HD Shovelhead piece fits the build style just right...

 

After fussing with the rear rocker box, I got everything assembled. I filled the tank with fresh gas, rolled the bike out into the street. Two prime kicks. Ignition on. Fired right up on the first kick. I watched the oil pressure light and it appeared as if the new pump was doing its job. After a few heat cycles, I took it out for a ride.

And a video...I'll take a better (not vertical) one at some point soon.



With the bike running again, I've spent the past month adjusting the little things. I also rode it to my friends' house where we did the initial construction (look for it on Page I of this thread). They were excited to see it complete (again!)

 

Updates: finally got my new drill press going and had some fun with the front brake backing plate.

 

There's nothing quite like it at the local grocery store.
Caught some good light. I have a few small touches I want to add and then it's hopefully time for some miles!

 

Not too much happening with this one. Seeing that I would like to do some road trips, I wanted to install a set of pipes that I could either baffle or put mufflers on. I've always dreamed of having scrambler pipes that run along either side, and I managed to find a set and have them shipped over from England. Once they're securely in place, details will include custom heat shields and yellow paint inside the megaphones.

 

Nothing major to report, just enjoying the bike. I like the increased performance and crackle of the new/old pipes. That being said, earplugs are a must. That's choppers for ya!
There's a new project in wings, but more on that later...

 

Thanks! I'm on the road for a few weeks, but here's a snapshot from the garage before I left...

 

Wow! That is incredible. It's so neat that the bike has both the look and the performance to back it up. I love the exhaust and the seat. I bet it's a blast to ride off-road.

Thank you! You don't see many bike builds on here, but I thought hey, it's old so why not! Hahah

Post up some pictures of your Triumphs!