TRIUMPH DESERT SLED RESTO

[Lotus54]

So you heated the dent from the outside, then pushed an appropriate sized rod through to push out the dent?

I am just putting the Betor forks I sourced for the old Aermacchi back together. The Marzocchi ones just have too much pitting. These have a bit, but not very much and I put on my lathe and lightly cleaned up with some Scotchpads. They came with either Betor or Marzocchi.

I’ve only had one bike with a mageneto. The 62 Matchless 650 I bought in a basket (with no basket). I did get the bike running, but would not run long. Possibly the mag had some issues? Before I got to solving it I sold the whole bike to someone really mostly looking for a title. (I was 18, but I sure learned a lot about buying and fixing bikes in pieces)

[John H]

Yes, I heat the dent then drive the insert to that spot. The cylinder hone finishes the job.
The wheel was another disaster. Still not sure what it's from but I don't think it's Triumph.
The brake baking plate is after market, I think.

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The axle was modified to fit the Triumph forks. It was badly done so a new one was made up and now everything fits as it should.

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When fitting the bearings I found a crack in the hub so add that to the surprise. Anyway it welded up nice so next will be straightening the fender and brackets and mounting the number plate.

[John H]

This is the insert I used to remove the dent in the fork tube. A good coating of anti-seize kept it from getting stuck in the bore.

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[John H]

The forks are finally finished. The final step was straightening them. I got them within .003" and they slide nicely in the lower tubes.

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The leather on this old Bates seat was in great condition but the foam was totally gone.

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The base is 1/8" steel and in good condition so I glued up three layers of foam and shaped it to what I thought was close.

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Looks like it's ready for another hundred mile desert race.

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Next up will be using the english wheel to take some of the wrinkles out of the fenders.

[Lotus54]

The Triumph really shows what used to be common, everywhere you look more signs of someone out having fun. (And maybe a few crashes,which are never fun).