62 Triumph Bonneville

[Lotus54]

Good save on the seat.

I learned to do valves with a Souix seat grinder. I don’t recall the valve grind machine brand now.

[John H]

Back on the project. Next is setting the valve spring pressure and stem length from the head. If it's too low or too high, the rocker will not hit in the center of the stem. Usually after a valve job, the valve tip needs to be ground to correct this.
Next is checking the valve springs in relation to the distance between the spring cup and collar. Ideally, this distance works out to about 65# of spring pressure when the valve is closed. Sometimes shims are required to get it right.

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I accidentally let the idler slide off its spindle which means I screwed up the cam timing. There are punch marks on all the gears which should take care of the problem. Well, that didn't happen. When I started to time the magneto using the timing disk, the piston hit the intake valve. Time to do some research.

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[John H]

Did some research and also called a guy who has restored a few Triumphs. I was reminded that 62 was a transition year from the last pre-unit to unit construction. During this period some parts were being mixes to say the least, including cams.
Rather than pulling the head I set up some indicators to get the readings directly off the pushrods.

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This setup made it easy to degree the cams and determine the LSA or lobe center angle.
With this information I can now place the cam gears disregarding the punch marks.
I will now mark where the cams should be. Lesson learned.

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The painter called today saying the tank and fenders are finished. From the photos he sent, they look great.

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[John H]

While waiting on some parts and a schedule to pick up the tank and fenders I've started on the next project, the old Vinnie. Twice as many part and much more complicated than the Bonnie so it will be a challenge for sure.

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Three days of disassembly and cleaning and into the heart of the beast. Next will be checking every part then putting together a plan and a parts order sheet.

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The crank will require a complete rebuild and the gearbox will need a few parts as well due to rust.
Looks like I'll keep busy this winter.

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[ATinkerer]

But from the looks of the parts trays, and other organizations, will be an effort up to your usual standards.

Will be interesting to watch this one also.

Gordon

[John H]

Well, Things are in a holding pattern right now. The old heart backfired so I'll be shifting gears for a while, taking it one day at a time. Nitro under the tongue ain't near as much fun as in the tank but we will adjust and get going again soon.

[ATinkerer]

Hope your MD is as meticulous as you are about getting things right.

Gordon

[ClineDesign]

John, hope you are on the mend. Let us know if we can stop by and give you a hand or if you need anything.

[Dragonknee]

I second Jays comment, If you need a hand give us a heads up and we can come on out.. Sorry to hear about the heart misfire.

[John H]

Thanks guys for your offers. And thanks to all who have viewed (5400 views) the build. I'll be back in the shop a few hours today and pick up where I left off. Lots to do before I kick the bucket, or toaster?

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