Triumph 1960 5ta (bathtub Model)

[Deena]

Hi, and greetings from South Africa. I recently bought a 1960 5TA (Bathtub model) frame, engine, wheels, handle bar and roughly six small boxes of parts to make up a motorcycle. Someone had stripped the bike down some time ago but never got around to restoring it. There are some duplicate engine spares that are from the 3TA. I managed to buy a set of bathtub panels that needed a fair amount of welding and reshaping as they had been 'stored' for a very long time. I have started to 'dry' assemble the bike, and it's coming along, with the biggest challenge being the fasteners. Glad to be here.

 

[Deena]

Thanks Guys for the warm welcome, and thanks DaveM for the link to Kashif's restoration. Although challenging in its own right...mine came in pieces...completely knocked down, so I have my work cut out for me. I will go through to the last page when I can get some free time. Yes. I am enjoying piecing everything together. The parts list, which is very comprehensive is a real blessing. I would not know where to start otherwise.

 

[Rocky]

Deena, I don't know what you experience is with old bikes, but they can be daunting to put together.
Too bad the bike wasn't assembled so you could see where everything goes as you took it apart.
Get a parts book and a manual and study them. Keep your fingers crossed that there aren't too many (any) pieces missing.
I'm only saying this as encouragement and not discouragement and I wish you the best of luck.

 

[Deena]

Thanks Rocky... your comments are much appreciated. I do have the parts catalogue and have been studying it carefully. I have started a list of bits that are missing. Thankfully almost everything is available 'overseas', however, at a price. I am quite handy mechanically...trained and qualified as a mechanical fitter/machinist, so anything mechanically should not be too much of a challenge. I do have a small workshop at home so not too bad. I have two modern BMW motorcycles, and a 1983 Kawasaki Z550F...but this Triumph has stolen my heart. Not every ones cup of tea...but each to his own. Pics to follow. Wish me luck.

 

[Rocky]

Thanks Rocky... your comments are much appreciated. I do have the parts catalogue and have been studying it carefully. I have started a list of bits that are missing. Thankfully almost everything is available 'overseas', however, at a price. I am quite handy mechanically...trained and qualified as a mechanical fitter/machinist, so anything mechanically should not be too much of a challenge. I do have a small workshop at home so not too bad. I have two modern BMW motorcycles, and a 1983 Kawasaki Z550F...but this Triumph has stolen my heart. Not every ones cup of tea...but each to his own. Pics to follow. Wish me luck.

Good post Deena
Great to know that you are so well qualified
Many of us are far less trained and have taken these old bikes apart and put them back together so you certainly won't have any problem.
These days through the magic of the internet you can find parts and pieces all over the world - as you said, for a price.
Yes indeed, some of these old bikes reach out and grab you, but are so satisfying when they are finished and run well.
Best of luck

 

[Qship]

Welcome to TT from another snowbound Canuck.
Glad you found us.
Looks like a very daunting project, but sounds like you have it under control.
Enjoy your resto and hopefully your ride on it soon.

 

[triumph david]

Deena, congrads on finding that 5TA, thats one bike i would love to restore, you have got to show us pictures of that bike as you build it, o yes to TT.

 

[Deena]

Thanks TD. I am going to upload some pictures...not too much to show. Standby...

 

[Deena]

 

[Deena]

Sorry, it did not upload in chronological order, but nevertheless, here are some pictures up to where I am currently.

 

[Deena]

Just had a go at buffing and polishing one of the engine covers. Very painstaking, but rewarding at the same time.

 

[Deena]

 

[Deena]

Well guys, that may be it for now. I leave for West Africa on Sunday and will be away for roughly two months...working. Whilst away, I intend trying to get hold of the different bits that I can see missing at the moment. Most of which are the fasteners. Wish me luck.

 

[Mad On Triumphs]

Brilliant pictures, you are going to be busy that's for sure. Have a safe trip and we'll look forward to some more when you get back

 

[Rocky]

Great pictures. You're off to a good start

 

[triumph david]

Deena, have a good trip, the sheet metal looks good, that buffing is a pain but is necessary for a good job. Keep us up to date. I have always thought that Bathtub model was a interesting bike! Neat electric lawnmower in the back ground too haven't seen one of those in a long time.

 

[Deena]

Thanks David. The sheet metal was in a poor state. It took some doing to get to this state. Not 100% but close enough for now. Really glad I am able to 'rescue' it. I welded up all the unnecessary holes and got a buddy of mine to beat them into a reasonable shape, file, fill and primer coat.

 

[Deena]

Hi Guys, back here for a bit. I have made considerable progress on my restoration. All the painting done and the engine has been fitted to the frame, or the other way round as it turned out. With working away, I only get a chance to work on the bike when I am back, and finished with the work I have to do around the house to keep the other half happy. Will post some pics when I get a chance. Take care and ride safe.

 

[triumph david]

Keep up the good work.

 

[Deena]

Hi Guys, it's me again...back from a traumatic few years. I lost my dad in May last year and my mum in January this year. In between working away, I have been tending to their needs in their respective last months with us. In between all of that, I did get to do some work on my bike...mostly to keep the mind occupied. I have made some serious progress and will post some pics soon. I have some questions for the knowledgeable amongst us with respect to my bike. I have come across a few stumbling blocks...as can be expected with a project like this one. In the meantime, keep healthy and safe.