My 1977 T140V project

[DuffCon]

Here it is; just shook on it today. Will take delivery sometime this week. At this point, I still need to take inventory of what needs to be done, but here's a quick rundown of its history. Any tips are appreciated, as this is my first brit bike restoration!

Buying it from the 2nd or 3rd owner. Bike's tags say 1997, so bike has sat for 15 years(?!) Doesn't run obviously. A quick inspection tells me that the tank is rusty and wasn't drained before sitting, so it's all chunky style inside. Battery was removed, so that's a plus. Forks don't look leaky. Front brake will need a rebuild, there's fluid on the right hand control area. Electrics are unknown, no power. Previous owner is a former spouse of a friendly co-worker, so I trust him when he said that I ran fine before parking it, so I don't suspect that there are too many issues other than related to storage. Bike is mostly stock except aftermarket mufflers.

One thing that is kinda making me wonder is the fine oily film thoughout the motor area. I known that these triumphs are known to leak a bit, but there is a significant oil cake under the motor as well. Anyways, I look forward to the tips and I hope to learn a bit as I go.

Here are some pics!

 

[grandpaul]

Looks like a good starting point.

Check the main Classics section for what to do when bringing a sitting/sleeping bike back to life.

 

[DuffCon]

Not seeing this thread, direct link?

 

[The Seeker]

Cosmetically, it looks very good and correct.

You never know....the brake master cylinder might be OK when you fill it with fluid and bleed the calipers.

Unfortunately, the inside of that tank might be beyond repair????? That's really nasty in there!!!

 

[otherwise]

You may get a shock if you work on that tank. I got an older Ducati running that sat for 14 years and the tank looked like yours. I'd figured a new tank was a must. When I had a look and scraped some of that stuff off I found it wasn't rust. I used a water blaster and got a great result.

Before



After



We've had a few threads on rusty tanks on this forum over the years and I've observed so many members overly worrying about it. I say blast them, fit a fuel filter and if they start to leak you can use any number of products that work well to seal them.

 

[CarlS]

You have a very nice looking bike to start with. I look forward to following your progress.

 

[DaveM]

Looks like a great starting project overall YUP

 

[kashif]

i m seeing a competition here

 

[Sea Dog]

Great starting point for a project. Thought I was looking up your muffler when I first saw the photo of the inside of the tank....NO I mean your bikes muffler!

 

[otherwise]

Great starting point for a project. Thought I was looking up your muffler when I first saw the photo of the inside of the tank....NO I mean your bikes muffler!

So did I, then I saw AJ's post. It looks like the end of a rusted Conti.

 

[Rocky]

Nice bike
Shame about the tank. I hope it can be salvaged.

 

[The Seeker]

Perhaps then the tank can be salvaged???

An automobile radiator service shop could probably clean the inside for you and then you could use one of those commercially available sealants to seal the inside.

 

[Rocky]

After I made my previous post I was thinking the same thing. A rad shop could steam clean it with that scalding hot water and then see what it looks like inside.
I'm always dismayed when I see and hear about gas tanks that have been allowed to go to crap like that.

 

[The Seeker]

Even if it doesn't work, it's well worth the money to try!!

 

[ZILCH]

"Lunmad" created several videos on youtube on different methods in maitaining a Bonnie. One is how to clean out rust and sealing a tank. Looks pretty straight forward.

 

[grandpaul]

You'll have to dig back some to find that "wake-up" thread, sorry it's not a sticky.

Basically, FULL MASINTENANCE, by the book, including flushing all liquid-bearing cavities with fresh kersone and totally drying before re-filling.

Hydraulic brake system will need total stripping, cleaning and re-filling new rubber hoses with fresh brake fluid.

 

[DaveM]

"Lunmad" created several videos on youtube on different methods in maitaining a Bonnie. One is how to clean out rust and sealing a tank. Looks pretty straight forward.

Is this the one

[video=youtube;1BrEBvjSHHQ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BrEBvjSHHQ[/video]

 

[CarlS]

That's a good video.

 

[DaveM]

How is it going with the sorting out of your tank

 

[DuffCon]

Wish I had more time to do more than take pictures!