Posted on 18 Comments

’68 Triumph TR6R – Part VI

As you can see by the photos below, we’re starting to see a motorcycle taking shape.

We started by assembling our frame on the lift, and weren’t thrilled to find that the swingarm that came back from powercoating was missing the brackets for the lower shock bolts, as they’d both broken off at some point in its lifetime. Luckily, we happened to have a NOS ’68 swingarm that is in near-mint condition, and so we’ve added that to the long list of factory-original parts on this bike.

Both wheels have been built, including the brake assemblies, and are on the bike which is now officially a “rolling chassis.” The freshly-painted oil tank is on, as is the rear fender, which gives us an idea as to how beautiful the Riveria Blue and Silver Sheen paint is going to be.

Our NOS headlamp assembly is on, as are our rebuilt speedometer and tachometer – all looking fantastic. This week we’ll add a few more things to the chassis as we get started on the motor rebuild. We’re going to build the lower end on the chassis, so we don’t risk damaging the finished part by trying to install a fully-built motor.

We keep saying it…this is going to be a very special bike.

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18 thoughts on “’68 Triumph TR6R – Part VI

  1. It is such a treat seeing this motorcycle being restored bit by bit. Also the consistency of views presented so as to cover the subject in a logical and fully expressive manner. Also the component links to make it easy to feel like you are right in the rebuilding process. Now whether this bike will reach the levels of the recent 1967 Triumph Bonneville T120R remains to be seen as one wonders how often perfection can be achieved 🙂 but I look forward to the possibility of future chapters in this motorcycle’s happy history.

    1. Thanks for your comment, Jeff! The ’68 is going to be a really special bike. While we love the ’67 Bonneville – it’s a gorgeous bike – but you just don’t see too many ’68 TR6Rs on the road. This one will be the best out there, in our humble opinion!

  2. Hi.

    Boy did I get lucky finding this site! I just started to rebuild this exact bike, right down to the color. I bought it new in 1968 but it’s been in parts for over 35 years. Finally got time to get to it. I would love to get a copy of the checklist you offered in your post.

    Thank you for your assistance.

    Gary Norgaard

    1. Hi Gary. We’d love to help you rebuild your bike. Why not give us a call at the shop, and we’ll help you put a plan together? When you order parts or paint from us, ask us to include the checklist and you’ll be off to a great start!

      1. Well, you have my speedo and Tach to rebuild. Could you send me the list with those items please?

        Really appreciate your assistance.

        Thanks,
        Gary Norgaard

        1. Gary – we’re dropping the checklist in the mail for you right away.

          1. Thanks Graham,

            Now I can order what I need and get moving. I’ll look forward to receiving it. Appreciate your assistance.

            Gary Norgaard

          2. Hi Graham,

            Just got the list. Thank you very much. I’ll be in touch once I see what I need. Do you carry the fasteners and do you know the coding on the bolts to insure proper plcement? From what I read this is very important.

            Thanks again,
            Gary Norgaard

          3. Hi Gary – your Triumph parts book will show you just which fasteners go where.

          4. Thanks – I’ll take a look.

            As always I appreciate your advice.

            Gary Norgaard

      2. HI Hutch,

        Any report on the Tach and Speedo?

        Thanks,
        Gary

    2. Hi Gary,

      How cool to still own a motorcycle you bought in your youth. Same for me. I bought my 1965 BSA C-15 new as well. Hutch has got it! I can’t wait for him to start on it though I don’t want to bug him about it. I found the side by side paint comparisons fascinating on the 1967 Triumph Bonneville T120R restoration as paint color is so complex. Gotta love how he had an original chunk of color to work with to assure as close a color match as possible.

      1. Thanks Jeff,

        The bike has a lot of nhistory, took me to Woodstock in 1969, was stolen, took a year to get it back, chopped and now being restored. Good luck with your bike.

        Gary Norgaard

        1. Hi Gary,

          Thanks. I admire your ambition and prowess to tackle the rebuild yourself. I picture your bike with you in the crowd sharing the stage with Hendrix, he leaning his willowy frame against it knocking out “Purple Haze” to an astounded audience. The ultimate Triumph!
          Good luck with your bike too. Stop by when you get it done and we can take a cruise up the coast 🙂

          1. Done deal.

  3. I have been teaching myself to paint Triumph tanks and guards and have done a few for club members. I am a long way off the quality of your workmanship and just wanted to say that the stripes on that rear guard are lovely. So nice to see then look right and not arrow straight or taped. Have you guys looked into the cost of sending paint abroad?

    1. It’s not so much the cost of shipping abroad, but rather the legalities of shipping what might be construed as hazardous materials depending on where the paint is being shipped. It’s a bit of a minefield for us, and unfortunately, it means we’re only shipping paint to U.S. addresses for the time being.

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