Many of our best restoration projects start out as nothing more than a pile of old, rusty parts, as many of the original bikes from the 1960s and earlier were simply never regarded as collector items. Instead, they were used as daily riders and enjoyed thoroughly year after year. Take for example, this 1968 Triumph TR6R which we found last year and have been waiting until now to restore.
This particular bike was found for sale in exactly the condition as you see here – a frame plus motor, along with a box of parts. A frame and motor with matching serial numbers constitute a motorcycle – at least from the standpoint of being able to carry a title and hold value – and this bike is no exception. The numbers match, and this bike will be a sound investment.
The first step in the restoration process is to take inventory of all parts. We use a simple checklist that includes columns showing which parts are missing, sandblasted, power-coated or painted. Ask us for a free copy of this checklist when you order from us.
This model is fairly complete, and there’s a fairly healthy market for circa 1968 parts. Amal carburetors, Lucas headlamp shells and electric components, high quality seat reproductions, quality cloth-wrapped wiring harnesses, and more are all available through our shop. We have back stock on the other parts that will comprise the top end, as well as various cad-plated bolts, alloy fasteners, etc.
From a finish standpoint, the first step is to sandblast all parts and prep them for paint. As you can see in the photos below, we’ve carried this out on the fenders and chain guard.
We’re in the process of securing an original 1968 tank for this machine. The TR6R was the touring model of the Triumph line, as opposed to the Bonneville racer, and this has a larger tank at nearly 4 gallons.
In our shop, we have great original examples of tanks in every color, for every year, and have perfectly matched shades. We refinish the painted parts far better than the factory originally did – without runs. More on that process later.
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