Triumph Chopper build

[Brazos Hunter]

I’ve wanted to build a 60’s Triumph chopper/bobber since the 80’s. Having built a few metric Jap choppers I knew what I wanted and more importantly what I didn’t. With retirement right around the corner and a fixed income I decided to start gathering parts and pieces while I’m still working.

After months of searching the net I came across a 68/72 basket case nearby and sealed the deal. I’ll admit I wanted one so bad I didn’t check it out as good as I should have. Hence, I have a pos but it’s my pos!

So, the frame is a ‘68 with bolt on hardtail section and you might as well say no documentation. The engine is a’72 650 Bonnie that is already bored .80 over pushing it beyond its safe mechanical limit. Considering this, I ordered a 750cc big bore kit and a few other pieces I knew I would need to completely rebuild the engine. I came across an Amen Savior pre unit (I believe) frame for a smoking deal and decided to jump on it. Unless I do some bartering for a titled frame I will run the Amen and get a bonded title.

This is not going to be a quick build. In fact I probably won’t tear into it for at least a year. This should give me plenty time (and money) to acquire everything I will need and decide 100% what direction I want it to go. I love the late Indian Lary’s style and will probably go that direction. Anyway, here’s what I’m starting with.



Michael

[hog_down]

very cool! please keep us updated on build progress

[kmack]

A long time ago, in a past not far from here....there used to be companies that you would send in your vehicle info to and they would register the vehicle in a state that only required a bill of sale. Vehicles had to be at least 10 yrs old. I believe it used to be New Hampshire and/or Vermont, or some place like that. They would then mail you the "out of state" title for you to register in your home state. VINs were obviously checked against police databases for stolen items.

This is probably not the case anymore, but might be worth looking into. I was going to go that route with an old '72 RD250 I picked up that had no title years ago. But I found a frame out of NJ for $150 and that was cheaper than the $200 (at the time) title process.

Good luck on the build and I can't wait to see what you come up with!

[Notaguide]

Very cool project. Looking forward to future posts. I've been looking for a shovel or pan project for later on when things slow down similar as you. Good luck!

[kmack]

I did a little quick searching for ya...apparently Vermont closed the door on their title option last year.

https://www.hagerty.com/media/opinion/the-hack-mechanic/the-end-of-the-vermont-loophole/

But there are some companies that will still assist in (or provide the service for) getting a title when one was not provided at time of sale.

https://cartitles.com/car-title-replacement-methods/

Their service fees don't seem too bad for the process. But it's something you can start working on now before putting more money into the build and while funds are still readily available.

[EliteDriver]

This will be a cool build...

[Hardware]

Tagged!

[Brazos Hunter]

I did a little quick searching for ya...apparently Vermont closed the door on their title option last year.

https://www.hagerty.com/media/opinion/the-hack-mechanic/the-end-of-the-vermont-loophole/

But there are some companies that will still assist in (or provide the service for) getting a title when one was not provided at time of sale.

https://cartitles.com/car-title-replacement-methods/

Their service fees don't seem too bad for the process. But it's something you can start working on now before putting more money into the build and while funds are still readily available.

I appreciate it! We have Lawrence Title lined up outside Austin to get us a bonded title for her. Would love to have had one with the deal but I’m not complaining!


Had a couple ports come in today. The big bore 750cc kit from Lowbrow Customs as well as carb kits and a new clutch pack. After the Amen Savior frame arrives I’ll decide on the front end and fuel tank. The oil bag will probably be one of the last things I order or fabricate to fit.



Michael

[Brazos Hunter]

Just a little update, no wrenching has actually happened yet but I have been ordering components. My focus is entirely on making her as dependable as humanly possible. An oversized “tickler”, ethanol friendly carb floats and a Joe Hunt magneto round out the latest round of orders. I do plan to slowly begin polishing the cases and rebuilding the engine/trans. That’ll take the better part of a year because I’m about to seriously keep the roads hot driving between work, the house and the kids house where my bride will be helping take care of the granddaughter. All three locations are around 150 miles apart.



Michael

[Agdog]

Tuned in

[Brazos Hunter]

I’m still slowly collecting parts and pieces. A couple days ago the Joe Hunt Magneto finally came in that was ordered a couple months ago. The plan and goal is for it to be completely mechanical. The only two things that will be ran on the stator is the headlight, taillight and horn. I’m going battery less so all three will only work when it’s running.

More than likely I will sell it shortly after completion and purchase a sailing project. Being right on the coast I feel the need to have an exit strategy should things go extremely south that doesn’t depend on technology/fossil fuels.



Michael

[fish4food]

Sell it for a sail boat??? Why don’t you just commandeer that abandoned sail bout on in the bay. 🤣🤣🤣 it’s almost within eye sight of your place.

[Brazos Hunter]

Sell it for a sail boat??? Why don’t you just commandeer that abandoned sail bout on in the bay. 🤣🤣🤣 it’s almost within eye sight of your place.

Lol…that particular boat belongs to the guy that has the barn directly across the street and is actually working on it in his driveway now. I actually stumbled upon a Northern European design that we are considering. It sleeps 6 and in some eyes could be a live aboard.



Michael