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General Category => Bike Builds, Rebuilds And Restorations Only => Topic started by: Dave Swanson on January 18, 2020, 02:46:14 PM

Title: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: Dave Swanson on January 18, 2020, 02:46:14 PM
I figured there would be enough interest to post some pictures of my 1955 Triumph T110 restoration.  The T110 was the hot rod of the lineup in 55.  It was the fastest production bike in the world in 55 because Vincent had went out of business.  4 years yet for the Bonneville to make its appearance.  The 55 T110 had a few last year items;  last year for iron head,  and last year for painted center section on the rims.

The project has passed a significant milestone today as the tins and rims are painted.  The factory color was called Shell Blue Sheen and it is ably supplied by Don Hutchinson Paint, the Triumph paint guru.  My local painter is fantastic.  I have never seen better workmanship.  I am truly blessed to have his shop 2 miles from my house!  His business is called Paintworks in Loves Park, IL.

I have a long way to go, but after 10 years of owning this bike I am making progress.

(https://i.postimg.cc/V6CM75YK/thumbnail-IMG-6195.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

(https://i.postimg.cc/cC73SjtY/thumbnail_IMG_6198.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kR4GNTcX)

(https://i.postimg.cc/9XyZZ4gM/thumbnail_IMG_6203.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/t7CsHgjQ)

(https://i.postimg.cc/jjWjn0Wz/IMG_6204_(2).jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7Ck4jRn6)

(https://i.postimg.cc/gkYkq6Xc/IMG_6212_(2).jpg) (https://postimg.cc/DmMT70PR)

(https://i.postimg.cc/3xN8z5FP/IMG_6216_(2).jpg) (https://postimg.cc/v4Rw6Kjz)
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: jrt on January 18, 2020, 02:59:22 PM
I am looking forward to seeing this develop.  It looks great!
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: Dave Swanson on January 18, 2020, 03:03:16 PM
I will not be making this into a traditional build thread, but I will post pictures when significant milestones are reached.  I have a full blown build thread going on Brit Bike Forum.   http://www.britbike.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/276783/1955-triumph-t110#Post276783
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: tazio on January 18, 2020, 03:40:01 PM
Awesome! Were there ever a more beautiful line of motorcycles across the years than
a Triumph?
I will be following this on Brit Bike  :thumb:

Here's my '66 Bonnie back in the day. Now under restoration.
(https://i.ibb.co/PjsvrSK/IMG-20190911-071518686.jpg) (https://ibb.co/PjsvrSK)
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: Sheepdog on January 18, 2020, 05:26:39 PM
It looks like you're off to a great start. Press on!
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: JJ on January 18, 2020, 05:27:50 PM
After 10+ years, she deserves to be running and "In The Wind" once again! :thumb: :cool: :smiley: 

Can't wait to see the final photos of it all completed!  In the interim...this...is for inspiration and your perspective!! :wink: :thumb:


(https://i.ibb.co/2YsDgMm/Screen-Shot-2020-01-19-at-11-01-09-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/2YsDgMm)

the rock movie 1996 (https://movieplotholes.com/the-rock)
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: BRG-BIRD on January 18, 2020, 06:11:38 PM
What a great project!
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: radguzzi on January 18, 2020, 07:42:15 PM

Dave,
This is going to be an elegant motorcycle.  Just wow on the paint so far.  Yes, Don Hutch is the paint guru and your painter is obviously gifted. 

Following on BritBike as well.  Good on ya for saving one more Pre-Unit. 

Best,
Rob

Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: Huzo on January 18, 2020, 07:46:22 PM
I’d be happy if it ended up growing legs and became a build thread..
I’ve seen interminable discussions based on absolute BS, this will be a great journey... :popcorn:
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: Dave Swanson on April 20, 2023, 03:20:16 PM
Progress has been made.  Other restorations are completed and the '55 T110 is ON!

I finished the engine last year.  1955 was the last year for the T110 iron head.  '56 brought in the alloy head for the T110.  The T110 remained the hot-rod of the lineup from 1954-58 until the 1959 Bonneville came on line. 

(https://i.postimg.cc/Fsy9tZtx/IMG_8286.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JGhwZjzy)

Wheels were just completed.  I was able to use the original Triumph spokes and nipples as they were in excellent shape.  Fresh cadmium plating.  1955 was the last year for the matching center painted with pinstriped rims.

(https://i.postimg.cc/FHGmqs5v/IMG-0589-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/RW3jJmZp)

(https://i.postimg.cc/MTfSv7cZ/IMG-0587-3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0Mv34Jdh)

Big event!  Engine and transmission in the frame!!

(https://i.postimg.cc/FsNWwFsT/IMG_0614_(2).jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xqp3z2mm)
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: Dave Swanson on April 28, 2023, 03:26:09 PM
More progress.

(https://i.postimg.cc/44269xG0/IMG-0646-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/s1SGFyvP)
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: JJ on April 28, 2023, 04:35:13 PM
You do such fabulous work, Dave!  It looks fantastic and good for you! :thumb: :bow: :cool: :boozing:
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: Ncdan on April 28, 2023, 06:25:05 PM
WGC has a designated, BIKE BUILDS, REBUILDS AND Restoration only, section for this type of restoration thread.
If all restoration projects were placed in the General Discussion section, there would be no General discussion section.

This thread will be moved to the appropriate section of the forum, Bike BUILDS, REBUILDS AND RESTORATION, where all WG members are welcome to follow the progress of Dave’s adventure.


Dan
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: LowRyter on April 28, 2023, 08:05:21 PM
Great stuff Dave.
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: Dave Swanson on May 03, 2023, 10:13:54 AM
The fenders look pretty darn good!

(https://i.postimg.cc/4yWfhLn9/IMG_0706_(3).jpg) (https://postimg.cc/n9Qby14F)

(https://i.postimg.cc/7hHPh8P4/IMG-0703-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ZBQzsQys)
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: Klinkhammer on May 03, 2023, 12:31:14 PM
Very cool!!!
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: Scout63 on May 05, 2023, 06:24:59 AM
Beautiful build Dave. I can’t wait to see the completed bike.  Also the window light to your workbench is great.
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: czakky82 on May 06, 2023, 09:45:34 AM
 :drool: very cool Dave!

The man basically lives in a museum. Super jealous!
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: Dave Swanson on May 17, 2023, 09:57:31 AM
It's on 2 wheels!  I estimate it has been about 50 years since it has been together.  As stated before it laid in piles around a large storage building for eons, and I have been peck, peck, pecking away on it for 13 years.  Big day!

(https://i.postimg.cc/g05LRz9b/IMG-0809-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/t13gGHCB)

(https://i.postimg.cc/3Rv4Fs74/IMG-0813-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Q9jdXnFh)

(https://i.postimg.cc/rs2dnfFh/IMG_0829.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/62z5TLZR)
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: Canuck750 on May 17, 2023, 10:38:41 PM
Quite the resurrection!!
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: Dave Swanson on May 23, 2023, 04:43:28 PM
The long awaited nacelle assembly is finished.  It was a fussy process but very worthwhile. 

(https://i.postimg.cc/L54GYxXq/IMG-0890-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/tZfB8tFy)
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: Dave Swanson on May 24, 2023, 09:32:44 PM
This outer primary just pops.  So cool

(https://i.postimg.cc/vBHFBCyV/IMG-0899-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/HJKPvZVY)

(https://i.postimg.cc/4dLChw4F/IMG-0901-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qh3DPs38)
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: Canuck750 on May 24, 2023, 11:00:42 PM
The cloth braided wire harness looks fantastic, details like that make a great build outstanding
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: Dave Swanson on May 25, 2023, 04:35:04 PM
The cloth braided wire harness looks fantastic, details like that make a great build outstanding

It still amazes me that you can buy dead nuts accurate wiring looms for most old Triumphs from Lucas, which made them originally of course. 
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: Canuck750 on May 25, 2023, 08:08:57 PM
It still amazes me that you can buy dead nuts accurate wiring looms for most old Triumphs from Lucas, which made them originally of course.

Now that is amazing!
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: Dave Swanson on May 29, 2023, 08:41:10 AM
Tank on!

(https://i.postimg.cc/mZXCvWkF/IMG-0987-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Cd8R8tjF)

(https://i.postimg.cc/28DLp9GD/IMG-0971-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jCMSPXBg)
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: kballowe on May 29, 2023, 03:50:54 PM
Nice.
VERY nice !

 :thumb:
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: cliffrod on May 29, 2023, 06:46:17 PM
That looking really great, Dave.  I have been servicing a 53(?) Tiger at the shop in recent years, just basic stuff.  It’s a very nice resto, but not as nice as yours.  And I agree- that nacelle is no fun..
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: Dave Swanson on May 31, 2023, 07:57:52 PM
Fuel line fab is all that's left.

(https://i.postimg.cc/43g7Wjqq/IMG-1010-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/9DLQMgWY)

(https://i.postimg.cc/Ls3qwNMX/IMG-1013-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/McXKj0H2)

(https://i.postimg.cc/pTV9Hz2B/IMG-1023-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ns5VKs9s)
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: Turin on June 01, 2023, 01:06:19 AM
That is beautiful.  :drool:
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: balvenie on June 01, 2023, 04:14:53 AM
That is beautiful.  :drool:
It truly is :bow:
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: Dave Swanson on June 02, 2023, 06:37:08 PM
It runs amazing!  I am just giving it heat cycles for now, but I can already tell it's chomping at the bit.  One kick start every time.  I adhered to Hughie Hancox's (Triumph wrench legend) techniques in his rebuild video religiously, and it certainly seems to have paid off. Thanks Hughie (RIP), where ever you are. 

(https://i.postimg.cc/CK6NrLhK/IMG-1062-3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/cKwwrW8q)
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: cliffrod on June 02, 2023, 07:15:15 PM
Wow, that is a beautiful bike.   I’m not a huge Triumph fan but that is such an iconic machine & is truly more than just the sum of its parts. 

Thanks for one more lesson about being patient and doing it right, Dave.
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: Canuck750 on June 04, 2023, 11:58:16 AM
The Triumph looks fantastic Dave! Another stunning restoration to add to your great collection.
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: krglorioso on June 05, 2023, 08:55:44 PM
I began riding in 1953, two years before this Triumph was made.  Not long afterward, I can remember looking through Floyd Clymer's "Cycle" magazine and seeing ads for this bike and thinking they were the most beautiful bikes made.  Seeing this restoration reminds me very clearly of why I felt that way.  By 1956, I owned a 1955 Norton Dominator 500 twin, which was also a beautiful bike.  I'm jaded, I admit, but I think these bikes are vastly better looking than anything that came afterward.

Thank you, Dave, for sharing with us this splendid job you have accomplished.
Ralph
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: Dave Swanson on June 19, 2023, 07:21:48 PM
The break in is coming along very well.  This engine is a real peach.  It has lots of pep, and I am happy to report not a trace of smoke.  The rings must have bedded in just right.   I have been rowing through the gears on a long straight by the house quite vigorously.  It has a lot of GO for a 68 year old 650. 

(https://i.postimg.cc/4djFv7NC/IMG-1138-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/R6QR40HG)
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: Scout63 on June 22, 2023, 06:40:23 AM
Another very beautiful restoration Dave. I love the simplicity and sweep of the handlebars.
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: 2WheelsUp on June 24, 2023, 11:12:40 PM
Speechless... it's perfect. What a beautiful motorcycle. Congratulations on the build!
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: Canuck750 on June 26, 2023, 06:43:34 PM
Such an attractive motorcycle, no wonder North America fell in love with Triumph after WWII.
It’s beautiful Dave!
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: Tkelly on June 27, 2023, 08:45:35 AM
Very cool!
Title: Re: !955 Triumph T110 Restoration
Post by: Dave Swanson on June 29, 2023, 08:42:39 PM
Such an attractive motorcycle, no wonder North America fell in love with Triumph after WWII.
It’s beautiful Dave!

Thanks for all the nice comments guys.  This was my first Triumph restoration and I learned a lot.  Thanks to a few experts who were willing to unselfishly impart their knowledge upon me I was able to complete the bike to this level. 


(https://i.postimg.cc/Jzc7QvD4/DSC00286-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/9D0jmxYv)

(https://i.postimg.cc/Nf4RjPMH/IMG-1161-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/rKDDhj5V)