64 Thunderbird

64 T Bird is quite a rare bike as not many survive as they were mostly Bonnevillised, 750 head and big bore won't detract much i looks as it's almost impossible for people to see the subtle differences and it just gives you a bit more low down grunt. Also if the rest of the bike is standard at that price you could always change it back to a 650 with a single carb and an Amal monobloc later on.

 

Useful page Charley
http://www.classic-british-motorcycles.com/1964-triumph-thunderbird.html

 

If you're not too bothered about originality then just enjoy the extra oomph that the 750 conversion gives you. Most people won't be able to spot the differences anyway, apart from the carbs, just by a quick(ish) look. Plus, if it has been built properly by someone who knows what he is doing, then all should be well - hopefully.
As Darkman has said, if you want originality then it's not too difficult to achieve.
Has the front brake been uprated? The 1968-1970 twin leading shoe front brake would be a good conversion to cope with the extra power (more originality gone down the toilet!).
At the price quoted it should be a good buy (around £4000 UKstg if my ability to do sums in my head is anything like!).

 

Luckily for you there are an abundance of cheap parts for these bikes in the US and far cheaper than here in the UK, my thoughts are if you really like the bike then buy it and go from there but if in doubt look for another

 

I don't read books as a rule Charley as i have a short attention span so can't help you on that one but you could get the workshop manual and parts books that will tell you everything you need to know As for all the other books take your pick and enjoy them as even the experts tend to disagree. Forums and Facebook are the best places to glean knowledge as you already know.

 

Do you have dedicated classic bike magazines over there? They can be a good source of information and also parts suppliers. We have such delights as 'Classic Bike Guide', 'Classic Bike', 'Classic Motorcycle Mechanics' and 'The Classic Motorcycle'.
Also, have a look at www.realclassic.co.uk which you may find to be of interest.

 

70 T100C is a fantastic bike and quite rare as well as becoming collectable now, i built one for my partner this year a 71 and parts are more readily available if you want to keep it standard.

 

Hi Charley, like you I'm a new member here. You were asking about books on classic Triumphs - I have list on my website:
www.hermit.cc/tmc/resource/books/index.htm

You may also be interested in this page:
www.hermit.cc/tmc/om/manual.htm

It's special orientation is for the 1969 T120R, but there is a lot of info which pertains to just about any classic Triumph.

Cheers!
Hermit

 

Haha, the big size debate 500 or 650. I have always rode the 650 Triumphs from my teenage days and i have a 69 T120R and a 70 TR6C at the moment but the truth is the 500 is a slightly better all round package as far as weight and having smoother engine. Su my partner had a 750 triple before but as we have both become older she found the weight a little problematic at times so i built her the T100C and it has refreshed both our memories as to just how good these bikes are and i am now restoring a 69 T100R for her as well (look in the builds and projects section) As for which bike do you go with just take some time to look around as there are plenty for sale and soon one will say i'm the one