Triumph 6T speedometer

[Norton55]

Hi everybody,
Can anyone tell me what would be the correct smiths speedometer model for a 1951 Triumph Thunderbird? Would it be like the ones that have the tachometer according to the gear in the center?
Thanks
norton55

[henry_norton]

Yes, the rev-o-lator speedometer. All the Thunderbirds I've seen have had one fitted. My speedo is a bit later (1959) but looks just the same, so presumably wouldn't have been changed. Mine's a Smiths chronometric S467/107/L.

HN

[Norton55]

Thanks for the reply Henry.
I was also wondering whether the front forks from a Triumph 3T are the same as the ones on a Triumph 6T? I found out that the front forks on my 6T are from a later model. Since, I have some 3T forks, I was wondering if it would be correct if I put the 3T forks on it.
Thanks
Norton55

[thunderbird]

norton55 i am also building a rigid thunderbird a 52 and using 3t forks with upgraded springs, as far as i know they are the same.regards steve

[henry_norton]

The 3T forks are essentially the same as the larger models. The 3T and 6T assemblies have different part numbers though so probably differ in detail, but you're pretty safe.

[L.A.B.]

All the Thunderbirds I've seen have had one fitted. My speedo is a bit later (1959) but looks just the same, so presumably wouldn't have been changed. Mine's a Smiths chronometric S467/107/L.

Apparently there was a change to the Revolator speedo from 1954-on, as the up-to '53 units had the zero at the 1 o'clock position. The '54-on Revolators had the more normal (by today's standards) 7 o'clock zero position.  

Revolators could also have been fitted to 500 Triumphs from 1939 and also the 3T (as the speedo type was an option then, I believe?) and they were fitted to some Royal Enfields, so there are variations of rev/MPH markings on the dials due to the different gearing of the various models.  

[henry_norton]

It's probably best to look at the parts book for your year Norton55. All the early 6T's I've seen have had '7 o'clock' speedos, but that could be because of artistic license when being restored, or maybe the '1 o'clock' speedos are difficult to find these days. I suppose it depends on how authentic you want to be. Good luck with it!