I've been studying the pipes available for my 6T but I can't seem to find out if I can get a set of 1 1/2 inch pipes for it. The Bonnie and T110 pipes for 58-59 are 1 1/2 but those bikes are generator equipped bikes and the alternator bikes need a bigger dip on the left to clear the larger primary cases. Also, I've seen 58-59 6T's with 1 1/2 pipes but I don't know whether they are stock or are from another model.
Any info on this would be greatly appreciated. I'm tempted to get a set for 60-62 bikes on the hope that they will fit.....but it's kind of risky...

Cheers,
Bill

'57 wasn't the first alternator bike was it? ..... and yours would still be pre-unit. Anything from an earlier Thunderbird available?

Otherwise eBay a ratty set of dynamo bike pipes and bend them to suit. Then get then fabricated in stainless perhaps.

Thunderbirds had alternators beginning in 1952.

Exhaust pipes on 1950s Triumphs were all 1-3/4" size until the necked-down 'performance' pipes were added to T110 models in 1958. Those pipes were 1-3/4" at the exhaust port and muffler, but 1-1/2" between those two points.

This was intended to have a "venturi effect" to speed the exhaust flow.
I guess it works, because all Triumph pipes since then have been made this way.

The narrower pipes would (approximately) continue the inside diameter of the head stubs.

Yes, that this is why I would like to switch to 1 1/2 pipes. However, I can't seem to find out if the T110/T120 pipes would fit. I suspect not, which leaves me to experimentation and possible waste of money.
Cheers,
Bill

Part of your problem is there are suppliers who will sell you pipes for an alternator Bonneville that don’t even fit an alternator Bonneville, never mind an older Thunderbird.

Who is the go to Triumph exhaust pipe supplier? I need a set of the 1 1/2" pipes for my '59 T110.


Bill B...

Bill,

I'm running later Unit pipes on my '57 6T and I didn't notice any problems in clearance and fit.

Yes! Thanks Jon!
Cheers,
Bill

You are welcome Bill ! I'll wheel it out in the next day or two and snap some pics for you.