Frame Swap Stuff

[overbomber]

I'm about to embark on the delayed refurb of my 3VD - I was planning on getting another frame so I could transfer all the bits over as they get cleaned/painted etc as if I strip it all down and it goes into boxes I'll never get it rebuilt. Swapping things across - far better for me and my brain. Trying to pick up another 3VD frame is proving difficult but there seems to be a spate of 4TX frames available. Clearly there's a whole bunch of differences between the two - but, with a bit of cunning fabrication here and there it's not impossible surely? Just how incompatible are they?

I can't find any comparisons via the search and I await a deluge of nay-sayers (some may even have a 3VD frame lurking in the back or their garages...) even though I'm up for a challenge.

Thoughts? Positive or negative, I don't mind. I'm not into pristine concourse rebuilds so non-standard is right up my street.

Thanks,

Phil

[Snowbird]

Sorry not a clue on the differences but as a 4tx owner I still think the 3vd is a prettier bike.

Good luck.

[dapleb]

Lots and lots of diffs in locations/mountings and compatability of components.



Like anything, it can be done but compared to the inconvenience of labelling stuff up and putting in boxes or finding a mk1 frame it ain't in the same league.



It would have to be a *because i felt like it" adventure.



Is there a "problem" with the orig frame, other thab5 the hassle of swapping parts? ,,(⁠@⁠_⁠@⁠)

[overbomber]

The only 'problem' with the frame is it's scabby as hell, needs blasted and powder coated along with all the other things like motor mounts, fairing supports etc.

I have a pretty good track record of taking things apart - it's putting them back together that's my problem, hence having a swap-over frame. Also, if there are delays in the project I'll drift to the next great idea and things will remain half completed......

 

I guess the challenge is to source a decent 3VD frame, spruce it up and bloody well get on with it ;}

[dapleb]

You could prolly find a knacked complete 3VD for not much.

[LIAW]

also remember that when stripping things from your bike you often have to take things off in sequence, the first bits to come off will still need to be stored even for a short time until you get to the final part of each sequence, before that final part is the first part back on the alternate frame

[overbomber]

also remember that when stripping things from your bike you often have to take things off in sequence, the first bits to come off will still need to be stored even for a short time until you get to the final part of each sequence, before that final part is the first part back on the alternate frame

 

This is very true, and shoots down any notion of direct swapping of bits, Jeez, I hate being an adult, all this common sense stuff.

Ok - time to re-think my approach then. Lots of photos, lots of little freezer bags and sticky labels. I'm warning you though, my brain is already looking at the spare Triumph T595 Daytona motor sitting in the garage. I said I wasn't bothered about standard. The measuring tape will be the decider on that fantasy.

[fixitsan]

 

This is very true, and shoots down any notion of direct swapping of bits, Jeez, I hate being an adult, all this common sense stuff.

Ok - time to re-think my approach then. Lots of photos, lots of little freezer bags and sticky labels. I'm warning you though, my brain is already looking at the spare Triumph T595 Daytona motor sitting in the garage. I said I wasn't bothered about standard. The measuring tape will be the decider on that fantasy.

 

 

I take things apart for a living, and reassemble them afterwards.   Sometimes they still work too !

The smartphone camera is a godsend, and on a bigger project I wouldn't rule out putting a GoPro on a headband and just forget it's there. As you work, leave it videoing and  snap some photos with it too  of important stuff while it videos.

 

Keep backups

 

Buy some cheap cardboard boxes for parts, EG 8"x6"x6", ten of, £8

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/195561319188?...5442400085

This post was last modified: 17-11-2025, 07:42 PM by fixitsan.

[steve27bha]

[attachment=o15823]

,,,,,

Buy some cheap cardboard boxes for parts, EG 8"x6"x6", ten of, £8

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/195561319188?...5442400085

 

 - and a thick marker pen to label them. Use date to document sequence of removal.

 

My rebuild-from-complete-strip-and-dismantle lasted over 10 years. Photos, and labels on all electrical connections were vital, plus workshop manual. Bike ran on first button press!

 

Also - Aldi do good plastic storage boxes.

 

 

[fixitsan]

DSC02459 small.JPG

 

 - and a thick marker pen to label them. Use date to document sequence of removal.

 

 *I never thought of dating. but it makes great sense !

 

 

 

My rebuild-from-complete-strip-and-dismantle lasted over 10 years. Photos, and labels on all electrical connections were vital, plus workshop manual. Bike ran on first button press!

 

*10 years ? thats a really long domestic argument . I've used labels, as well as different coloured insulating tape or cable ties to mark up connectors (on the bike, not the wife )

 

 

[overbomber]

Thanks for all the responses - and all positive too. Cool.

 

I've a stash of plastic lidded takeaway containers and a bunch of sharpie pens so that's a start. I'll just have to photograph the shit out of it for references.

 

Ok, I'm in. Let's see how this pans out......

[dablik]

The 3vd is not so complicated really, i've done what you plan and as mentioned plenty of photo's as you dismantle will help enormously, might have been a bit easier doing mine as i was really familiar with doing my own maintenance for a long time, honestly though it's pretty simple, good luck.