Thanks John,
The car’s now bad - it’s certainly not mint, but it’s solid and presentable from a distance - the bonnet is better than it looks, and will get a respray to match the rest of the car once there’s a chance of it running.
The problem(s) is mechanical. I stripped out the 1300 lump and dropped in a GT6 engine and box (plus all the other bits involved), but it just won’t fire.
Over time I’ve been worked through and checked or replaced nearly everything except the really expensive option (which is pulling the engine for a full rebuild).
in sequence:
Firing order and timing checked (about a hundred times).
Spark checked - was a little weak so worked through and replaced / rebuilt everything in the ignition system - now that’s okay.
Fuel supply was mediocre so lines, pump and filter replaced and carbs rebuilt.
It was cranking a little slowly so new battery and high-torque starter fitted.
Compression checked - it’s a little low, but over 100 on each cylinder, so should be enough to start - the head was rebuilt with new valves / seats etc but no change, so it’s looking like rings might be either broken or sticky.
I’ve got to the point where I’m admitting that it’s beyond me - both in terms of expertise and patience, so the plan is to either find a running engine that I can drop in complete or just pay someone to take this one and rebuild it and bench test it to prove that it works.
Everything else mechanical has been changed - suspension, brakes, drivetrain, cooling system - the works, so hopefully one day I’ll get the benefit of all that ?
In the mean time I keep an interest in all things Triumph.