Clockwork top tube dent advice needed!

[JustLikeClockwork]

Hello everyone, I was wondering if I could draw upon the collective knowledge of the group, and ask for a bit of advice?

I’m about to embark on my first proper retro build with my daughter (who’s rapidly getting interested in cycling/wrenching, and I get to spend some quality time with her… win-win!)

I’m wanting some advice on this 92/93 clockwork frame we’ve got hold of. The plan is to powder coat, in the original satin black. However the frame has a dent on the top tube (looks like a traditional bar end impact).

Firstly, it does look (and feel) like a sizeable dent. Is the frame a write-off? (Considering the actual value of the frame)

Secondly, if I was to get it powder coated, I’d obviously try to get the dent filled/repaired. I guess I couldn’t use conventional filler - is there a filler compatible with the power coat process (I assume it would have to be metallic in order to get the powder to adhere to the surface)

Hope I haven’t asked a load of obvious questions! I’ve never used the powder coating process before, so am a little nervous, and want to get it right.

 

[wiggviv]

I've just done a Pine Mountain with a top tube dent look up frame blocks and tube repair on youtube. Made mine from hardwood to the tube dia clamp in vice and rotate back and fwd adding bit more compression each time. Be patient it worked for me minor skim of polyester filler used as I am wet painting mine.

 

[doctor-bond]

Frame blocks and filler would be a good learning experience, but I’d vote for not worrying about it: powdercoat is a bit thicker than paint so will fill it a bit, and unless your daughter is determined to have a pristine bike, a small characterful ding will be part of the story. (Or could be covered with a sticker, a plaster, etc ….)

 

[wiggviv]

I have an Orange eSix aluminium with a well used frame adds to the character and history - your's needs a Power Bar sticker.

 

[bikeworkshop]

That dent isn't a problem.
Dents are a problem when you can see distortion around the whole tube.

Paint over, roll it out or fill as you think best.

 

[Imlach]

Leave it as is, rolling just making it weaker. It'll be fine. Dents are cool as.

(Yes I drop spanners like my life dpended on it)


(Maybe it does)

 

[shepp]

Absolutely no effect on its strength. I spoke to a very knowledgeable frame builder (Dave Roberts) who categorically stated that dents like this in steel tubes are not a problem, cracks are, but not dents.

 

[Imlach]

Absolutely no effect on its strength. I spoke to a very knowledgeable frame builder (Dave Roberts) who categorically stated that dents like this in steel tubes are not a problem, cracks are, but not dents.

Can't imagine a dent in a steel tube wouldn't in some way, however marginally, affect its structural integrity. But I certainly believe that rolling it out would do more harm than good.

 

[JustLikeClockwork]

Thanks for all the advice everyone.
Maybe I am overthinking it!
I guess it’s our scars that tell the best stories.

I love the idea of the Power Bar sticker! (Those things were everywhere back in the day!)

“A warrior is defined by his scars, not his medals”

 

[gtturbo]

To answer your filler question I believe it does have to be a certain type for powder coating. Best to speak to your powder coater as I'm sure they would be able to advise you. I have read of people using JB Weld as a filler prior to powder but best to ask the experts.