What to do with a dent?

[tomosllyr]

I bought a poorly described frame on ebay on a punt, and after some research I've identified it as a Raleigh 653 Race which I'm quite happy about. It does need a serious amount of work though, including seat post removal, and a nasty dent on the top tube.

I'm sure I can get the seat post out given enough time (although if anyone can give any tips I'd be grateful). I'm more concerned about the dent. I'm handy with filler and paint having done some car restorations in the past, but am unsure if this kind of damage will weaken the frame and if it's even worth repairing? If so, what is the best way of repairing it?

 

[Jonny69]

To my eye, it looks like something big might have been dropped on the frame and bent the top tube. That crimp often happens when you force a tube straight again. I wonder if someone has put a foot on the bottom bracket shell and give it a good old pull to get it straight again. I'd recommend putting a straight edge along that top tube and check it's straight, up/down and left to right. What I understand about 653 is that it's a heat treated steel, so don't heat it to pop the dent out or you'll affect the temper.

I've read a few people on here who have had a tube replaced. Since it's 653 it's probably worth getting it done.

Reality of course is if you temporarily stick a pair of wheels on it and whang your weight up and down on the tube, if it doesn't go anywhere then it's not going to affect the strength enough for it to be dangerous. Then break out the pog and bury it. Just be honest when you come to sell it

 

[MrW]

Looks nasty but I'm with Jonny69...

See if it's straight first, then if it is, get it built and see what the frame does.

Once you know you can then take the correct course of action

Not sure if you can still get Reynolds 653 tubing to replace it, but maybe someone on here knows different.

 

[lewisfoto]

For my 2p I would repair the frame regardless if it is currently straight. That dent is too big to ignore.

 

[MrW]

Just looking around the web, Mercian cycles charge £95 + VAT to replace a top tube

Then it's going to need painting, which they charge anything from £120 + VAT for

I guess the question therefore is, if these prices are 'general' is the frame worth saving in terms of cost?

What did you pay for it if you don't mind me asking?

 

[Ian Raleigh]

Blimey! Does it still have the original forks ?

 

[tomosllyr]

The tube is straight as far as I'n able to tell, althogh the slight ridge next to the dent makes it difficult as the piece of wood I'm using wont rest flat against the tune exactly where the dent is.

I'm going to be respraying it myself anyway, so that's not an issue if it comes to repair. But I would like to keep the price of refurbishing it as much as possible.

Yes it has the original forks, and I paid £17.99

 

[glpinxit]

Looks dangerous to me. Bear in mind that walls are probably around 0.7mm thick mid top tube and I wouldn't be comfortable riding it fast. And even if 653 is still available Mercian are likely to charge more to replace it. (Or suggest replacing it with 531.)
Defo not a fill and paint job.
Sorry.

 

[carlrh]

Bob Jackson new top tube in 653 £70 plus vat.
http://www.bobjacksoncycles.co.uk/repairs_pl.php

 

[PeterPerfect]

Re: Dent

Looking at the pictures, I wouldn't class this as a dent. The tube looks fractured to me and I wouldn't ride it like that especially if you don't know how this happened. It would be worth having the tube replaced though as it looks like a nice frame.