CrowSeph

Hey Guys , i got another frame.
Is basically for trekking but i want to turn it in something special.

But there is a little problem:

The old owner drilled an hole in the top tube and he mounted another saddle (is something strange but is a saddle, i have no idea what the hell that idiot was thinking , if you wanna carry a kid but the proper seat SAFETY FIRST!).

I need to repair that hole , thanks god the frame is not in ALU.
My idea is to insert a little metal stick in that hole and welding near the holes and fill them.

Do you think is the best solution?

(i hope that is the correct section)

mulveyr 

Exactly how large is this hole? And where exactly is it located?

CrowSeph

is large ~5mm.

mulveyr 

If it's actually that small, you'd probably do more damage trying to "fix" it than you would just by leaving it alone. Cover it with aluminum tape and put a sticker over it, and call it a day.

CliffordK

A good welder can fill a hole pretty easily. But, I agree, it may be entirely unnecessary (and will mess up the paint).

CrowSeph

i need to repaint becouse is already in bad condition.
I'll keep the tread updated , thanks guys for the infos.

CliffordK

One question before you get it welded.

Do you know the age of the frame? Model?

Technically one is not supposed to weld Reynolds 531. I'm not sure about the common High-Ten steels used in bikes.

Newer alloys can be welded. Is the rest of the frame welded or brazed?

CrowSeph

I belive the model is "Expedition Trekking" from the brand "Maino" (an italian very cheap trademark).

The most newest model must be similar to this :link
..but the description say ALU , i don't think my frame is alu becouse is full of rust instead of oxide.

By the way , i have done a little work.
Is not a great work (i'm not a master welder) but tomorrow i'll cut that metal stick and use my grinding machine to hide everything. I just hope nothing is coming out.

As you can see the paint is awful, but is a part of the challenge to make that bike usable again.



i still feeling scared to think some child has spent some time sitting on that improvised seat....

Juan Foote

Since that is a steel frame...I don't know what you have in it or envision it's purpose being you mention it being a cheaper Italian brand...but if I were going to use that bike I would likely look at having a frame shop replace the top tube and powder coat it. I would want to take a long hard look at that frame inside and out to consider it's structural integrity. Also, consider that the heat from your weld likely changed the temper on that tube at a critical spot.

mulveyr 

Yup. The OP failed to mention that the hole apparently goes thought both sides of the TT. Since it looks like a bike that's been left out in the weather for a long, long time, I can't imagine it's even remotely worthwhile putting any effort into rebuilding it.

CrowSeph

The first image i posted show the red line pass into the tube , i was expecting that image was easy to understand... my fault!

The replacement of the top tube is not wort , is more easy to get a new frame.
For today i fixed that hole and the results seems pretty good , next phase is cheeck the integrity/security of the frame.
(if you got any advice to cheeck the internal state of the frame keep posting).




thanks guys for the infos. I'll keep you update.

nimbuzz

Get another frame--That's easy! You did a decent job but the temper is probably messed up.

CrowSeph

thanks , i'm already looking for a new frame.

CliffordK

Now the work is done, paint it up and try it out.

As mentioned earlier, if it is Chromoly (any welded frame, or most frames from about 1990 or newer), then it will take the heat.

If it is Reynolds 531 or other older alloys, then it won't be designed for welding. Brazing is safer.

Nonetheless, the damage is mid-tube, and pretty low stress with the exception of hard front impact, so it may not ever cause problems under ordinary conditions.

It is quite possible that the OP could ride the frame for decades and never have any problems.

nimbuzz

(Sorry for my English) [/QUOTE]

No problem--Your English is actually pretty good!

bbbean 

Are you buying Chris Froome's descending bike?

CrowSeph

I don't think he's going to give me one of his frames (sadly )

Thanks

mizuko

hi, there, looks good