Framebuilders - repairing 653?

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zaphodbeeblebro
01-02-06, 12:37 PM
I have a cracked DEAN frame made around '96 made from reynolds 653 tubing. Can this frame be repaired, it appears to be TIG welded (small welds) but i dont know much about joining techniques so can't really say. The crack appears on the down tube behind the gusset as shown in the picture below.
DEAN has offered me a replacement frame for $500 (i'm assuming its steel) but i dont have $500 to spend on a new frame right now (bought a different steel frame for $500) The slightly blurred/discolored line above the crack is the gusset on the downtube.

so here's the questions:
can the frame be repaired?
If so:
how would the frame be repaired and how much would it cost?
Anybody have any recommendations for a builder who could do the repair in the New York/New England region?
how much would painting run me? (assuming the repair would destroy the paint job)

http://www.MyOnlineImages.com/Members/13beeblebrox/images/Presentation1.jpg

velonomad
01-02-06, 03:34 PM
The down tube would have to be replaced and then a complete repaint which would probaly cost you at least $350. Of course then you would stand a chance of getting a fatigue crack in the seat tube next. Depending on what Dean is offering to replace it with $500 seems a pretty fair offer.

Obviously you know that it isn't safe to ride the bike now. It is now a wall hanging, parts for a windchime or a bong
zaphodbeeblebro
01-02-06, 04:23 PM
The down tube would have to be replaced and then a complete repaint which would probaly cost you at least $350. Of course then you would stand a chance of getting a fatigue crack in the seat tube next. Depending on what Dean is offering to replace it with $500 seems a pretty fair offer.

Obviously you know that it isn't safe to ride the bike now. It is now a wall hanging, parts for a windchime or a bong

bummer, i was hoping for a cheaper fix, but i guess i kind of knew that all along...i no longer ride it (i actually noticed the crack in the middle of a ride and took subway home)...

dooley
01-04-06, 07:16 AM
Do you tig 653? I would certainly think about getting it welded up, riding it for a bit and if it lasts paint it. OIr maybe buid up some braze at the gusset to cover it.