welding a broken lug?
09-07-04, 10:42 AM
#1
Me Likey Bikey
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welding a broken lug?
I have a really nice older luged track frame that is cracked on the top headtube lug. The crack follows the lug the entire circumference around the top tube. Is it possible to have somebody weld this crack closed and make the frame useable again? Would the structural integrity be compromised? Any help would be appreciated.
The crack is all the way through, and from the inside of the headtube, you can through the crack.
The crack is all the way through, and from the inside of the headtube, you can through the crack.
09-07-04, 12:11 PM
#2
Mr. Cellophane
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I would think it can, but I would take care with it. If the frame is worth fixing I would take it or send it, if necessary, to a frame maker or repairer who knows what they are doing. There is more to such a repair than just welding it. Aren't lugs silver soldered in place? I would think the lug needs to be removed and replaced with a lug having identical angles. I don't really know all the ramifications, but you probably can't just take it to the local welding shop to be welded. I wouldn't trust such a job to someone not experienced at bike frame repair.
FWIW,
Raymond
FWIW,
Raymond
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If it ain't broke, mess with it anyway!
09-07-04, 12:21 PM
#3
Coasting makes you grumpy
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Hmmmmm, this isn't that Bottechia from ebay last week is it....... if so, good on ya. I would contact some one that will, as stated above, remove and replace the lug. This is ideal. In theory you could braze the lug as a repair, but the strength will not be the same. It is more than likely a brass brazed lug, as it is rare to find a mass produced silver-brazed frame.
Good luck and let us know the outcome.
Good luck and let us know the outcome.
09-07-04, 07:20 PM
#4
The Red Lantern
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Someone qualified at brazing needs to do it. They can tell if it was silver or brass. Welding it would be a blasphemy and not work to well because of the previous soldered material causing contamination
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09-07-04, 09:22 PM
#5
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Yeah, if it was that Bottechia (sweet frame BTW), take it to a frame builder and he/she can remove the top tube from the lug, cut a new top tube, and braze everything back up. I know of a good frame builder you can ship your frame to if you are serious and don't already have a frame build picked out. PM if you want details.
