Originally Posted by
SlimRider
And why is my advice "Bad advice", when we're practically saying the same darn thing?
PS.
Besides, it's NOT the tubing, anyway! So your guy was on the right track. He just got slightly derailed, thinking about tubes, instead of plates...It happens...
Nonetheless, his advice is good and mine is bad!...Alright, I get it!

Because you can't take a bike frame to "most autobody repair shops [that] have welders and have him reweld the bike". What you are likely to get back is a bike with a hole where a weld used to be. The steel on bicycles, including cheap frames, is incredibly thin and easy to burn through. It is a myth that a steel bike can be repaired by anyone with a welder.
A broken weld is also a stress riser which will lead to further damage down the road. The very best course is the one that dabrucru is taking, i.e. contacting the dealer.
'