Panel beating help
#1
Thread Starter
Steel is real
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 772
Likes: 17
From: Australia
Bikes: Custom - Record Vortex 8 spd Nexus & Mistral Le Mans 3 spd Shimano. Giant Kronos. Raliegh Single Speed
Panel beating help
I started tidying this thing up with good components from scrap bikes, thought it would make an excellent general purpose bike, it's a Giant Yukon aluminum frame. then realized it's bent!
Hard to picture the wheel is on straight at the bottom stays, but it is, if you notice you'll see the rear wheel is inline with the down tube.
Looks like the seat tube is bent to the left, so's the tail, the bottom left dropout is on an angle too, also there's more gap on the left side of the brakes
worth fixing? can it be straightened without damaging the paint too much? if so what's a good method?
ok, forgotten how to post a pic, don't have PB. bear with me
Hard to picture the wheel is on straight at the bottom stays, but it is, if you notice you'll see the rear wheel is inline with the down tube.
Looks like the seat tube is bent to the left, so's the tail, the bottom left dropout is on an angle too, also there's more gap on the left side of the brakes
worth fixing? can it be straightened without damaging the paint too much? if so what's a good method?
ok, forgotten how to post a pic, don't have PB. bear with me
#2
Senior Member

Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,054
Likes: 163
From: Mountain Brook. AL
Aluminum frames don't respond to bending pressures with a new set very well, unlike steel or Ti frames which do.
Applying enough force to reset an aluminum frame runs a much higher risk of weld failures or other cracks. Just
as well you don't have PB, you would probably have lost anything you put on it.
Might be best just to try the bike and see how it rides as is. If it doesn't pull to the side or have shifting
or chain line problems, just go with it.
Applying enough force to reset an aluminum frame runs a much higher risk of weld failures or other cracks. Just
as well you don't have PB, you would probably have lost anything you put on it.
Might be best just to try the bike and see how it rides as is. If it doesn't pull to the side or have shifting
or chain line problems, just go with it.
Last edited by sch; 04-19-18 at 11:42 AM.
#4
Thread Starter
Steel is real
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 772
Likes: 17
From: Australia
Bikes: Custom - Record Vortex 8 spd Nexus & Mistral Le Mans 3 spd Shimano. Giant Kronos. Raliegh Single Speed
I figured if the damage didn't cause any cracks or broken welds it might be fixable?
yeah, can't use PB anymore
can anyone direct me to a thread on how to post a pic through your computer files [or where ever]?
yeah, can't use PB anymore
can anyone direct me to a thread on how to post a pic through your computer files [or where ever]?
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 786
Likes: 6
I started tidying this thing up with good components from scrap bikes, thought it would make an excellent general purpose bike, it's a Giant Yukon aluminum frame. then realized it's bent!
Hard to picture the wheel is on straight at the bottom stays, but it is, if you notice you'll see the rear wheel is inline with the down tube.
Looks like the seat tube is bent to the left, so's the tail, the bottom left dropout is on an angle too, also there's more gap on the left side of the brakes
worth fixing? can it be straightened without damaging the paint too much? if so what's a good method?
ok, forgotten how to post a pic, don't have PB. bear with me
Hard to picture the wheel is on straight at the bottom stays, but it is, if you notice you'll see the rear wheel is inline with the down tube.
Looks like the seat tube is bent to the left, so's the tail, the bottom left dropout is on an angle too, also there's more gap on the left side of the brakes
worth fixing? can it be straightened without damaging the paint too much? if so what's a good method?
ok, forgotten how to post a pic, don't have PB. bear with me
Before attempting to assess the frame alignment by looking at the wheel, you should make sure the rim is centered properly. Your alignment can only be as accurate as your reference point.
If the frame is actually bent, then as [MENTION=197614]fietsbob[/MENTION] said, the aluminum used in bike frames is heat-treated to a hardness level, and doesn't like to be bent, much less bent twice. It may not crack straightaway, but cold-setting will accelerate the fatiguing of the metal and cause it to crack sooner or later. You could theoretically anneal the frame, straighten it, and heat-treat it again. But you could probably buy a new frame or two for what that would cost.
#7
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 2,914
Likes: 1,783
From: Long Island, NY
Bikes: Trek 800 x 2, Schwinn Heavy Duti, Schwinn Traveler, Schwinn Le Tour Luxe, Schwinn Continental, Cannondale M400 and Lambert, Schwinn Super Sport
You have nothing to loose. I agree that if it got bent without kinking then it is possible for it to get straightened without kinking. I just straightened out my handlebars with the same philosophy. If you do happen to kink it, then you have only lost time and gained some knowledge.
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 786
Likes: 6
You have nothing to loose. I agree that if it got bent without kinking then it is possible for it to get straightened without kinking. I just straightened out my handlebars with the same philosophy. If you do happen to kink it, then you have only lost time and gained some knowledge.
Anyway it's not a matter of being able to straighten it. It's a matter of what happens next.
#9
Thread Starter
Steel is real
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 772
Likes: 17
From: Australia
Bikes: Custom - Record Vortex 8 spd Nexus & Mistral Le Mans 3 spd Shimano. Giant Kronos. Raliegh Single Speed
Yep, used to use Photo bucket, Fiets
TinyPic test..

I think the shade attracted me more than anything, metallic yellow would have to be my favourite colour :0
The fella i got it off gave away a stack off bikes, loaded the trailer, said that particular one just needed cables, said nothing about a ding! but can't complain about the price!
TinyPic test..

I think the shade attracted me more than anything, metallic yellow would have to be my favourite colour :0
The fella i got it off gave away a stack off bikes, loaded the trailer, said that particular one just needed cables, said nothing about a ding! but can't complain about the price!
#10
Thread Starter
Steel is real
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 772
Likes: 17
From: Australia
Bikes: Custom - Record Vortex 8 spd Nexus & Mistral Le Mans 3 spd Shimano. Giant Kronos. Raliegh Single Speed
"Might be best just to try the bike and see how it rides as is. If it doesn't pull to the side or have shifting
or chain line problems, just go with it."
That should be fine...The only issue i could see is the brake pad spacing, a spacer could be used i suppose
but i don't want to continue with the project knowing that it's bent... i'd rather see if i can straightened it
& Judging by the tech advice given it's probably best to scrap it
or chain line problems, just go with it."
That should be fine...The only issue i could see is the brake pad spacing, a spacer could be used i suppose
but i don't want to continue with the project knowing that it's bent... i'd rather see if i can straightened it
& Judging by the tech advice given it's probably best to scrap it
#11
Thread Starter
Steel is real
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 772
Likes: 17
From: Australia
Bikes: Custom - Record Vortex 8 spd Nexus & Mistral Le Mans 3 spd Shimano. Giant Kronos. Raliegh Single Speed
You have nothing to loose. I agree that if it got bent without kinking then it is possible for it to get straightened without kinking. I just straightened out my handlebars with the same philosophy. If you do happen to kink it, then you have only lost time and gained some knowledge.
Having said what i said, i'll strip it & carefully try to adjust one day, it's out of alignment about 1/4" by the looks
#12
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 786
Likes: 6
"Might be best just to try the bike and see how it rides as is. If it doesn't pull to the side or have shifting
or chain line problems, just go with it."
That should be fine...The only issue i could see is the brake pad spacing, a spacer could be used i suppose
but i don't want to continue with the project knowing that it's bent... i'd rather see if i can straightened it
& Judging by the tech advice given it's probably best to scrap it
or chain line problems, just go with it."
That should be fine...The only issue i could see is the brake pad spacing, a spacer could be used i suppose
but i don't want to continue with the project knowing that it's bent... i'd rather see if i can straightened it
& Judging by the tech advice given it's probably best to scrap it
Are you quite certain the rear axle is fully seated in the dropouts on both sides?
#13
Thread Starter
Steel is real
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 772
Likes: 17
From: Australia
Bikes: Custom - Record Vortex 8 spd Nexus & Mistral Le Mans 3 spd Shimano. Giant Kronos. Raliegh Single Speed
It's hard to take a photo to get the angle right resting on the kick stand, i took three shots, posted the best one
Yep.. tightened on by skewers, i wanted it perfectly centred on the bottom stays [correct word?], that's when i noticed the rest is deformed, if i wanted the wheel centred at the top it would rub on the bottom
First i thought it was a manufactures fault, but nahh.. in my experience Giant make a good thing
Last edited by le mans; 04-19-18 at 01:41 PM.
#14
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 6,006
Likes: 2,286
From: Mission Viejo
Bikes: 1986 Cannondale SR400 (Flat bar commuter), 1988 Cannondale Criterium XTR, 1992 Serotta T-Max, 1995 Trek 970
If general use is making it a low speed around town bike, then it might not be a problem. If general use is careening down trails, then you may want to move on. I suspect that there are a lot of mis-aligned beach cruisers being ridden daily.
If it is more aesthetics/brake alignment, you could probably file the drive side dropout slightly deeper to find a happy medium that would not be noticeable.
John
If it is more aesthetics/brake alignment, you could probably file the drive side dropout slightly deeper to find a happy medium that would not be noticeable.
John
#16
2-Wheeled Fool
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,346
Likes: 680
From: New Hampshire
Bikes: Surly Ogre, Brompton
I can tell..the seat tube leans to the left :-)
It's hard to take a photo to get the angle right resting on the kick stand, i took three shots, posted the best one
Yep.. tightened on by skewers, i wanted it perfectly centred on the bottom stays [correct word?], that's when i noticed the rest is deformed, if i wanted the wheel centred at the top it would rub on the bottom
First i thought it was a manufactures fault, but nahh.. in my experience Giant make a good thing
It's hard to take a photo to get the angle right resting on the kick stand, i took three shots, posted the best one
Yep.. tightened on by skewers, i wanted it perfectly centred on the bottom stays [correct word?], that's when i noticed the rest is deformed, if i wanted the wheel centred at the top it would rub on the bottom
First i thought it was a manufactures fault, but nahh.. in my experience Giant make a good thing
#17
Mechanic/Tourist
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,522
Likes: 12
From: Syracuse, NY
Bikes: 2008 Novara Randonee - love it. Previous bikes:Motobecane Mirage, 1972 Moto Grand Jubilee (my fave), Jackson Rake 16, 1983 C'dale ST500.
As to inserting images from BF: Click on Go Advanced, and when ready to add an image just click on the paperclip that is on the 1st row of editing icons. For an image on the computer click on Browse, navigate to the image and double-click on it. Repeat if more than one image and then click on Upload.
Last edited by cny-bikeman; 04-22-18 at 07:40 AM.
#18
Thread Starter
Steel is real
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 772
Likes: 17
From: Australia
Bikes: Custom - Record Vortex 8 spd Nexus & Mistral Le Mans 3 spd Shimano. Giant Kronos. Raliegh Single Speed
Yeah, mine too, at first i thought it was like some of those dual suspension hardtail types that are a bit out of whack, i talked myself into it that it's normal, & it will be OK 
The yellow must have hypnotized me or something

The yellow must have hypnotized me or something
Last edited by le mans; 04-22-18 at 08:22 AM.
#19
Thread Starter
Steel is real
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 772
Likes: 17
From: Australia
Bikes: Custom - Record Vortex 8 spd Nexus & Mistral Le Mans 3 spd Shimano. Giant Kronos. Raliegh Single Speed
Thx, Cny
I'm doing another project, might do a piccy test
using parts off the Giant, but it's 700c wheels, which is probably better suited for me
I'm doing another project, might do a piccy test
using parts off the Giant, but it's 700c wheels, which is probably better suited for me
#22
Thread Starter
Steel is real
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 772
Likes: 17
From: Australia
Bikes: Custom - Record Vortex 8 spd Nexus & Mistral Le Mans 3 spd Shimano. Giant Kronos. Raliegh Single Speed
Has bolts on this bike i'm not sure of?
two bolts just under the rear brake..
two bolts just under the rear brake..
#24
Thread Starter
Steel is real
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 772
Likes: 17
From: Australia
Bikes: Custom - Record Vortex 8 spd Nexus & Mistral Le Mans 3 spd Shimano. Giant Kronos. Raliegh Single Speed
the headset's done and i noticed these bolts either side of the forks, must be for a carrier or something



