I have an old steel frame, I think it's a pugeot with sv980 tubing. It didn't feel right riding and it looks to have some rear dropout alignment problems. The string test shows .5cm out on the right side, and the right side chainstay and dropout also seems higher than the left. I don't see any obvious damage on the rear end, but it's got some dings in the top tube. I don't want to spend much on it so was wondering if anyone had experience in trying to fix something like this. I'll try to add a link to some pictures. Thanks

https://www.flickr.com/photos/5258051...n/photostream/

dnomel, I don't think you can be certain until you have a shop look at it. I had a brand new frame damaged in transit and when I took it in for a warranty replacement the LBS was required to check alignment prior to the warranty claim. After watching them go through the steps and the tools they used they found it was out of alignment in two axis...I didn't spot the second problem myself.

Brad

Take it to the shop, they have the tool but align that frame at home is possible too. You did right with the string method, now the thing is to put it back where it suppose to be and if the frame has good tubing it will take more than a simple push Usually those frames come with reynolds or vitus. The only serious tool you need is the one to check dropouts alignment, you can improvise the other stuff i guess.

Hmm another thing... if the rear end is off you need to get it corrected because the rear axle will get bend or will get cut in the midle big time. Not a thing that you will get an accident but that will happen if the rear end is not fixed. That the rear end is off doesnt mean the frame is wrong or got an accident or damaged, steel is a pretty funny material and tend to deform with the years and use, thats all. Easy fix anyways.

Good luck and take it to the shop (if you have the money)

Thanks,
I might try the cold setting method with a 2x4 to spread the right side (now the spacing is 123mm), but I'm a bit worried about damaging the seat tube by levering on it, sv980 is stamped on the main tubes and the frame feels quite light. Even if this were successful I doubt it would help with the vertical misalignment, so was wondering if there was another way.
Rear wheels were pretty obviously out of line in reference to spacing and angle with the seat tube so I'm just hoping to eyeball things and give it another try. If it feels good then might be the time to take it to a shop to check the dropouts. I'd fee dishonest taking it in as is for some kind of estimate as I don't want to spend much money on it.