Closing steel frame vent holes
10-09-12, 02:54 PM
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Closing steel frame vent holes
I just got a new old stock steel frame from late 90s. In great condition with just minor rust spots here and there. I noticed that one of the seat stays has a rather large hole (~3mm diameter or slightly more). As far as I know these are necessary when building the frame to let gas escape during brazing. There was some rust around the irregular edges of the hole. On the other seat stay the hole is smaller and in better shape. Since I do quite a bit of riding in rain I figured I might be better off sealing these holes altogether (and may be the one underneath the fork). This way no water can get in and humidity can escape via seat tube. Any ideas what to use for sealing vent holes on steel frames? Super glue? Thanks!
10-09-12, 03:01 PM
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They also allow water to escape, rather than remain trapped in the frame. If you ride in the rain, water will take a LONG time to just evaporate, with the very small surface area allowed by the tube. This would probably lead to more rust.
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10-09-12, 03:10 PM
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Get some Weigle Frame Saver and squirt it in the holes. This will deposit a protective coating on the inside of the tubes. If you still want to seal the holes, use hot glue or vinyl tape.
10-09-12, 03:12 PM
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