Frame repair

[DismalScientist]

So, my ’85 Trek 620 (you know, the touring bike made from Reynolds 531 with the extra long chain stays) has some surface rust and I was figuring it was time for a paint job. After removing all the components, I took off the rear wheel, and–BAM–the frame breaks at the drive side rear dropout. So, I take this to Revolution to see if I could use the Trek lifetime frame warranty. Turns out I need “proof of purchase” for a bike that is almost 30 years old.:confused: And, if I were to had said “proof of purchase,” I would likely get a replacement frame with “modern technology.” Well, they don’t make steel frames the way they used to anyways. (I assume they would send the closest-sized Trek 520 frame if I actually were to have said “proof of purchase.”):mad:

So, I went to this guy Bruce who advertises frame repair on Craigslist. He TIG welded that puppy up on short notice for $35. It looks good so far and I will give later reports after I get the frame painted and components added back. This seems a lot less hassle than getting a lower quality frame from Trek after whatever I would have to deal with.

Topic

[DismalScientist]

The frame has been painted and here is a picture of the weld:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]3430[/ATTACH]

[mello yello]

weld looks great, but I’d have tried to keep the paint off the dropout faces and threads of the derailleur hanger and rack bosses. be careful removing the paint there, as it may chip away, and then you start the rust problems all over again.

I’m a fan of vintage bikes – they do still make them like they used to, but now it’s boutique frame builders and you pay for it.

[cyclingfool]

@DismalScientist 60392 wrote:

The frame has been painted and here is a picture of the weld:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]3430[/ATTACH]

Looks good! Where’d you get the paint job done? It’s powder coat, I assume?

[DismalScientist]

@cyclingfool 60426 wrote:

Looks good! Where’d you get the paint job done? It’s powder coat, I assume?

Nope. It’s automotive paint. Check out the other thread here: http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?5343-Happy-Hour-discussion-of-Maaco&p=60393#post60393

The paint is still quite soft and easy to dig from the insides of the dropouts. Now the rear wheel actually fits!:rolleyes:

[peterw_diy]

Do you have his contact info? I have an old steel (fillet brazed?) frame suddenly in need of tube replacement.

[DismalScientist]

I think this is his latest post:
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/bik/5217952773.html

His number is (7) 200-0387 (when the CL ad expires).

[peterw_diy]

Thank you!

[Author]

Replies