Aluminium frame repair

LANCEARMPONG
LANCEARMPONG Posts: 2
edited November 2007 in Workshop
I have an Airborne Thunderbolt frame. The seat tube has sheared just above the weld where the seat stays join the seat tube. Can this be repaired and if so will it be a permanent repair?
I love the frame and am keen to use it again if I can.

Comments

  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    With great care and it depends on what grade of aluminium is used. Any weld repair results in localised heat stresses on the surrounding area which can actually weaken the resulting structure, meaning that is likely to fail again. If the frame is 7000 series aluminium, then it is possible - if 6000 series unlikely because these usually need a post-welding heat treatment to return the material to full strength. Perhaps contact a specialist non-ferrous welding fabricator to see what they reckon. I think Donohue Cycles in the North East offers an aluminium frame repair service. Trouble is, you can buy a new aluminium frame for around £120 these days and so you have to question the economics if you work on an hours labour at £40-50 plus shipping.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..

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