top tube dent - advice needed please

[davidsherrington]

Yesterday I received a beautiful vintage condor in the post after looking for a new touring bike for a while and today went out on my first ride. Unbelievably I pranged straight into a railing and dented the top tube. I'm mortified.

Four hours on, I;ve stopped wanting to cry but do want some advice on it. I've attached a photo - I don't think it's a big problem (aesthetics aside) - the frame isn't cracked, or bent in any way - its just a nice big dent. It is unfortunately somewhere I will see it regularly but I could consider getting a sticker to cover it up or just never look down again while riding.

Any advice on potential structural problems I may face or fixes are appreciated!

Many thanks

 

[AndyPA]

531 is quite soft and doesnt crack easily,depending how deep it is you could silver solder that dent and it wouldnt show if done properly.
Otherwise its a new top tube im afraid.

 

[davidsherrington]

531 is quite soft and doesnt crack easily,depending how deep it is you could silver solder that dent and it wouldnt show if done properly.
Otherwise its a new top tube im afraid.

Thanks. Do you think there will be any problem riding it? Structurally it looks ok but I'm no expert!

 

[AndyPA]

531 is quite soft and doesnt crack easily,depending how deep it is you could silver solder that dent and it wouldnt show if done properly.
Otherwise its a new top tube im afraid.

Thanks. Do you think there will be any problem riding it? Structurally it looks ok but I'm no expert!

dents that tend to crack are under the top and down tube near the headtube/lugs and chainstays. Personally I would ride it and call it patina

 

[hamster]

Look up things about freezing out dents. They are somewhere on this site.

 

[Loki]

Roll it out

http://chuck.kichline.com/bikes/Framedents/default.htm

 

[latman]

Panel Beaters have a device called a slide hammer which the use to pull dents out of steel skinned car panels , they spot weld little nail things onto the damage and they slide hammer /pull them out before removing(cutting and grinding)the nails , if that was to be used in combination with the blocks pictured above you may get away with no bondo/putty but it would certainly destroy the paint .

 

[Jonny69]

If it doesn't pop out by applying a bit of heat then the slide hammer will take it out. However, I *think* 531 is heat treated, so sticking heat or a small weld on it might affect the strength. I don't think that dent will affect the strength of the bike and I'd be inclined to leave it as it is or just fill over it if it bothers you.

 

[latman]

I beleive silver solder needs less heat than brass brazing or regular welding so maybe that is the best way to attach the "nails" if it holds tight enough ?