Daniel Dahlquist wrote:
>What do I do about this dent?
So far you have received good advice to either repair or simply accept and live with the frame dent to your Hetchins. I suggest a third possibility: camouflage
Depending on the location, you may be able to hide the dent with a cable guide, pump clip or other accessory.
As a matter of fact, I too have a noticable deep "ding" in the top tube of my Hetchins 70's Italianate frame. It came with the frame when I bought the bike -- and yes -- it bothers me! But there is something liberating about knowing that since the bike is not perfect, I can go out and ride it and enjoy it without anxiety: It's already "damaged goods".
I have given the issue some thought and decided that I would rather have the dent and the nice original finish on my frame, rather than a repaint without the dent. I keep my bike inside the house and admire the elegant lugwork and paint whenever I walk past it.
Enjoy your Hetchins, I'd like to see it someday. They are beautifully crafted and each one a work of art.
Erik Siverson