I was recently given a DAWES full reynolds 531DB frame (thanks to a very interesting list member Chee-Heng Yeong). that is in relatively nice shape, but has some damage. I have always wanted to try my hand at frame building, and thought that a repair might be a good place to start. In the past I have done some practice joints with good results, and feel mecanical enough to tackle this. But I thought the list could offer me some good advice. Here is the story:
This is a DAWES atlantis (can anyone tell me about this model?). The brake bride seems to have come off cleanly, with no sign of damage to the stays,and very little visible brazing material remaining on the stays. I suspect that in the same crash the derailleur side drop-out was also bent some (as if the lower part of the horizontal dropout was bent out about 3 degrees, giving a larger opening at the front).
In form of a list, here are a few of my thoughts and questions (and please stop me if you think this is not a good idea to get into):
1) Where could I get a brake bridge that would be suitable for this bike. Will I need any bits to spread the load out as seen on some nicer bikes?
2) If anyone has done this, could they help me out with a recommended procedure? I think the one part I am not clear on is how I would hold it in place when I start brazing one side.
3) I suspect I only have to clear out a bit of paint around where the brazing will take place. But is it better to remove a larger amount of paint to prevent it from burning while the tubes get hot?
4) I once watched a shop fix a badly bent fork drop out by heating it up a good deal to soften it, and bending it back into shape. Would this be a good thing to do on the rear drop out? It seems it would take a good deal of force to bend it back without heat. It is a bit hard to explain without seing it. Maybe this ascii drawing will illustrate the shape of the drop out (made by Dawes).
S * X2 * * * * * * * X 1 * **************C ************** ** ** ************** **************
S is where the seat stay brazes in. C is where the chain stay brazes in. And X1 is where I think I seem most of the bend (about 3 degrees maybe) with a hair of bend visible at X2. Any thoughts on how best to repair this?
I thank everyone in advance for their thoughts. I really am excited about this chance to fire up a torch and do some brazing, filing, painting. And I think this frame, with the help of this group, could be perfect.
Thanks in advance for educating me,
Dan Kasha
Providence RI