Well, 1/8" is a little thick, but it may be a splice to repair a dented or bent seat tube. I have used a similar technique to repair one of my frames after it was hit from the side by a car. Removing the entire seat tube would have been very difficult because of the seat stay attachment (fastback). I cut out the flattened section and replaced it using internal sleeves at both ends. The alignment was perfect when the job was completed and it gave the rider a spare bike for little more than the price of the paint job. The person that hit the bike paid for a replacement. If you take the paint off the frame, I would not be surprised to find two gold rings around the seat tube.
Bill Boston
Wilmington, DE
http://www.billbostoncycles.com
> While cleaning-up the Stella frame I found a strange tube inside of the
> seat-tube. The tube is approximately 8" long and located 5" up from the
BB and 9"
> down from seat-post opening. The tubing has a wall thickness of about
1/8"
> and is made of steel. Its not swaged on the end, just straight tubing so
I
> doubt its a remnant seat-post.
>
> I'm tempted to remove or attempt to dislodge the tube but maybe its there
for
> a purpose. Anyone ever seen or heard of this? I will take it to our
local
> frame-maker tomorrow for his assessment as well.
>
> Jack Romans
> Sacramento, CA