I've had that type of dent filled when repainting a frame. I assume the framebuilder used a filler material similar to that used in auto body shops. Such a repair should add only a little to the cost of the repaint. A tube replacement would cost much more, and in my view would make the bike less original that simply filling the dent in the existing tube. It could also change the ride a bit, particularly if the new tube were not the exact model and gauge of the old one. Of course the ride might be better, but stiil it would be changed. I've heard of pulling or pushing the dent out of a frame tube, but I don't know how well that works, and I would think some filler material would still be required to give the repaired tube a smooth profile in the repaired area. So if it were me, I'd just have a dent like that filled and repainted, save the money, and preserve more originality than the alternative.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Houston, TX
dgranger@comcast.net wrote: Greetings all, My name is Duncan Granger, and I have been lurking on the list for about a month, since I bought a 1974 Jack Taylor on the bay (http://ebay.com/<blah> Anyway, enough about me. Here's my dilemma: The Jack Taylor has two dents on the right side of the top tube (probably from the bar hitting the tube in a crash). The larger one is about the size of a nickel, and a couple to three milimeters deep. I am taking the frame up to Tom Kellog at Spectrum Cycles this weekend on my way to the swap meet at the Lehigh Valley velodrome (aside to Tom Adams - count my brother and I in on the ride) for a re-paint (it's already been repainted once, a metallic silver). With Tom K's paint and Bob Freeman's transfers, I hope to restore it to most of its' former glory. Tom says he can patch the top tube or replace it. Assuming he gives the frame a clean bill of health structurally, I am leaning toward having the dents filled. I would like to keep the bike as original as possible. So what's your vote? Should I have the top tube repaired or replaced? Why or why not? I value your opinions (maybe that's my first mistake :-)). Thanks in advance, Duncan "on the horns of a dilemma" Granger Lancaster, PA