Having taken only 1 year of metallurgy in College, 4 years of welding, 2 years of Machinist training, and 2 years working for an aluminum frame builder, I disagree with Derek's comments, and those of others who recommend having a local welder fix it. What I do know is that there are many different alloys of aluminum, some are designed for welding, some are not. If it is made out of 6061 T6 than it can welded with good results. There is another factor to consider when welding aluminum and that is heat treatment. I have tried to stay out of this subject since I am not an expert, but when I hear possibly dangerous advice given on the list, it is difficult for me to bite my tongue. This question with a photo of the damage should be sent to Alan, in Italy, and to their importer who I think is Oschner in Chicago. I would like to hear what they recommend.
Chris Ioakimedes http://www.fattiretrading.com
-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org] On Behalf Of Derek Willburn Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2005 11:04 AM To: 'VintageBikes' Subject: RE: [CR]Alan Frame Repair
Being that it's the dropout, it is probably cast/forged alluminum and not potmetal so it should weld as well as the welder can weld. What I didn't think of is heat effecting the glue for bonding it to the stays. I have a 979 Vitus frame with a crack in the seat lug and would like to know if heat will effect the glue before it is welded.
Derek Willburn
Long Beach, CA
> Is it possible that the alloy in An Alan frame is
> one that does not weld
> easily or well?
>
> Chris Ioakimedes
> http://www.fattiretrading.com
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org
> [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org] On
> Behalf Of Derek
> Willburn
> Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2005 9:42 PM
> To: VintageBikes
> Subject: Re: [CR]Alan Frame Repair
>
> Hi Dave,
> If it's too close to the hole to weld the part back
> on
> then it will probably be best to cut it off a little
> further away on the frame and make a piece out of
> alluminum stock. Any local professional welder
> should
> be able to put it on -needs a TIG welder for this
> job.
> I would make a rough shape first, weld it on, drill
> hole and tap threads for derailleur, then file to
> exact shape. Not sure what the Alan dropout looks
> like
> so you might be able to modify it to take a
> replacement type hanger also.
>
> Stay warm,
> Derek Willburn
> Long Beach, CA
>
> --- Dave from Maine <davefromainetoo@yahoo.com>
> wrote:
>
> > My 70's Alan frame was recently sold to one of my
> > riding buddies, and he just ripped the rear
> > derailleur hanger off. (Not a pretty sight)
> >
> > Aluminum welding? Is this something we'd have to
> > have fabricated and then find a welder who deals
> > with aluminum?
> >
> > At least I got my 7-Eleven Merckx frame finished -
> I
> > think I'll stick to steel.
> >
> > Dave Whitney
> > Portland, Maine
> >
> >
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