In a message dated 5/12/2005 3:18:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time, Carb7008@cs.com writes:
<< I've settled on trying the hydraulic method using a porta-power (a hand-operated hydraulic pump capable of 6,500 psi). The toptube is closed at the head-tube and has a small hole at the seat-tube. I'm going to rig a rubber plug with fittings and expander-bolt that will fit into seat-tube and allow attachment of the hydraulic line. I will fill the top-tube and fittings with hydraulic oil, attach pump and pump dent away. I believe the thin-wall tubing (at the dent) will be the first to pop. Pics before and after will be available next week (if successful). If unsuccessful and you don't hear from me again, this method is not advised. >>
Great work, Jack! We all wait with baited breath... As you may know, others have reportedly succeeded at this. IIRC, Joe Murray (MTB fame) had a set up like this working, and my friend Jim Mincher at the Two Wheeler Dealer bike shop in Wilmington, NC had a similar successful gizmo. Now we get a (hopefully) blow by blow account from a CR member! IF it all works, it would be neat to have a materials list and pics of the gizmo installation, etc. Good luck! Dale
Dale Brown
Greensboro, NC USA