Patrick Lay wrote:
> Hello again to all...I noticed a 70s Masi on ebay in my size recently
> and found that the top tube (described as dented) was really caved in
> and need replacement. I have had a seatube replaced back in the 80s
> and understand the simplicity of the approach, but I was curious on
> exactly how a frame builder would take the frame apart to replace the
> top tube only. Patrick Lay, geometrically befuddled in Chicago
Not long ago I was talking to Master Gino Vanni, at 83, a senior framebuilder who retired 20 years ago (!) (deacals still available, by the way) and he told me how he would do that. Cutting the tube, heating up the joints, removing the stumps, cleaning well, perhaps filing ... . I asked: 'How can you slid in the new tube into opposite lugs?' 'Taking advantage of the elasticity of the frame'.
I have a Berma frame that needs exactly this kind of job. In fact, I hope to have it done next week in Padova by Antonio Taverna (of Vetta).
Sergio
Pisa