I think this just depends on how much you would think about it. The chainstay is a location that no one will notice unless they closely inspect it so, you could just touch it up without the Bondo, but if it is going to bother you knowing it is there, then maybe the repair is a good idea. I currently have a small dent in the toptube of a bike. I think I'm going to have to fill it in, because it is in a location which is constantly visible while riding, making it impossible not to think about.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Big Spring, TX
Daniel Dahlquist <daniel.dahlquist@gmail.com> wrote: Hello Group, I seek your advice regarding a Schwinn Paramount I acquired recently. Although the 1987 bike is off-topic, my question applies to many of the on-topic vintage bicycles we love. This Paramount has had a beautiful respray, supposedly by Cycle Art (although there is no Cycle Art "signature" on the frame). The paint is perfect, save for one area: the previous owner (I am tempted to call him an idiot) has over-tightened a kickstand, and squashed the chainstays slightly on the top, and quite a bit on the bottom, "flattening" the tubes. I am sure that nearly all of us on the list have found a bike with this sort of damage at one time or another. Here's my question: Since the paint on the Paramount is perfect except for this one small area, should I just live with the damage, or use JB Weld or Bondo or some other sort of material to restore the tubes and touch up the paint to match (the color is black, an easy color to match). Thanks in advance!
Daniel Dahlquist
Galena, Illinois