20T-help needed

[greeves]

hi. i am in the process of restoring a 20t to its former glory and whilst stripping the frame i discoverd that the front section frame is bent noticeable by eye. the only thing unusal is that the bike does not show any signs of damage and its only the front section bent.
what do you think is the best way to make right? any comments will be greatly recieved
thanks charlie

[John Wakefield]

As the top tube is cast into the alloy beam it cant be replaced. As the bend is only slight I suggest you use a flypress & V blocks to straighten it cold. I would not heat it as (a) you may melt alloy & (b) Upset the molecular structure of the steel.

[greeves]

thanks for the guidence if been of great help and i can now get on with the rest of the project, i will post some pictures when its complete


thanks charlie

[Andy Platt]

I had the same problem with my 20t. I had access to a hydraulic pipe bender in our apprentice school and straightened it with this.