How to go about fixing this ...

[ahumblecycler]

Because things keep getting better ... :crap:

I received a new frame set yesterday, and the box was mangled. Amazingly, only one small (but important part) of the frame appeared to incur damage.

First, the seat tube opening incurred a degree of force, which resulted in the aluminum liner to be pushed inward (see picture). How would I go about pushing the aluminum back into place? My initial thought is something opposite to a vice grip, similar to the "Jaws of Life" concept. My father suggested a hammer and a punch (assuming a broader, flat head on the punch covered in rubber).

Second, I noticed two tiny cracks traveling downward from the seat tube tear drop (for lack of better name; see picture). How do I assess whether the cracks are cosmetic (i.e., cracks in the gloss / paint) vs. damage (i.e., cracks in the carbon fiber)?

Thanks - AHC

[vqdriver]

don't touch it yet. was the box insured?

[ahumblecycler]

I wish I could say yes, but honestly I do not know whether he did or did not. I am waiting to hear a response from him. I do not have the box in front of me to look through everything.

[thegunner]

as for the cracks in the teardrop portion, you could try sanding it and seeing if they're just in the surface of the paint (if it is, just apply a new clearcoat and you should be golden), if it starts sanding off white powder and it's still cracked, then it's toast.

i agree with the others though, don't touch it until you get a firm answer... fiddling with it might void that.

[John M]

Did you take pictures of the "mangled box" prior to unpacking? If not then, you will have no claim against the shipper even if the contents were insured. The shipper can claim that the damage you show here was pre-existing and not due to their mangling.

[ahumblecycler]

I have several pictures, and I had it delivered to my local Goin' Postal who will serve as witness.

[AngryScientist]

if its me, i wouldnt touch that frame. send it back, those are damaged goods, no matter who's at fault - its not you.

[quickfeet]

that frame looks to be ruined without carbon repair. The carbon is dis-bonded from the aluminum insert and the cracks will propagate on it. Return it fast!

[oldpotatoe]

if its me, i wouldnt touch that frame. send it back, those are damaged goods, no matter who's at fault - its not you.

Concur..you shouldn't have to put up with somebody else's mistakes. The packer, the shipper, certainly not you.

[ahumblecycler]

@all - after further reflection, inspection, and solution generation plus some consultation from my trusted LBS, I contacted the seller and requested a new frame. Without hesitation he said he would get one prepared and sent out right away. The seller possesses a lot of integrity, maintained open and frequent communication, and overall has made what could have been a messy situation fine. I have no doubt that if I had requested a new frame upon even seeing the package he would have jumped right on it. I just wanted it to work now, but alas it was not meant to be.

[AngryScientist]

good going. that was the right thing to do all around. hopefully this respectful seller can get compensation from the shipping outfit that likely damaged the goods.

[David Kirk]

Maybe the coffee hasn't kicked in well enough yet but........... what material is the frame? I see it has an alloy liner but what is the frame made of?

Dave

[Pete Serotta]

Dave would be a good one to talk to and to have fix it....... :) :) PETE

[rice rocket]

Ah, this is what you were referring to in PMs.

Good to hear it's going well. Looks like an easy repair though, nothing more than epoxy and some quick clamps (or even just insert the post in while it's curing). Definitely not your responsibility though.


And show us the whole frame!

[ahumblecycler]

@rr - yep

@Dave - carbon fiber

[David Kirk]

@rr - yep

@Dave - carbon fiber

If it were steel or Ti I'd not worry about it at all. but with carbon I don't like the cracks at the bottom of the slot. I'm sure it can be repaired but not at home. Send it to calfee or get a new one.

Sorry.

dave

[lemondsteel]

I personally would like to know who the shipper was that mangled the box and bike. Talk about blunt force trauma!
Also, who the frame supplier was that was so accomodating and acted as a seller should with that type of obvious damage. Thanks and glad it has turned out well!