Ovalized head tube repair

[slowgoing]

I have an an old Olmo Reynolds 531 frame I'd like to build up. Problem is the top of the head tube took a hit at some point and is ovalized. To the point that a headset won't fit in at all, let alone poorly. What's the best method for getting it round again?

[David Kirk]

can you post a photo?

Dave

[slowgoing]

Thanks, Dave. This one shows what's going on. Its like it was rested on its headtube at some point, ovalized in one specific area.

[David Kirk]

If I had that frame in my shop I'd take some long heavy pipe - about 1" in diameter - and put it in the head tube and pull it forward to pull the D shape out of it. The frame would need to be held secure while doing it.

Once the head tube looks round run a reamer in it and you'll be all set.

This repair is pretty common.

Dave

[slowgoing]

Thanks, Dave. Much appreciated.

[David Kirk]

Originally Posted by slowgoing

Thanks, Dave. Much appreciated.

if you have a way to clamp the water pipe in a vice and then lever the entire frame against the pipe you'll not need to hold the bike down in some odd way.

dave

[slowgoing]

Thanks, Dave. You saved me the purchase price of a frame rack.

Now if I can only find a cheap reamer...

[Ken Robb]

It will probably make more fiscal sense to take it to a shop to be reamed. The frame, that is.