Opinions please

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Having a custom frame built for a rebuild of a Honda vt600, and the in progress pics the shop sent me showed that the bends in the downtubes were to high.  They have said the would correct it by cutting out the tubes, bending new pieces, and slugging them in and rewelding...Some guys I have talked to have said i should insist on them bending entire new lower rails, from rear axle to steering neck, as the spliced join would be sub-standard...appreciate any thoughts.
Reply:To me, it's not a matter of whether or not the weld is strong enough, it's the fact that it's designed as one piece and they did it wrong, so the whole piece should be replaced.  If you bought a new car with a factory defect in the hood, you'd expect a new hood, not bondo and new paint over the bad spot.You didn't build that.'85 Miller AEAD-200LE
Reply:Any tubular work ---- Best fit up possible and minimum amount of heat to make a "proper" joint.The more "re-work" you do results in stress, metal fatigue and increases the possibility of cracking around the joint.This is a re-work situation..... not a re-weld.Thanks,HoboLincoln SA200's... at least 15 - 20. They come and go. Growing partial to the "Short Hoods" in my old age. Last count on Short Hoods was 13 in possession.
Reply:simply on the metalurgy, the weld itself, should be stronger than the surrounding metal. that being said, the heating processo of the welding changes the metal near the weld, some times causing it to lose some of it's strength. Thus the reasoning behind putting the slug in, as this backs the joint and extends past the weld effected area.That being said, I too agree that this should be re done, not retro fitted. because they will never be able to get the welded aread to the perfect same uniformity of the surrounding tube. A custom frame needs this, not just for looks but for strength as well.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:Thanks guys...they are indeed reworking the whole frame, based on my email to them.
Reply:If your paying for a custom chassis if should not be spliced together. End of discussion. Now on the flip side adding the slug is acceptable to SCORE, CORE, NHRA, and many other sanctioning body's as an acceptable repair. (the key word here is "repair") yourpaying for a build, not a cut and splice patch job. They screwed up. They need to fix it correctly.Offering CNC Plasma cutting and welding projects.Follow me on facebook https://www.facebook.com/nobigdeal.fabSupport those that support WW.