RE-welding stick welds

admin

I have a Surly Steamroller Bicycle frame that has a small fracture in the head tube weld. (IE rust forming at the weld just barely and a slight creak when I ride!!)  Can I have this weld re-welded by a frame builder?? I love this frame and wish to save it  HELP!!!!!!
Reply:I'll bet you can drop that puppy off at a good weldor's shop and he can fix it good as new.  Then you can take your treasure to a powdercoater where they will sand blast the old finish off and put on a new one.  If your manufacturer is still alive and well you can then pick up a decal kit and no one but your closest friends will know you once had a problem.I wouldn't take it to just any weldor though.  You're going to want someone who's experienced with chrome moly and tig.  If you use those two terms when looking for someone chances are most likely you'll be directed to someone who can not only do the job, but take a lot a pleasure in making your baby whole again.BTW, I know how you feel.  I have the same kind of attachment for my truck, my tractor, and two shops full of tools.life is good
Reply:THANKS wroughtn_harv,That is probably what I will do.  I love steel just for that reason.  My only concern is "Will re-welding that weld weaken the over-all strength of that joint or does it not matter??"  It is the connection where the down tube meets the head tube pretty high stree area?  There are quite a few frame builders in the Seattle area but I was curious just the same.Brandon
Reply:That's why you want someone who's experienced with chrome moly and does tig.  When they're done the weld will be fixed and the surrounding metal won't be weakened.I'd put this fix on the list of those you put price near the bottom of the list as far as criteria for getting it done goes.  The bike neck breaks and yours might follow. life is good