Cracked / split down tube and bottom head tube lug

[fullfathom5]

I bought this frame unseen off ebay recently but when removing some light corrosion found there is a crack / split in both the down tube and bottom head tube lug. Realistically I think the frame is beyond economic repair but was more interested in how it could have occurred (it almost looks like the frame has been cut). Any thoughts?

[KTHSullivan]

Looks like a hacksaw cut to me.

[Jdsk]

Cutting disc in an angle grinder while being stolen?

Jonathan

[fullfathom5]

I should just clarify that the seller was helpfulness itself, provided their home address and delivered the frame in person so I'm in no way blaming them (and as I said the damage was concealed by some light rust).

[iandusud]

Cutting disc in an angle grinder while being stolen?

Jonathan

+1 for cutting disc

[Mike Sales]

I repaired a leak in my sister's plumbing which resembled this.
The deepest, central cut, had a shallowing groove at each end.
I think the pipe had been very nearly cut through, and eventually burst, because the remaing copper was so thin.
My guess was that an angle grinder, carelessly wielded, had brushed against the pipe.

[alexnharvey]

Cutting disc in an angle grinder while being stolen?

Jonathan

+1 for cutting disc

Thirded, possibly fourthed since Mike is saying the same too.

If the frame was secured through front wheel and frame then that is around where you would be cutting the lock?

A down tube repair might save it if the lug cut could be filled with brass or silver?

[fastpedaller]

Certainly does appear to be a cutting disk, as also evidenced by the numerous adjacent scratches to the downtube, and 'rusty spark from grinding'? marks on the headtube

[Ugly]

Major Nichols frames are sought after by collectors, before binning it check out the Major Nichols website or try;

majornichols@outlook.com

The Major Nichols lightweight racing cycles Facebook group can be found here

If you prefer Twitter please contact via @Lichwheeld

[fullfathom5]

Major Nichols frames are sought after by collectors, before binning it check out the Major Nichols website or try;

majornichols@outlook.com

The Major Nichols lightweight racing cycles Facebook group can be found here

If you prefer Twitter please contact via @Lichwheeld

Thanks. I'm already a member of the group as I own three other examples of Major's work.

[hoppy58]

I’d have thought that would be an easy repair for a skilled welder, just filling the cuts with braze?

[alexnharvey]

I’d have thought that would be an easy repair for a skilled welder, just filling the cuts with braze?

What could possibly go wrong if you have a cut through the tubing in one of the mostly highly stressed points on the bike and your "repair" is essentially metal filler?

That area is a point where tubes in lugged frames frequently crack due to the stress they see. Any damage there could be terminal but especially a nasty cut through the tube with sharp edges is not fixable by filling with brass or silver.

[jimlews]

That's an expensive little cut.

From Argos Racing Cycles repair price list:

New downtube :£180
Respray £195

And that's before things like lug lining ... £ 60
contrasting bands on seat tube ... £ ??
Apply makers transfers ... £ 35 - £ 60 depending on type
Cost of transfers ... £ ??

So, not an exercise to be embarked on lightly.
But a Major Nichols would be one of the marques that I would consider 'worth it'.

[S2L]

I wonder is a bit of solder and a file job to smoothen it... it's not that the top tube has a lot of work to do and I assume this is going to be one of those bikes that gets rarely ridden anyway.
I can't recall a case where failure of the top tube resulted in a trip to A & E

[fullfathom5]

I've had a quote of £110 to replace the down tube from Pinkerton Classic Cycles, which I don't think is too bad.

The frame needed a respray anyway so I may decide to get the work done so it is saved for posterity (I only live about three miles from Smethwick so feel it is part of our local heritage).