Have to ask, it's about frames...

LibertineAudrey · Post by **LibertineAudrey** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 2:12 pm

OOOOOOK...

so my frame is bent on my Lambretta. I have a couple of options (don't we always?). I could bail out now and get what I've put into it back, pretty risk free, but kinda boring.

I can get another series 2 frame, dress it up like a TV, and not tell anyone (except you all). Minor risk, I could buy another frame and still end up with something bent and it would decrease the value significantly.

I can hold out and look for another TV2 frame. Moderately risky, could still end up with a bent frame that cost even more than just a Li frame...but it would be "correct" and what I really want...

So it leads me to ask, is it feasible and worthwhile to straighten a frame, or is it something that people just don't do? There's lots of people on the interweb that seem to be ok with the idea, but I don't always trust the people on the interweb. Just looking for a few more opinions...

If it is feasible, could I take it somewhere local, or would I have to ship to some specialist in the states?

Ok, so...that's all I have right now.

Post by **Kevin** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 2:53 pm

What is out of whack on it and how much? Cracks?

LibertineAudrey · Post by **LibertineAudrey** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 3:09 pm

The front end for certain is out in at least two places, like the tube where the forks run up, and sits at an angle different from the back half. I'm not sure if there are any cracks, I don't recall any. It's in Calgary right now, so I can't really have a look either.

I would say it is "significantly" out of whack though.

It looks like it was probably hit from the right hand side and bent accordingly. I don't think it did the hitting, either.

Post by **Kevin** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 3:44 pm

Is it all apart or still kinda assembled?

Calgary? huh? Must be with or near Daaron then. If it is and he says without a doubt its trash, i would believe him.

I've got friends with tube benders (they make roll cages and other nifty stuff) they might be able to do something with it if the dies are the right sizes and the bend is in an accessible/workable area.

If its twisted, that could be a different story.

LibertineAudrey · Post by **LibertineAudrey** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 6:27 pm

I think he feels more that it may be easier/cheaper to start with a different frame than that the frame is completely without hope. This is more just an exercise in possibilities anyways, I'm already looking at another frame to buy. I just like to know the why's and how's of everything sometimes.

It is with Daaren right now, and I'm guessing it's still mostly together. He wants to start/run/ride it before taking the engine apart. Waiting for the weather to improve, I think.

Angelo · Post by **Angelo** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 7:40 pm

Quite often an experienced eye is all you really need to verify if a frame is right or not. I would not question Darren's expertise. Buying another frame that is not quite right is a valid concern. There are shops that have built jigs using straight frames and now can verify whether a frame is straight or not, this is the route that I chose, not the cheapest but it does take some of the stress out of the decision. My Frame was an LI and considered pretty common. A TV frame not so much. Unless you are on a tight deadline to get the project done, it might be worth the time and effort to get it fixed...

LibertineAudrey · Post by **LibertineAudrey** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 8:19 pm

Where did you send it Angelo? It is quite obviously not straight once the legshields came off. I would ideally like to have it fixed, as I've come quite attached to the poor little thing. Even if it's not something that happens right now, it is something I would consider looking into in the future. Were you happy with the results?

Angelo · Post by **Angelo** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 9:07 pm

I actually didn't send the suspect frame anywhere. I still have it and will have it fixed someday, but that will be another project. I found a donor Italian frame in Denver at Casa lambretta. I spoke to John who does all thier restorations and mechanical work. They had a frame for sale and were able to mount it to thier jig and verify that everything was in order. Only then did I make the final decision and the transaction. Pricey but I knew what I was getting....

jbcollier · Post by **jbcollier** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 10:09 pm

Call Casa and see what they would charge to straighten the frame. Better yet, get Daaren to call as he can give them a better idea of what's required.

There are local bike shops with frame jigs that could straighten it but you would need to provide the necessary measurements. Cycle Works for one.

LibertineAudrey · Post by **LibertineAudrey** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 11:11 pm

This has all been interesting food for thought, I'll talk to Daaren again and see what he says about it all. Thanks everyone