Does this look like someone bent the rear frame loop on purpose? Its a V 1482 bike, the frame loop should be flat, correct? Hopefully the photo works.
(//URL=http://s446.photobucket.com/user/cbridgewater22/media/rear%20frame_zpsygotd72s.jpg.html%5D%5BIMG%5Dhttp://i446.photobucket.com/albums/qq183/cbridgewater22/rear%20frame_zpsygotd72s.jpg)[/URL]img]
Looks bent down and bent up.
That's what I thought, think I can heat it with a torch and straighten it back out? Or would it be easier to just purchase and install a new frame loop?
I like the bend.
Does you wife know that her 6 piece bake set is in the garage? LOL
The bend pulls the rear fender up to an odd angle. She sure does, one of those wedding gifts that hasn't been used, ever...
Any advice?
It's near impossible to get any tubing that's bent to bend it back at the same spot, if you do bend it back, (or try), what will you use as a gauge to know when you've achieved your goal?
I was hoping to flip the frame upside down on a table, heat it, and flatten it. Pipe dream maybe.
Heating will change the temper of the metal.
"Heating will change the temper of the metal."
It won't matter for supporting the rear fender, lol. Mike
Michael R. Winter
I enjoy rebuilding and appreciating Pentons!
1974 250 HS Pentons-1978-1979 MX-6 175 & 250 KTM's
1976-78 125-400 RM's & 79 PE250 Suzuki & 2012 DR650
2007 CR125R Honda
1977 MC250 Maico
A new rear frame loop is probably less than $100.00, "character" is priceless...:)
Paul
I take you you guys think I should leave it as is?
I would straighten it, like it is supposed to be with heat as opposed to a new rear loop if it was my bike. Easy to do with a helper.
Now your fender will fit and it doesn't have to be perfect to look right. The rear loop on this bike was worse than yours.
(http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab270/kanur/PI5Send1.jpg)
Dennis Jones
Any suggested method to straightening it?
First you need a torch capable of getting things red hot. Start with the two rear most bends, get them red hot, then you could use a 2 x 4 maybe 6' long, put it over the rear of the loop and under what ever it will reach up front and bend down till straight. A helper really helps.
Keep working those bends side to side as needed till they are straight. When you are happy with those move forward to the next bends, put your 2 x 4 under the loop and over the tire, heat the bent area till red and pull up till straight.
With a good torch and a helper this is really very easy to fix, 1 hour tops.
You can do it, you just need a torch and a friend. It's already bent,you are not going to hurt it.
Dennis Jones
Your idea of turning upside down on a metal table isn't too far off from working. If you can find a thick metal plat that you can lay on top of the frame loop, carefully clamp it in place very securely, then apply pressure in the direction you want to go with another clamp. Apply heat with a large welding torch tip right where you want it to bend. The real trick to heating is to keep the torch moving a bit. As the metal starts to get red, apply more pressure and you'll feel it move. Work slowly and don't over heat the metal, keep the torch moving and in the dull red area. Just follow what you see and what your instincts tell you. It's not as hard as some might thing. if you don't get the metal too hot, you won't change the grain structure, or oxidize things. It's not hardened steel or it wouldn't have bent, it would have broke! And it's not chrome moly tubing either in the steel tankers. Still, slow and steady is the way to approach it and you will be pleased with the results.
Type at you later,
Dan McEntee
Thanks guys! When I get around to doing it I'll post pictures of the results.