Frame Brace

T

Toobusy

New member
Location
Rutland UK
Hello, lurker here.. I've posted on Facebook forums for advice on frame bracing and hought I'd try here and ILOC as well.

I'm getting around to the restoration of my 1978 Jota (silver..) again. All stripped and engine being refurbed and hopefully nice and shiny.
My question is about frame/ headstock bracing. Whilst it's in bits and going to be powder coated, should I have some bracing welded in? There is no damage and it isn't going to be "abused" (raced/ rallied) in the future... But, I don't want to not do it and have issues when (eventually) it's back on the road. I've looked at examples of bracing on this forum and they all seem different, with some appearing to lose the coil mount bracket.

I also couldn't find any pictures of cracked frames - as requested by a local welder!

Many thanks and be gentle.
(PS also had criticism for using powder coating..)
 
Hi Lurker,

Use the search facility (top right) with key words you might find what you are looking for,here's one example for you to read through.

Frame crack

So I finally get a day cool enough to work in the shed. Aim is to pull the forks off so as to replace the blown seals and then fit the new Racetech emulator adaptor and fork springs. Pull the tank off to find the frame has cracked. The question is, can the have the gussets welded in just by...
laverdaforum.com laverdaforum.com

Will it or won't it you can say about most things from engine reliability to suspension failure,we can only support and maintain as well as we can in the hope to prevent failures.....as you say its not going to be raced or rallied but knowledge is a good base to work from in order to make choices.

Regarding powder coating the purists may hate it but time has moved on and done right it can look good and last,but at the end of the day its your bike ,your money and your choice.

Good luck with the restoration and drop us some photos as you go. (y):cool:

Schurmy
 
Increasing the length of the head tube as grant has done has genuine advantages in shortening the length of unsupported fork leg (reducing flex) but is a more involved job.
 
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I've had frames and wheels powder coated in the past and can say it's great for wheels w/ a nice slick surface that cleans easily. The only problem w/ it is around areas that have parts bolted on and it can crack from the contact. But it depends on the frame prep and skill of the powder coater. Another option would be epoxy paint or some tough industrial paint.
 
Schurminater said:
Hi Lurker,

Use the search facility (top right) with key words you might find what you are looking for,here's one example for you to read through.

Frame crack

So I finally get a day cool enough to work in the shed. Aim is to pull the forks off so as to replace the blown seals and then fit the new Racetech emulator adaptor and fork springs. Pull the tank off to find the frame has cracked. The question is, can the have the gussets welded in just by...
laverdaforum.com laverdaforum.com

Will it or won't it you can say about most things from engine reliability to suspension failure,we can only support and maintain as well as we can in the hope to prevent failures.....as you say its not going to be raced or rallied but knowledge is a good base to work from in order to make choices.

Regarding powder coating the purists may hate it but time has moved on and done right it can look good and last,but at the end of the day its your bike ,your money and your choice.

Good luck with the restoration and drop us some photos as you go. (y):cool:

Schurmy
Click to expand...
Thanks Schumy, interesting reading and very useful. I think that if I can find someone locally I'll go with the "Redax" solution - I'll sleep on it, put away Autocad and get the cardboard cad out. Two pack epoxy or powder coat again depends on suppliers. I have a very good powder coater locally..
Progress will be glacial, I have had a foot op last year and have a "boot" for a while longer and am just a solitary bloke in a cold garage.
 
redax5 said:
this is what we do on 180 frames, first job when restoring a bike
send rolling chassis to our local frame expert who straightens the frame and welds in a headstock brace to stop the downtubes from cracking
he says every frame is bent, just depends on how bad

8th Mar TC frame 1

easier to see the added brace in this photo

TC headstock brace
Click to expand...
Thanks redax5, I think that's the path I'll be following. Do the horizontal welded flat bars add to the solution or are they for something else? You're reputation speaks for itself, you just need to be nearer!
 
I'd just like to thank everyone who has read/ commented on my post/ query. I'm not great with forums but everyone has been really helpful and supportive.
 
Toobusy said:
Thanks Schumy, interesting reading and very useful. I think that if I can find someone locally I'll go with the "Redax" solution - I'll sleep on it, put away Autocad and get the cardboard cad out. Two pack epoxy or powder coat again depends on suppliers. I have a very good powder coater locally..
Progress will be glacial, I have had a foot op last year and have a "boot" for a while longer and am just a solitary bloke in a cold garage.
Click to expand...
No worries, it doesn't matter how long the journey is as long as you get there in the end.
Good luck with the foot recovery and don't under estimate the achievements of 1 bloke and his cold dusty garage!
 

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Toobusy said:
Progress will be glacial, I have had a foot op last year and have a "boot" for a while longer and am just a solitary bloke in a cold garage.
Click to expand...
we have a lot in common, have had 8 operations on my right foot since 1976, hit and run accident on my SF2, 6 in 76/77, next in 97 and last operation couple of years ago in 2020
and I'm just a solitary bloke in a hot garage trying to fix the odd engine or two

right foot
 
redax5 said:
we have a lot in common, have had 8 operations on my right foot since 1976, hit and run accident on my SF2, 6 in 76/77, next in 97 and last operation couple of years ago in 2020
and I'm just a solitary bloke in a hot garage trying to fix the odd engine or two

right foot
Click to expand...
Hope it is an old foto
 
That foot Red, has the hall marks of a frame brace you perform, nice perimeter tack "welds"... bit of powder coating and you foot will look like new... 60+ year old new that is.. tough bloke, it just is.... j.
 
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