Alright lads. Ok just been down to see my brother Pete at his sheet metal firm in Hoddesdon. He says that this frame has given him and a couple of his mates many headaches but they are pleased with the results and SO I'M I! :D I bought the frame from Rarman (rob) a good couple of months back and gave it to Pete that day. Pete tried everything, welding a tube in, wacking it in a vice, heating it up, soaking in diesel, you name it they did it to try and get this stuck seat post out. Apprantly the seat tube stuck in went all the way to the bottom! Fookin ell! :shocked: And because over the years of riding and probably leaving out in the rain etc.. it rusted itself and formed its own weld. In one of the photos below you will see the piece cut out, that shows you how tight it was, absolutely solid.
Ok in stages my brother cut out as much as they could, and with some very skillful welding and tidying up, you really wouldn't know any difference :shocked:. I actually didn't realise until today that they replaced nearly the whole seat tube as the welding was spot on to the original gt welding, very nifty indeed :daumenhoch:. My brother vows to never touch a bike frame again but is looking forward to seeing this powdercoated, which will happen next week I hope. Going to be done Glossy Black now lads, with Chrome forks. Should look pretty cool. Will post up photos once done (after GT Pro Performer decals if anyone has any?)
Anyway what do you think? I think my bro has done a fookin fine job and my repayment to him is a truck load of beer and port for Christmas :daumenhoch:
Matt :D
(http://www.swivuk.co.uk/radbmx/gt1.jpg)
The original frame purchased from Rob, see the areas I've marked where the seat tube is. Was totally stuck in from top to bottom, nightmare!
(http://www.swivuk.co.uk/radbmx/gt2.jpg)
Piece my brother cut out, also the top of the seat tube was hollowed out and tidyed up.
(http://www.swivuk.co.uk/radbmx/gt4.jpg)
Photo of the completed frame, next job is getting it powdercoated ;)