Repairs & Renovations

DAVE YATES CYCLES are specialists in frame renovations and repairs. You would be amazed at some of the rusty and dilapidated offerings that enter the workshop and leave gleaming as new. Dave can carry out repairs to practically any steel frame (and some aluminium and Carbon Fibre ones as well). Anything from adding a few braze ons to repairing major crash damage. Stripped bottom bracket shells, bent gear hangers, seized seat pins or stems are all in a days work. If it can be welded, brazed or even stuck with adhesive Dave can probably do it.

Dave specialises in "sympathetic" restoration of classic frames, Flying Scot, Bates, Hetchins, Claude Butler are just some of the names that spring to mind. Transfers can usually be obtained to the original pattern to finish the job off properly.

All frames that come in for renovation are inspected for damage, shot blasted to remove the old paint and any corrosion and given a coat of acid etch primer. Once the primer is dry the colour coats are sprayed on and stoved in the oven to harden the paint. Next the transfers are applied and allowed to dry (usually overnight) and any lining or airbrushing applied. The frame is then given a coat of clear lacquer to protect the transfers which is stoved again. Finally the frame has all its threaded holes cleared out with taps to ensure trouble free assembly of the bike.

You can follow an actual frame being renovated in 'A Frame is Re-Born' a photo sequence that takes you through each stage of the renovation process.

Re-Spray Guidelines

• If you do not want to be without your frame for very long you can book a slot for the work to be carried out. A deposit of £50 is required to reserve a slot. Turn-round time is then 2-3 weeks.

• The prices (below) are for frames received completely stripped of all components, but if you have difficulty removing a headset or bottom bracket etc fear not, for a small extra charge Dave can remove and refit bits like this.

• Please do not leave any screws in place. They have to be removed, and this will incur a charge.

• All frames must be received in reasonably clean condition. Greasy dirt on frames will contaminate the shot blaster. Any work required to clean frames will be charged for.

• A firm price for any job can only be given on sight of the frame.

• Pitting and dents are only filled if this is specifically requested

• If any problems appear during shotblasting these will be notified.

• If a job that has been started is cancelled, all work carried out up to the point of cancellation must be paid for.

• The re-spray prices (below) are for colours on the colour chart. There is an additional charge for colour matching (where possible.)

• You can bring or send your frame to Dave. However, please contact us first either by telephone 01526 343322 or email.

• If sending your frame, please enclose clear instructions (preferably taped onto the frame) and a contact telephone  number and email address. No responsibility can be taken for mis-interpreted instructions.

• If you require manufacturer's transfers/decals please ask, do not just assume we will fit them. Transfers are charged at cost plus fitting.

• A deposit of £50 is required with your frame, unless you have already paid a deposit to book a slot.

• All work must be paid for before collection or despatch. We accept payment by cheque or bank transfer, cleared before collection or despatch, or in cash at the time of collection. Please note we do not accept cards.

• If you require chrome plating, please contact us either by telephone 01526 343322 or email We will only undertake chrome plating at the customer's risk on the express understanding that it is against the tube manufactuer's reccommendations. We reserve the right to refuse chrome plating on renovations where we deem it unsafe to carry out the work.

Colour chart

The colour chart below shows our 51 standard colours - Dave can also often mix a "special" to match a sample.

Colour chart key :

If you want to discuss your renovation job feel free to contact us either by telephone 01526 343322 or email and Dave will be happy to discuss any questions you may have.

Repairs & Renovations prices (£)

Please note these are the prices you pay, there is no VAT to be added

•   RE-SPRAYS

If the frame being re-sprayed is powder coated there will be an additional charge for the extra time required to remove the powder coating.

• CONTRASTS   

• FINISHING SUNDRIES

• BRAZE ONS

• FRAME REPAIRS

The prices shown below for frame repairs are all FROM... and will vary with materials used (e.g. 525, 631, 853) and the exact nature of the repair.

• NEW FORKS

• FORK REPAIRS

• SUNDRIES

Any jobs not listed will be charged at £30.00 per hour

A Frame is Re-Born

Here you can follow the 're-birth' of a frame as it is renovated in our workshop. If you wish to see more detail simply click on any of the images to view an enlargement.

This 12 year old frame has had a hard life and returns to the workshop for a dose of TLC.

This shows the effect of blasting. The left fork blade is completely stripped back to bare clean metal.

The shot blasting process certainly does a thorough job - you can even see the line of braze on the joint.

If you haven't already seen 'A Frame is Born' check that out too. It shows you step by step exactly how a DAVE YATES custom frame is made.

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  Copyright Dave Yates Cycles & Engineering 2007