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.

The ravages of salt and time.

The work required is noted on a renovation/repair order form.

A damaged pannier boss is replaced.

The old paint and corrosion is stripped off in the shot blaster.

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.

The fully repaired and shot blasted frame in the spray booth awaiting a coat of acid etch primer.

The acid etch primer being applied.

Our frame (3rd from right) ready for its colour coats.

The frame is lightly rubbed down before painting (left) and then dusted with the blow gun (right).

Several coats of paint are sprayed on to ensure a high quality finish.

It's blue !!

Stove enamel requires 'cooking' in the oven for 20 minutes at 120 degrees centigrade.

Transfers are applied.

A coat of clear lacquer is applied, then another trip to the oven.

Bottom bracket and all threaded holes are cleared out.

The transfers establish the frames pedigree.

A job well done and good for another 12 years !!

And finally, we don't just renovate our own frames - we'll do anybody's for money !!

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.