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Fixing Twisted Frame

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Old Jun 23, 2015 | 05:43 AM
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Default Fixing Twisted Frame

I finally got back to working on my 79 FXS. Stripped the frame and cleaned it up. First thing I check is the neck - it's twisted! How do I straighten it? Or is this a job for a shop? Heat, a big pipe and a table to clamp it to? What's the procedure? Thanks, Joe

 

Last edited by Joe12RK; Jun 23, 2015 at 05:50 AM.
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Old Jun 23, 2015 | 05:52 AM
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you bring it to a guy like Mike

http://www.47fab.com/home2.html
 
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Old Jun 23, 2015 | 08:43 AM
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Thanks John - I'm going to ask the local shop if there is anything closer - Northern Jersey is three hours away on a good day, and that doesn't happen much on I-95...
 
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Old Jun 23, 2015 | 01:42 PM
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You need an expert with the skill and knowledge to fix that correctly.

Someone with a proper frame table and jig is a good start.

Someone with a torch and a big hammer is bad.

If it was my money, I would take the recommendation from John and drive the three hours.
 
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Old Jun 23, 2015 | 04:56 PM
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Local guy says he doesn't know anyone with a frame jig, but he also questions if it's as bad as the picture shows. He wants me to level the motor and trans mounts and see what that does; and get something more accurate than a broom handle. He said to be off that much I would see some damage to the frame tubes. So I'll do what is says and see what I get.
You guys have helped me a lot, I'm listening, thanks! I'll take better measurements tonight.
 
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Old Jun 23, 2015 | 07:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Joe12RK
Local guy says he doesn't know anyone with a frame jig, but he also questions if it's as bad as the picture shows. He wants me to level the motor and trans mounts and see what that does; and get something more accurate than a broom handle. He said to be off that much I would see some damage to the frame tubes. So I'll do what is says and see what I get.
You guys have helped me a lot, I'm listening, thanks! I'll take better measurements tonight.
Joe safe bet there's more twisted on that frame than just the neck it needs to got to reputable shop that does them, bike will be a constant problem with parts breaking and bad vibration. When they have that much shift up top the front motor mount is going to be off and that knock's out everything going back to the swingarm. Start looking on the bottom of that frame for heavy gouges or dents.

I just got done with a 65 pan that didn't show to bad sitting assembled but once the tanks & fenders were off it looked like a pretzel, was twisted so bad the right lower frame rail was popped up a 1/2" and the rear was sprung so the wheel sat almost 3/4" over at an angle.
 
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Old Jun 23, 2015 | 08:05 PM
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I got a closer look - neck is definitely off. All four tubes going into the casting are bent a little. More than I can fix myself. I'm still looking for someplace I can drive to - got a couple leads off the internet in New Britain CT and near Boston, MA. If they wind up dead ends I'll either drive to Jersey or ship it to someone.





 

Last edited by Joe12RK; Jun 23, 2015 at 08:10 PM.
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Old Jun 23, 2015 | 08:22 PM
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One word: Professional.
 
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Old Jun 23, 2015 | 08:27 PM
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Dude I can see a bow in the backbone in that first picture , run a rod or long screw driver through the fender mount holes on the rear then loosen that bolt on top the front tank mount, loop a string and draw it back to the rear centered between the mount holes you'll see the sway in it quick.
 
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Old Jun 23, 2015 | 09:02 PM
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Originally Posted by TwiZted Biker
Dude I can see a bow in the backbone in that first picture , run a rod or long screw driver through the fender mount holes on the rear then loosen that bolt on top the front tank mount, loop a string and draw it back to the rear centered between the mount holes you'll see the sway in it quick.
Yes no doubt the backbone is bowed! Also the support tube and the two downtubes. Must have been some hit! No wonder the original tank and gauges are gone. I'm going to get a pro to fix it - and someone who knows what they are doing.
Thanks again to all. If anyone knows of a good frame shop in southern New England, let me know, otherwise, it's off to Jersey or ship to Fab Kevin...
 

Last edited by Joe12RK; Jun 23, 2015 at 10:03 PM.
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