New frame with paint overspray

[Deluz]

Hi,

Just received a new custom frame from a well known builder.
The seat tube has a lot of paint overspray inside it.
The seatpost goes in but with more resistance than I would like.
I do have a flex hone that I bought and used on another frame.
Would it better to use that or sandpaper to clean it out?
When the frame was being built and I asked them if they face the BB and they said yes it is part of our process.
The outside surfaces of the BB are covered with paint and I will be installing outboard Hollowtech bearings.
I would rather not remove the paint, is this going to be a problem?

Thanks for any advise.

[e-RICHIE]

We’re all different animals.

I never use a facing tool on my shell after the very first pass, which occurs prior to making the frame. This process rectifies the sides and, if possible, improves them ever so slightly in contrast to their condition from the casting house.

Regarding the tube interior, if you’re confident with your hand-eye coordination by all means use the flex hone.

[Rich Beaudoin]

The flex hone is exactly what I would suggest for cleaning inside your seat tube.
Regarding the BB, the paint will chip where the outboard bearings snug up to the BB shell if it isn’t faced. Getting it faced isn’t a guarantee that you won’t get some chips though; I faced the BB on every bike I have and some still got small chips anyway.

[Deluz]

I am Ok with using the flex hone, just disappointing that the builder did not take care of this.
Another question is I want to use a seat post that I already have but cut it short for another frame that has a longer seat tube.
So there will only be 2-7/8" of seatpost going into the frame which is 853 Pro team tubing.
Is this ok or should I buy a new seatpost?

Thanks

[e-RICHIE]

I am Ok with using the flex hone, just disappointing that the builder did not take care of this.
Another question is I want to use a seat post that I already have but cut it short for another frame that has a longer seat tube.
So there will only be 2-7/8" of seatpost going into the frame which is 853 Pro team tubing.
Is this ok or should I buy a new seatpost?

Thanks

new post (longer length) recommended.

[WFSTEKL]

Mercian frames have gorgeous paint. Sometimes it spills into the hollows. A flexhone will easily fix the seapost issue. Don't forget to use cutting oil.

I'd punt that seatpost to the classifieds.

[Deluz]

Thanks for the advise on the seatpost, I will get a new one.
But I do like to cut it shorter to make it easier to move up / down.
If I get a post that is 330mm I will have over 7 inches going into the frame.
Would 4 inches be ok? Seems like 100mm minimum insertion is standard on most.

[Andrew R Stewart]

The flex hones I've bought (maybe 5 over the last 30 years), and used (dozens of times), all mentioned to not use any oil but water instead. I believe the issue is keeping the stone free of build up and nothing to do with maintaining a sharp cutting edge (as with a tap or reamer).

To the post and paint in ST- Before you do remove that paint test fir the post you will finally settle on using. Posts are well known for not holding real tight to their "dimension".

To the paint of the BB faces- I do suggest cutting the outer corner of the face with a small file or a knife edge before filing off the rest of the face's paint. It's easy to get a chip from the face to also flake off a tiny amount of paint on the shell's outer surface (where the chip will be seen).

This thread speaks to what a customer was expecting and what the builder assumed the person who will build up the parts can handle. I have found it typical that a new frame will need some detail work before putting parts on it. Andy

[BigPoser]

Hi,

Just received a new custom frame from a well known builder.
The seat tube has a lot of paint overspray inside it.
The seatpost goes in but with more resistance than I would like.
I do have a flex hone that I bought and used on another frame.
Would it better to use that or sandpaper to clean it out?
When the frame was being built and I asked them if they face the BB and they said yes it is part of our process.
The outside surfaces of the BB are covered with paint and I will be installing outboard Hollowtech bearings.
I would rather not remove the paint, is this going to be a problem?

Thanks for any advise.

For the BB face, you can use a very sharp razor blade and kind of slice off the paint on the BB face. This way it won't chip and risk removing paint on the cylindrical portion.

[Rody]

Not to sound unreasonable, but the buyer shouldn't have to be the nanny, effectively by ordering a complete build, if what s/he wants is just the frame set.

To your point… and the builder should not accept the commission if it is outside the established business practice. Communication of expectations is key to success

[Chik]

To your point… and the builder should not accept the commission if it is outside the established business practice. Communication of expectations is key to success

Agreed. Whatever type of commission is accepted, it should be fulfilled in good form.

[Rody]

[QUOTE=Deluz;1081469]
When you say return do you mean return it for a refund or to correct the problems?
/QUOTE]

Refund…time to start with a clean slate