Mercian head tube problem

Two opioinons here to a similar question.

Archive-URL: http://search.bikelist.org/getmsg.asp?Filename=framebuilders.10105.0107.eml
From: "Thursday (Jon&Salisa Norstog)"
Subject: Re: [Frame] Ovalized headtube.
Date: Fri, 11 May 2001 17:53:45 -0700

May 11 01

Ovalized headtubes ... Hmmmmm .. somebody's been house-jumping!

yOU CAN DO SEVERAL THINGS.

1. Get some loctite shaft and bearing compound and stick it together with
   that.
   
2. If it is a steel frame, hammer around the bottom of the head tube to
   get it back into shape, then have the headtube re-cut
   
3. Build up inside the headtube with bronze, then recut.
   "Thursday"
   ----- Original Message -----
   From: Andy Grow
   To: Framebuilders List
   Sent: Friday, May 11, 2001 10:44 AM
   Subject: [Frame] Ovalized headtube.
   
   
   

Took a frame to have a new headset installed today...noticed that the lugged
headtube is ovalized somewhat on the bottom portion (downtube lug). Is this
a problem, or can the cup be installed still?

Thanks

and

Took a frame to have a new headset installed today...noticed that the
lugged headtube is ovalized >somewhat on the bottom portion (downtube
lug). Is this a problem, or can the cup be installed >still?

This can become a serious problem if nothing is done about it. Many folks
recommend heating it up and adding brass, I don't like that because it can
anneal the area and make it softer, also it fries you paint. The way I've
done it is to use the heavy-duty bondo in the same way you'd use brass.
After you face and mill the headtube again it'll be just as strong as the
brass and you didn't have to heat anything. Plus you've saved you paint in
the process.
enjoy,
Brandon"monkeyman"Ives