Bent dropout repair
 

I think I had a reasonably successful repair to this dropout on an Empire Professional and thought it was worth sharing. No cracks or signs of fatigue marks so I'll call it a win.

Tools: Some channelock pliers (to close the dropout opening), park dropout alignment drumsticks, park dropout hanger alignment tool.

https://i.imgur.com/LsNO92O.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/CiPsUMw.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/NAlN0dM.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/hDYYjiM.jpg

That looks good. How did it get like that?

Nicely done. Aren’t steel bikes great?!

I have no idea how it happened. Stick? Dropped chain? No other evidence

Well done. This topic comes up now and then, good to see that you just went in and bent it back. Also good to see using tools to check the results - it's a very satisfying feeling when you nail the alignment.

Well done! Several Empire Professionals have come my way, over the years. They are darn nice bikes, in my opinion, with one exception - the paint surface dulls turning sort of powdery. Not really an issue for such a bike. This was the last one to come my way. I gave it to my son and, pooey stinko, someone stole it a short time later...
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3de7fd5b16.jpg

That your dropouts lack adjuster bolts makes it safer to bend things back into shape. The adjuster bolt hole is a common failure point with that type of repair.

The paint was covered in yellow caked dirt but cleaned up nicely. No powder but interestingly under the clamps the paint was more cream and less white. Usually things yellow as they age and not the other way around.

So far it is a very nice, standard Japanese build. Standard sizes, parts and tolerances.

https://i.imgur.com/R11lnsN.jpg

Narhay hi
Where did you put pressure on the dropouts with the channelocks pliers?
I thought of using a pipe/tube to bend it back. Just dont want to create more damage.
The dropouts on my 3 speed Raleigh opened up by 5mm+, so cant retain the wheel in.
Thanks

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...feb0563f2f.png