8 replies to this topic

[Kwag_Myers]

My Ki Catalyst 5vx was damaged in a car accident, so I took it to the dealer to get if fixed. They said, "We're not comfortable fixing the chair. It can be repaired, but it will never be the same." and recommended I replace the chair. Personally, I don't see that much damage and I'm a little suspicious. From what I can see, one foot rest stem is bent and the rest is cracked, there's a broken thing under the seat that I think ties the cross-member to the frame, and the tube part of the seat support is bent. I don't see anything wrong with the wheels or frame. What do you guys think?





Yeah, I know...I take lousy pictures.

[rowena u]

It sure looks bent and needs fixing. But it was designed to perfectly fit together. Hence any repair when its metal could not be the same. Whether fitting form or the strength to carry weight. If you can afford it, then replace. Anyway was not insured, considering it was part of a car accident? Hope this could help you.

[xxm]

If it was mine I'll do as follows:

1. Disassemble chair and take the bent part of the seat.
2. Take out plastic plugs of the bent tube.
3. Fit the tube on a mechanics vice.
4. Find two metal rods about 30"-40" long exactly fitting inside bent tube and put them inside two ends.
5. Straighten the bent tube applying hand force to rods. As longer the rods as little force needed.

The same can be done by two tubes fitting outside bent tube.

Good luck
Rudy

[dangerousdave]

Without seeing the frame in the flesh so to speak
I think you have been wisely advised
If you strip it down to metal tubes and try to straighten them - can do
But some tubes are heat treated and you may end up cracking them - especualy in welded areas
So just include it in a insurance claim

[edlee]

Insurance first,,,If auto insurance won't cover it,, many home owner policies cover damage to personal property ( that's what it is, after all) away from home. If none of that applies making your own repairs may be feasable. Even with aluminum, slight bends can be staightened,, done carefully and slowly, using Rudy's description as a guide.

The bends shown in the pictures don't look outreagous, so it seems it would be possible.

Gotta tell ya, tho,,, if I owned a shop,, I wouldn't fix it either. Too much chance of a liability lawsuit. Maybe you have a friend with a vice.
ed

[Quad65]

Go new. No muss, no fuss. Bending metal back into shape will weaken it further. It will never be the same, even with skilled hands doing the work.

[Tim13]

Kwag_Myers, on 05 September 2010 - 11:24 PM, said:

My Ki Catalyst 5vx was damaged in a car accident, so I took it to the dealer to get if fixed. They said, "We're not comfortable fixing the chair. It can be repaired, but it will never be the same." and recommended I replace the chair. Personally, I don't see that much damage and I'm a little suspicious. From what I can see, one foot rest stem is bent and the rest is cracked, there's a broken thing under the seat that I think ties the cross-member to the frame, and the tube part of the seat support is bent. I don't see anything wrong with the wheels or frame. What do you guys think?

The dealer probably lacks the skill to repair that type of damage and would prefer to sell you a new one anyway.
Looks like an easy fix using a combination of replacement parts and/or a shop that builds custom bikes, fences or other type of metal fab.
Even if the insurance will cover a new one, you should try and keep it around for backup or spare parts.

$0.02

[dangerousdave]

The main problem seen in his pics is that the welded box area around the axil looks bent
straightening that area could result in cracks around the welds and that x frame stay looks unhealthy
As I said earlier - without looking at the frame it is hard to judge
The saving grace is - if you try to straighten it - you cant end up any worse then you are now

[Kwag_Myers]

Thx for all your feedback. After a week of un-returned phone calls I finally got someone in sales to talk to me. Turns out the frame is actually tweaked a bit and it's cheaper to buy a whole chair than just the frame. Anyway, I didn't care for the color, so...

As for insurance, I currently don't have health, and the car wasn't worth anything, so no collision coverage. Home owner's is covering the damage, but there's a $500 deductible. However, under Michigan law I can submit a claim to the other driver's insurance for the deductible. I just have to front the deductible until I collect.