adjusting frame by bending?

[g-ratter]

Decided to go with a single speed coaster rear wheel on my Wretched 2 build viewtopic.php?f=21&t=23808 . Originally I was going to use some gears, so the back triangle is wider than needed. I can tighten the bolts on the axle enough to pull the frame in but was wondering if that puts to much stress on the frame?
Do not want to cut the frame any more but could I heat it up enough to make the adjustment and still keep everything symmetrical?
It is about 3/4 to 1 inch wider than needed.
Any help is appreciated!!

 

[user 135]

I think you would be fine just pulling them in when tightening the wheel.

On steel, you are better to cold set the metal. you could try it this way with a 2x4. http://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-spacing.html

 

[slacker]

What Clancy said.

If we were talking about some fancy pant road bike, I would suggest checking the alignment and correcting it, post cold set. Probably could eyeball it on a rat. At least I do. :roll:

 

[deorman]

An inch is totally doable just by tightening axle nuts. I've seen plenty of cheap and/or tossed together from parts bikes that have that much discrepancy, especially late 10-spd era dept. store cruisers. (steel, not aluminium!)