fix dropout

[TXS cyclist]

Easy Peazy

 

Speak to Francois du Toit.He builds frames.

 

Once he has finished welding the paintwork will have to be fixed up' date=' so then you can go see cycleart

[/quote']

 

Bhwaahhhhaaa...!!

[Kranswurm]

In Bellville somewhere

 

www.dutoitcycles.co.za

 

 

[Johan Bornman]

It's a pity we can't see a photo of the real broken dropout. I suspect your dropout is a vertical dropout whereas this one is an old-fashioned horizontal one and the best thing that can happen to it is to break so that it will never, ever bother you again.

Drops-outs are made of cast iron and can easily be welded. In fact, a skilled welder can weld it without damaging the paint on the frame itself. You'll have to file a V along the crack on either side, 1/3 of the depth of the material. Then fill it with a bead or two of weld and file it smooth.

The problem is that the drop-out is brazed into the frame and the brass melts at a lower temperature than what an unskilled welder can gaurantee on that job.

The alternative is to braze a new drop-out into place - quite easy. You can then touch up the frame with a can of spray-paint.

If the crack is not right through yet, it does't pose any great danger. The QR will hold it together until you change the wheel, then it'll fall apart. It won't happen on the ride. At worse, it'll jam the wheel by making it move sideways. Not catastrophic but the end of your ride.

I will do the following.

 

1) File the V myself. Make sure it is nice and deep, penetrating 1.3 on both sides.

2) Clean off any chrome, paint and other foreign metals/paint and stuff.

 

3) Take it to a place where they can tig-weld it. I suggest you just take the frame with you and arrive unannounced. The job is too small for shops to bother and they won't do it if you phone first. Best to speak to the welder himself. Don't be tempted to get one of those welders next to the road who welds exhaust pipes. Their welding looks like festering chickensh*t with undigested pips.

 

If you're in Jhb I'll take a look at it for you.

 

 

 

Johan Bornman2008-05-25 10:31:25