Framebuilders - modifying aluminum dropouts

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Seggybop

08-23-06, 08:25 AM

I have an aluminum frame with vertical dropouts. These dropouts annoy me, and I want them to die. I have in the past replaced dropouts on steel frames, but I've never really done anything with aluminum before.

I was thinking maybe I could use a TIG welder to completely fill in the vertical slots with filler metal and then grind new horizontal slots. Would that work? Would it kill some critical heat treatment? Anyone have a better suggestion?

tomacropod

08-24-06, 07:56 AM

I hope you don't hold a lot of affection for this frame. I daresay it's a bad idea. If you want to do this, get the whole dropout replaced. Of course then you'll have to heat treat the frame again. Perhaps just using a singlespeed tensioner would be easier.

- Joel

Seggybop

08-24-06, 12:47 PM

tensioner won't work for coaster brake or fixed gear. What about bolting steel dropouts to the end of the frame?