[Dubbayoo]

I have an old road frame of Reynolds 731OS tubing. Is it possible/financially feasible to replace the rear dropouts with horizontal and convert this to a fixed gear bike?

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[Peterpan1]

If it's actually old, not old like 18 months, it probably has horizontal fronloading drops. If it doesn't, then yes it is possible to replace them. You might be able to print out full size from a web picture a pair of appropriate drops, and lay that paper over your frame to see where it hits and whether the drop isappropriate or needs modification, etc...

[Dubbayoo]

I'm not a builder so if I were to go forward i'd send it back to the original builder. It was made in '95 or so.

[rmfnla]

Who is the builder?

[Greg Fox]

Many framebuilders and bike shops offer this service. An example of a bike shop in our local area is http://www.yellowjersey.org/service.html

They have a short article on repairing an aluminum dropout but state that they have fixed hundreds of steel dropouts. They show some other steel frame repairs under the service page on their web site.

I have called them about repairs and parts and have received good advice as to how to proceed. If it is something you can do they tell you what parts you need and send them quickly if you order them. If special tools or knowledge is needed they recommend you bring or mail the piece needing repair to them.

[Dubbayoo]

Who is the builder?
BREW. I found out White Industries has a hub that will negate the need for this; saves me from having to redo the paint.