CliffordK

If he has spares, it wouldn't hurt to see if he actually has the correct dropout.
Perhaps he'd be willing to trade.

pgoat

yes, good call - I did think of that as well. He didn't offer though, and my guess is he doesn't. He didn't even sound so sure he had one, so I'm even wondering if that may have meant he was merely going to ask around his network for one.

In any case, he seemed absolutely confident it would be safe and work fine with the 69, and I do trust this guy, he's been in the neighborhood for decades and has a good rep.

JohnDThompson 

The OP's socketed dropouts were proprietary to Trek. It's unlikely that the builder would have the correct replacement unless it had been salvaged from a derelict frame, as the one the OP provided was.

dedhed

We all know everything's better with a "69"!

76Crescent

Any competent TIG welder should be able to do this no problem. I've done this on at least half a dozen frames, and to my knowledge all of them are still on the road. I didn't personally know two of the owners of these frames, so I can't guarantee they are still going strong, but the rest of them I see on a fairly regular basis and they often thank me for saving their frame. Also this really shouldn't mess with the aesthetics (I know you don't care) other than messing up the paint. I'd like to reiterate this is an EASY fix for a decent welder. Hell I MIG welded at least three dropouts together and I know they are all still being ridden years later. I'd estimate the cost to be $50-100 or 1 to 2 hours of labor. I charged a buddy a case of beer to fix his one time and it took about 20 min.

pgoat

okay folks, FINALLY got it back this afternoon...rode it home (about 7 miles) and it felt fine. I took it easy (just in case - call me nervous nellie), but everything feels solid so far.

Here it is, with DedHed's donor dropout - you can see how the chain stay looks pretty straight, while the seat stay goes in a bit off kilter. So far, so good...

dedhed

Cool, hope it works out a good long time. I hate that cable through the chainstay treatment. My 91 they wised up and added a stop to the bottom of the stay while still using the same dropout with the hole. much easier to replace cables.

Andrew R Stewart 

And the photoed cable uses a casing ferule with a stepped end. Not the tightest fit in the drop out cable seat. Andy.

dksix

good deed, @dedhed . It's always good to see someone helping another out.

pgoat

Absolutely! He saved me big time on this one...and I really appreciate everyone's advice and input on the thread. Just hope I can pay this all forward a few times.

btw, the repairer did fill in the screw holes of both drop outs; I'll post a pic asap if anyone wants to see.

pgoat

here's the filled in adjustment screw hole, on the non-drive side, original 62 degree dropout.

cycledog1

repair and get back on. I had an 80's motobecane I liked that snapped going up a hill the same way, they put a plate on the derailleur where it remained for the next 30 yrs.

I'd spend the $$ small amount of 150 and see it as an upgrade, if you like the frame. for that matter, the frame fits, and is in good shape still, make the history continue. you can always buy another bike in a year--------used or new upgraded--------- and start a new history on it while keeping the orig in riding condition.

exmechanic89

Glad this all worked out for you OP.

pgoat

Thanks all - I've already had a few typical hellish commutes, smashing over nasty surfaces while squeezing between buses, etc. The repair is holding up just fine so far, happy to say. Bike feel tight, so I am guessing they did a little alignment which may have straightened the 30-yr-old frame's tracking?

I'm also happy to report I have been trolling CL for weeks and finally scored - found another Trek 500, in great shape, at a decent price (an '85, the year before this, so no "tri-series", and it's Reynolds 501 vs. the 1986's 531), and although they are advertised as the same frame size (both top tubes are 53cm), the new-to-me 1985 is slightly bigger overall and feels great! My repaired 86 was a wee bit on the small size vertically, though fine for commuting, as a little extra standover never hurts in the urban jungle. Though it's a slightly larger frame, the 501 bike feels heavier, but a lot stiffer! I kinda prefer it so far...

In any case, am quite stoked to have my old commuter back, plus a new backup. Very nice riding bikes. Thanks again to all for their help, and well-wishes.