The choices in forks with 1" steerers (which the Volpe has) are pretty limited. If you add in the requirement to take reasonably large tires and provide canti pivots, I haven't found many at all. Surly does make the Cross Check fork with a 1" steerer, but not the LHT. The Cross Check has a little less rake than the Volpe fork, 44 mm vs 50 mm. That would increase my toe overlap a little bit, but it might be acceptable. I don't know if that makes a difference in handling, but that's another factor to consider. I took the bike to the bike shop before I measured the length of the fork, so I'm not sure if the Surly fork is the same length. Dimension makes a "hybrid" fork with canti pivots, 50 mm rake, fender eyelets, and a 1" steerer, but again I don't know if the length is right. The LBS may come up with other choices.

As far as the dent goes, it's probably ok. I want to do some more research on where and how big a dent has to be before it weakens the frame too much. If I become convinced that the frame is ok, I won't care all that much about the aesthetics. I would definitely touch up the paint so that it doesn't rust, but probably won't bother to fill the dent with Bondo. I don't mind the bike having some "battle scars."

All in all, if the choices are: (1) accept a fork that isn't quite the right size/geometry and accept having a dent in the frame that may or may not weaken it, vs. (2) start over with a new frame, I may go with the new frame. If I find a fork that's a really good match, I may go with the first choice. I'm just trying to understand my options at this point.