Step Two: Welding the plug into the frame

Welding the plug into the frame turned out better than I could have hoped. The seam between the plug and the seatstay all but disappeared. It should look seamless when repainted.

Justin Lemire-Elmore taught me how to use an oxy-propane torch to braze the device into place. Here, my fine soldering skills came in handy. Brazing is just like soldering electronics, but with fire.

After brazing and cooling the frame, I used a flat file to eliminate excess brass.

Here are photos of the finished plug, post-welding.

Side view (click to enlarge)




Rear view




Next up, sourcing the drivetrain.