Thanks to all for the info. I really appreciate the input.

I think I will buy some tubing and attempt to fashion a patch or two during the fall or winter. When I get something I like I'll find someone to braze it in place or even try it myself.

In that spirit, I might as well ask three more questions:

1) Should I look for a particular type of CroMo tubing (like 4130), given that the bike is 531?

2) If I try it myself, will a small dual tank MAPP gas plus Oxygen set-up be hot enough for this?

3) Can someone recommend a person/place in the Chicago area to do this? (post or PM is OK).