Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 19,344
Likes: 5,461
From: Rochester, NY
Bikes: Stewart S&S coupled sport tourer, Stewart Sunday light, Stewart Commuting, Stewart Touring, Co Motion Tandem, Stewart 3-Spd, Stewart Track, Fuji Finest, Mongoose Tomac ATB, GT Bravado ATB, JCP Folder, Stewart 650B ATB
Well! This is a different beast. Before I would proceed I would want to know far more. Like the rear rider's fit needs. Is the saddle at a "correct" height in the photos? If so then I suspect the real issue is stand over and the seat stays and seat tube can be left as is. This would significantly lessen the work. In fact if just a lower top tube is all that's needed then one could join a new tube just below the current and still in place one. Then after the welding/brazing cut out the old top tube, finish off the raw surfaces as the budget allows for.
My hesitation still exists but the project might be less complex then I first thought. It all hinges on the rider's needs. Just a lower stand over or other changes too. Andy.