I apologize in advance if this question has been asked many times before, I've done a lot of reading and are still unsure of how I should proceed...

I have a couple of Gitane project bikes in need of replacement forks. The Interclub fork has a cracked steerer tube, and the TdF is in need of re chroming, was drewed to clear 27 inch wheels, and also appears to need alignment.

I may be able to find correct original replacement forks for a good price, the catch is, my bikes are 50cm and most of what I have seen will be 54cm, if not 56 or 58. My friendly LBS is confident that they can trim longer forks and rethread them. From what I've read, Gitane used butted Nervor steerers on their forks, and my concern would be about the stem coming into contact with the butted section on a modified fork.

Even a 54cm fork is likely to be an inch or two longer than what I have. Is my replacement strategy advisable, or should I rethink things?