Originally Posted by
Andrew R Stewart
Pulling the OEM drops is usually done by slotting through the drop out in a slice that allows for no interference for one stay/drop out joint being heater to melt out of the filler and easy pulling while that hot. Placing the drop out lowest and clamping a vice grip as a weight is a good method. Know that the heat level will have to be higher then the brazing level and enough all across the joint (which can run up in the stay a bit) to have all the filler liquid. Any wiggling of the drop out half can result in cracking of the stay's end. This is why a clear exit path (determined by the cut slice path) is important. Repeat for the second stay/drop joint. If chrome is present then it needs to be ground off first.
So, if you have a damaged dropout, keep it long enough to document what you have, then chop it up and throw it away.
But, what if you wish to preserve the original dropout, perhaps for another project? Then how would you approach the problem?
I realize the issue of the stays coming down at an angle, and the dropout tabs extending up into the stays. I hadn't thought of the potential for tearing or damaging metal in one of the stays.
But, is it possible?