Frame repair / mods: ballpark estimate to replace dropout and add braze-ons?
 

I think I've got too many bikes sitting around, because I'm always dreaming up weird things to do with them. I swear spend more time swapping bars, brakes and drivetrains than actually riding bikes. AHEM:

Sometimes I miss having a geared steel 26er. Unfortunately I can't really justify the expense of a new $500ish frame. However, I do have an old pre-disc Surly 1x1. I've always had this idea in the back of my head: get a framebuilder to replace the drive side rear dropout with one from a Surly Karate Monkey-- since it has a rear-facing style track end and a derailleur hanger. Surly sells these dropouts for $40ish (last item here).

With this (and probably a couple braze-ons for the derailleur cable), any idea what I'd need to shell out for labor?

Anyhow, I know this is madness but remember this is hypothetical more than anything. Not worried about paint, because the rest of the frame's original finish is pretty shot already-- I'd likely just Rust-Oleum the new bits and call it done.

Really depends where you live and who does the work... probably looking at $150.00 at the low end to cover parts and labour without any refinishing.

I'm in Portland, Oregon, so I'll take your estimate as a pretty good indicator of local prices.

Figured I'd have better luck simply selling the 1x1 and putting it towards something with a hanger!

Replacing one dropout with another of a different style can be more complicated than it seems at first glance. The wheel position or slot, may be at a different height, or angle with respect to the stays. Often it's far easier to replace both dropouts to preserve symmetry.

Cost varies tremendously depending on whether it's a welded or brazed frame, and how different the new dropouts are compared to the originals.

Chris Iglehart might be the guy to talk to... he has just returned to Portland after spending time in the east working for some of the most notable companies of all time... Fat Cycles, Chris King, and Pereira Cycles have utilized his mad skills for their production line and he custom builds his own as well.

He is very practical and workmanlike in his approach, does great work, and think he might give you the best price in Portland.

http://igleheartcustomframesandforks.com/

Cool, if I get up the nerve to do this, I'll check him out. I've seen a few of his frames commuting around town and have always admired them.