I've decided to refinish the Eddy Merckx frame I bought a few weeks ago, but I've also decided to replace the two top tube cable guides that are pretty corroded. Any out in C/V land have a recommendation for someone who can replace 'em? Midwest possibly?

Where in the midwest are you? Chris Kvale (Twin Cities) comes to mind...

I'm in Nebraska.

check out framebuilders forum and maybe local bike shops?

how handy are you? have you ever soldered copper pipe or maybe made jewelry?

If you are handy and have some idea of how brazing/soldering works, you might consider this yourself. again framebuilders would be a good source of help

I would strip the paint and corrosion, if you haven't already, and see how bad these are first.

There's no paint on the cable guides, so it's pretty easy to inspect them And they're garbage. As I've found out here, this frame warrants decent treatment.

Those cable guide shouldn't be difficult to remove and replace. Unless you're set on working with a frame builder, anyone with even modest brazing skills could replace them for you. You can find replacement guides at Nova. BRAKE CABLE GUIDE 2 LOOPS :: CABLE GUIDES :: STEEL SMALL PARTS :: BRAZON/SMALL PARTS :: Nova Cycles Supply Inc.

Just curious on this, has anyone tried to use epoxy? There's not much force on the guides, and cannondale did it with plastic guides.

I'm leaning towards doing myself. With practice first, of course. Not a stranger to metalwork.

If you can weld or braze, and are planning on repainting, then I certainly wouldn't hire someone to do it.

Are you trying to be "Authentic" with your restoration?

There are old Campagnolo clamp on cable guides available.

If you're doing work on the frame, I'd also consider internal cable routing.

Cable Stops instead of guides?

I would consider the painter to do or source the work. The brazing is not that hard, sourcing the matching guides might be a bit of effort but less for one who might already have them or have contacts, keeping them in. Position is a bit of planning and or a bit of tooling help. I would do it right. Learn on another piece. Or, make the commitment and spend enough to become competent. It is not that hard, but unless you already have the supplies at hand it will not be cost effective.

This kind of frame is so rare and valuable that I'd recommend going with a known high quality frame guy to do the work and restore the finish. Signature Merckx frames are worth the investment.

Harris 56% silver is about $50 from your local welding supply store. You can also use Harris flux but you would be doing yourself a favor to use Stainless Light flux from Cycle Design Group. Stainless Light has indicators built in. As the flux heats up, it beads up then flows out. If you look closely, there are a bunch of little tiny bubbles in the flux. When they go away, the metal is the right temperature to add the silver. If you flick the flame off and onto the area you are heating, you can control the temp as you get there without overheating.
You can use a normal plumbers propane torch for this since the tubing is thin and the brazons are small.
Practice a lot beforehand and you will be fine.