Removing braze-ons
 

Hello all
I am repainting an old frame that I will be using for a fixie. I would like to streamline the frame by removing the cable guides from the top tube and the posts where the shifters used to be on the down tube. If these are just brazed on, can I take a propane torch to them and "melt" them off?

Thanks for the help

Do a search on "removing braze-ons".

An idea mentioned by a member was to drill them out and use as cable routes rather than stops. The solid housing system gets fouled less.

?? Idea anyway. Not sure if it applies.

A torch is the best way to remove them. Just don't get too hot.

brazenly, of course!

If they are brazed on.

Propane isn't hot enough, by the time you have melted the braze you will have distempered a section of the tube.

Use Map gas and a small nozzle. Wrap a wet rag around the tube and direct just beyond the very tip of the flame at the part you want to remove at a spot farthest from the frame. Do not grab the part with pliers, they will act as a heat sink, rather tap at it with a screwdriver to break it free.