Rear Dropout Repair Suggestions

[phantom photon]

Trying to decide how to repair the rear dropouts on a frame I am restoring. I have 3 options:

1) Cut off and replace the entire dropout with new metal.
2) Try and get the missing pieces welded back on again with new metal.
3) Cut and re-shape the top so that it matches the bottom (would have very short dropouts then  )

What's everyones opinion on the easiest most efficient repair?

[gmac]

I'd go with the first option. It will not only look better, but be the strongest too 

[lazychubs]

new ones would be stronger
and safer
ask fuzzynod he did it on his hoffman

[Donker]

if its a quality brand frame go as suggested, if its not to rare or to expensive then
you can go with option 3 and file/dremel/saw the slot deeper for the axle.

wouldnt realy want to go with option 2 if its a rider.
good luck

[phantom photon]

Thanks for the suggestions 
It's an early Firebird Freestyler so not rare or valuable. I have owned it from new though and it's more for sentimental reasons than anything else that I want to restore it
And yes it will be a rider 

[ORB]

now that annoys me, i got given a snapped frame (snapped across the top tubes) and i held onto it for about six months (never intended to do anything with it) then last weekend i went to the tip and lobbed it in a skip with a burner frame and the black bags full of house hold junk (slept in on bin day)

bugger

[gjs]

I would draw around the dropout to get the outline correct,then cut out along the red line and make knew bits to fit,using the template.etc

[Donker]

its not a bad idea to cut along the line and replace, but any decent welder/fabricater would be able to replace the whole dropout without much additional work to your suggestion. ie: if your gona do it to that extent, do it properly mate.

[phantom photon]

Cheers  Will probably look into getting the whole thing replaced then.

now that annoys me, i got given a snapped frame (snapped across the top tubes) and i held onto it for about six months (never intended to do anything with it) then last weekend i went to the tip and lobbed it in a skip with a burner frame and the black bags full of house hold junk (slept in on bin day)

bugger

Typical   Had the frame sitting ready to start work in the garage for the last couple of months but have only just got round to starting it now!

[sawzall]

donkers right it would be a much better job if you replace the whole drop out and would be much stronger,looks like frame is only mig welded so its something you could do at home if you have a mig,make some templates out of cornflake box transfer to steel carefully cut out dropouts ,then remove old dropouts making sure you take some measurements so the new ones go back in the right place and weld in job done 

[gjs]

The "easiest most efficient way"  is asked for,if he has to pay someone to do it it wont be worth it to get the whole dropouts cutout and remade etc,thats why I thought it would be easier to cut along the RED line 

[retrogeezer]

What about getting a plate of metal cut to the same shape up to the seat and chain stays and then welding it directly on to the existing dropout?

If it is done neatly you will hardly see it and will also add strength.

[Donker]

gjs, trust an engineer with experience, it wouldnt be much more expensive, to vastly improve the integrity of a bike which, do not forget, will be riden.
 

[gjs]

Whatever you say Donker

[davemac1974]

... i went to the tip and lobbed it in a skip with a burner frame...

Stop skipping them...if you can't stand to have them, send them to me! 

[steve]

I would, repair the existing drop out
either weld on old part or make new

-THEN, weld on a complete drop out horse shoe shape
-to BOTH forks this side , other side
-so it wont happen again


BUT,, I would fit the horse shoe to the busted side first
-then affix the broken off part

-