brazing kickstand plate, unbrazing existing chainstay bridge

[marco polo]

HI All,

Long time listener, first time caller. I have been getting my feet wet by modding frames via adding/changing braze-ons on some 80's made in Japan touring rigs. Swapping canti-studs, adding extra water-bottle bosses, switching to exposed top tube brake cable bosses, etc. I am using brass for the canti studs, and silver for stops/bosses. I am now looking to braze on a kickstand plate, and would also like to remove the existing chainstay bridge. Is this a doable task or would the rear alignment become troublesome when I braze/unbraze? I was planning to braze on the plate first, and then unbraze the chainstay bridge. I would also secure the rear spacing with a hub or threaded rod to hold the dropouts? Any suggestions or tips? Thank you in advance!

best,
Marco

[Eric Estlund]

Watch your heat, where you apply it and the order you do, especially if you have thinner chain stays. It's quite possible to see the stays move around, but it can be done in a fairly gentle manner.

Depending on the stay length, you might find it easier to remove the bridge and clean up before adding the plate. You may also find that you don't need to remove the bridge at all.