Brake bridge Re-braze

[sneaky beaky]

Hi,
I'm wondering about how realistic or DIY possible it would be to lower the brake bridge on my old 531 in order to take the short arm rear caliper ??

Anyone tackled this themselves and feel confident inthe braze strength ?

Thing is, at over 30 years old I'm sure by now some of these old brazes are getting a bit creaky...maybe not ?

thanks for any input

 

[Sharky]

Google came up with
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=r...=Oc5RWLDGJ4r0gAbDi6i4Cw#imgrc=sy-mR8D484cnFM:

Brake drop bolts?
Might be the answer if you can buy one?
Good luck

 

[midlife]

30 years old is nothing as long as there is no corrosion

Pics of the frame would be nice

Shaun

 

[sneaky beaky]

an old Raleigh...

 

[raleighnut]

View attachment 154279 an old Raleigh...

It'd mean repainting the area (if not the whole frame) but the big question is why. Shorter arm brakes will be more powerful (with the same lever-mechanical advantage) but do you need that or have you got a brake set that you'd like to fit?

 

[mikeymustard]

I'm no metal worker but I think you'd need a fairly hefty set of skills to do it yourself, even without the costs of a frame builder factored in it would n't be economically viable. If you're after putting 700c wheels on it then longer drop brakes would be an option

 

[biggs682]

@sneaky beaky when Lee Cooper stripped and re finished my Woodrup frame i had him add a rr bridge and i remember rightly he only charged £30

And why do you want to do it ?

 

[Fab Foodie]

Why not get a brake caliper with the right drop? Tektro £12

 

[Yellow Saddle]

Take it to a framebuilder. If you are going to drop the bridge lower, it will have to be longer. Do you have a suitable piece of CroMo hanging around? My guess is not.

As for brazing surviving long-term use. No problem. It is almost never the brazing that gives way but always the steel.

A drop bolt will be OK on the rear.

 

[MichaelW2]

Is the alleged advantage of short drop brakes worth the effort? Long drop brakes,and compatible frames are valued for their capacity for wider tyres and mudguard clearance for Audax, commuting and winter training. Would it be more cost effective to sell or swap with the owner of a similar grade race frame

 

[sneaky beaky]

Thanks to all, thinking time ahead.

Got modern bikes for everday riding,training etc... but love this old bike, and often get faster times on it...very odd.

Currently a tektro (cheers Fab sits at the rear, whilst all other fittings are shimano tri colour, so I guess its down to looks...

The bolts would no doubt work but not sure they look right..

If it cost me £30ish for the job, I'd be happy enough with that, I'll be keeping the bike and nothing else needs attention..

 

[biggs682]

If it cost me £30ish for the job, I'd be happy enough with that, I'll be keeping the bike and nothing else needs attention..

plus the cost of repainting , certainly worth having done if you are having frame refinished

 

[sneaky beaky]

plus the cost of repainting , certainly worth having done if you are having frame refinished

Yes, fortunately got spray set up and workshop etc, will have the frame bead blasted then take it from there.

Will be very pleased with this mod

cheers all

 

[fixedfixer]

Sounds like you are keen to try out the fabrication work. As you know 531 is thin wall stuff, needs care. I'd advise you don't get stuck into your current frame as a starter project. Advertise on here for an accident damaged, 531 frame that's well beyond economically fixing up. Use that to learn and try out your brazing skills. There are some good videos online. I've built a recumbent using two damaged standard tube bikes and a Gas Cooled Mig welder. There are free plans online called Recycled Recumbent.
Should provide a bit of fun prior to attempting your nice 531 frame. PS bonus to have spray facilities - took me six coats with a brush and lots of fine papers to get a good finish.

 

[sneaky beaky]

Sounds like you are keen to try out the fabrication work. As you know 531 is thin wall stuff, needs care. I'd advise you don't get stuck into your current frame as a starter project. Advertise on here for an accident damaged, 531 frame that's well beyond economically fixing up. Use that to learn and try out your brazing skills. There are some good videos online. I've built a recumbent using two damaged standard tube bikes and a Gas Cooled Mig welder. There are free plans online called Recycled Recumbent.
Should provide a bit of fun prior to attempting your nice 531 frame. PS bonus to have spray facilities - took me six coats with a brush and lots of fine papers to get a good finish.

Yes, I'm keen to learn, good advice about trying out an old damaged 531. Have to say, makng a new complete bike is starting to take root upstairs...

The paint I'll use on this has a subtle metalic, so not good for brushing this time...

cheers for your thoughts