Need Help with Dropouts/Tire Clearance

[VonFink]

I am rat-rodding a 57 Western Flyer (see link below for the story so far...)
http://www.ratrodbikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=38164&p=373148&hilit=vonfink#p373148.

Upon having some new wheels built (a nexus 3-spd rear Workman rim and a drum brake front) and mounted with new tires, I am running out of tire clearance. This is by diameter more than width, because the new tires are fitting high and fat on my wheels. I like the fat tire appearance so I am willing to make adjustments. In the front it means I will sacrifice my fender as there is just not enough clearance. In the back it is not so simple. I think I am going to need to adjust the dropouts in order to give me more room to move the wheel back. Here are my thoughts below:

So...which will work best? If I go for either, I am guessing I'll need to hand-fabricate the added material (thinking drill, jigsaw and grinder), have a welding shop weld it in, and then grind away the beads? I could use some advice here because I have never done anything like this.

Thanks,
Tim

 

[deorman]

Bolt-on extensions could work for that. :|

 

[Walker]

I had only scrolled down to your first photo and I though, why not do welded on rear facing dropouts, and behold! You're on it.

BTW, I just packed my truck with frames for the scrapyard, there are a couple in there with rear drop outs. if you want me to cut them off for you, just shoot me a PM.

 

[VonFink]

I had only scrolled down to your first photo and I though, why not do welded on rear facing dropouts, and behold! You're on it.

BTW, I just packed my truck with frames for the scrapyard, there are a couple in there with rear drop outs. if you want me to cut them off for you, just shoot me a PM.

I'd love em! What would I owe you?

 

[VonFink]

Bolt-on extensions could work for that. :|

I'd at least consider something like a bolt-ons extension. Does somebody sell such a thing, or must I make them? Any additional info would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Tim

 

[longshort]

looking at the choices u have posted , i would use second idea possibably let the piece go all the way up to the seat and chain stays . , will be easier to clean up the welds without compromising the strength. and leave the other dropout in place , if it is cut then just but welded together then grinded will get weak in my opinion. and weld may interfere with wheels nuts sliding smoothly . so i would weld at the seat and chain stays then possibably just a couple spot welds at the rear of the drop out , easy to cleanup and shouldnt interfere with the wheel in any way.

 

[longshort]

go to the how to section look for lower the rear of bike without welding, he made dropout and bolted it on , basically idea could work for you also. use three small bolts . so cant turn and keep clearence.

 

[VonFink]

Those no-weld solutions are clever but not what I feel comfy with. I'll probably be getting a pair of backwards-facing drop-outs and have them welded in.

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions!

 

[deorman]

Maybe drill out the spot welds (if any) on the stays and drive the dropouts out of the frame, then weld the new ones inside the stays through the holes. :|

 

[VonFink]

Good suggestion! I'll see if that is possible.

 

[streetpirate]

just wanted to ad my method for making tire clearance. I put a big set of vice grips on the tube and hit them with a mini-sledge on the inside side. it flattens the inside of the tube without touching the outside.