ORBO T6 Texan

[Wildcat]

I have another new frame. In keeping with my WW2 aircraft theme, this bright yellow frame will be a tribute to the T6 trainer planes from WW2.

I have a pile of parts to pick from with a bunch of new stuff also. This may be a 26" bike even though it's made for 27.5 wheels. Forks and handlebars are on order.

 

[Wildcat]

I pressed in the headset cups and learned a couple things. Do one cup at a time and don't apply any pressure to the bearings. This set has the bearings set in so they won't come out. I used the flat ends of the press, not the concave. I used one concave end on the bare frame when pressing in the first cup to keep it aligned.

 

[metalchewy]

I love your cool tools. I didn't know that about the sealed cup bearings. Great to know.

 

[Wildcat]

I had some parts show up today, so the Texan has a BB, forks and stem. Black red and yellow already match up to the T6 plane. I got to use another cool tool. No more damage from the hammering of parts.

 

[Wildcat]

As I feared, 27.5 x 2.4 is too large for the frame.

I could order a set of 2.125 tires of the same kind or use what's in the shop. There are no other 27.5 tires, so it will be 26" wheels like the other build. instead of making new wheels I'll use what's laying around. 57mm wheels with coaster hub and a pair of gumwall style 2.125 tires. I'm pretty sure the 26 x 3.0 tires are too large. I check it tomorrow. The width of the coaster hub might be a problem as the frame is aluminum alloy.

 

[metalchewy]

As I feared, 27.5 x 2.4 is too large for the frame.
View attachment 286517

I could order a set of 2.125 tires of the same kind or use what's in the shop. There are no other 27.5 tires, so it will be 26" wheels like the other build. instead of making new wheels I'll use what's laying around. 57mm wheels with coaster hub and a pair of gumwall style 2.125 tires. I'm pretty sure the 26 x 3.0 tires are too large. I check it tomorrow. The width of the coaster hub might be a problem as the frame is aluminum alloy.
View attachment 286518

I understand your concern, I had a little luck expanding aluminum stays about 1/2 inch. But ended up breaking a stay at the cross support weld when trying to get to 1". That frame is still in my parts pile.