ORBO Tiny but Tough

[Wildcat]

This is my third entry. You can tell I don't have anything else to do but work on bikes.
This is a 20" folder. The frame is new and I just got it, 7 dollars plus 8 dollars shipping. I hoped the 3 inch tires would fit, but I have a pair of 20 x 2.4 that might fit. I ordered a 20" fork already and have most of the parts already. The seatpost is over a foot long so height won't be a problem. The frame is 15".
The idea is to make it as rugged as possible, able to take a lot of abuse. It will also fold up and be easy to take along.

 

[metalchewy]

Another cool build. Amazing price! Can't wait to see it come together.

Curious, do these frames pivot like a swing bike when the pin is pulled?

 

[Wildcat]

Another cool build. Amazing price! Can't wait to see it come together.

Curious, do these frames pivot like a swing bike when the pin is pulled?

They pivot, but only in one direction, the bracket contacts the frame as a stop. I could cut the nub and make it a swingbike.

 

[Shrunken_Head_Pedaler]

They pivot, but only in one direction, the bracket contacts the frame as a stop. I could cut the nub and make it a swingbike.
View attachment 285988

The frames look like some sort of machine gun. Very cool pieces.

 

[Wildcat]

The 2.4 tire fits! This is an Araya rim, at least that what it is labeled as. It has decent chrome so it might be authentic. After 4 years it still hasn't rusted or peeled. My other 10 gauge spoked wheels have the usual cheap chrome plating. I couldn't find the front match to it at the shop where I bought it. I'll see if they have anything like it on my next visit. It's like a Worksman wheel.

Blue tires means it'll get a paint job. Maybe like an F4U Corsair to go along with the F4F Wildcat.

 

[Wildcat]

I lucked out and found the same wheel at the shop, in the old stuff in the back. It's in good shape, so it probably will last. It's the same Araya brand.
Real or not?

Even if a fake, it's as heavy as a Worksman wheel. It had spoke ends hanging out, so they ground down the ends. Check out the cardboard guard on the grinder.

The wheelset is almost ready, it needs the brake drums added. Both rear hubs, but that allows me to add drum brakes to the front.

 

[Wildcat]

The fork for the F4U finally showed up. It's the heaviest I could find and it looks to be good quality.

 

[metalchewy]

Cool! Tire forward with those long tangs. Will add a couple inches to the wheel base.

 

[Wildcat]

The fork won't accept a drum brake, so it will be caliper or v brakes. They also won't spread open for the wider hub, so a normal front hub will work. I used the axle nuts to spread the fork, but it just sprung right back.
I could relace the hub into the nicer rim, but it's good enough as it is. 10 gauge spokes. You wouldn't notice the difference unless you looked closely.

 

[Wildcat]

Added some V brakes and a 52 tooth chain wheel. I may try BMX bars to see how they look.

 

[Wildcat]

The right stem finally showed up. It took 3 tries. All that's left is the new derailleur to arrive and I have all the parts needed.

 

[Wildcat]

Now that I have all the parts, it's time for paint. I'm skipping the test ride and going right to painting. A blue shade to match the tires and grips colors with a WW2 theme is what is planned.
The F4U Corsair is the theme. (Pappy Boyington's plane)

It's all apart and ready for primer.

 

[Wildcat]

First coat of blue is on!

 

[OddJob]

This is really cool, WC! Sticker up that blue frame and fly!

 

[Wildcat]

The pinstriping tape arrived. This is supposed to look like airplane rivets. I have the decals ready to print.

 

[metalchewy]

The pinstriping tape arrived. This is supposed to look like airplane rivets. I have the decals ready to print.

View attachment 287490

Great detail. I like the looks of the rivetted panel. Works well for your theme.

 

[Wayne]

Now I want a folding bike too! Ready to see that F4U fly!

 

[Wildcat]

I finished up the striping and began putting it together. I bought a stem extender but the bolt wasn't long enough to reach the fork retaining nut. I think I tapped it in an inch too far. I don't see any way of pulling it back out. Anyone done that?

 

[BartRidesEternal]

I finished up the striping and began putting it together. I bought a stem extender but the bolt wasn't long enough to reach the fork retaining nut. I think I tapped it in an inch too far. I don't see any way of pulling it back out. Anyone done that?

View attachment 287579

That looks good, going to be awesome with decals. Love the themes you are working with this BO.

I see a chance to hang a water bottle under the main tube. Best in a 'droptank' shape

 

[OddJob]

What a cool look on that paint scheme!