Yes, grinding solves everything! LOL
Today was "finish up the wheel stays" day. This was easy enough to do. I've also become adept at filling holes that I burn in things. Controlling heat by varying arc length is wonderful.
Here are the wheel stays, all done:
After that, I cut two 1.5" square tubing sections, 42" long each. These are the crossmembers. I love the chop saw, it makes such straight cuts. Of course I couldn't get all of this cut and not clamp it together just to see how it's going to look when I get it welded up!
Whoa! This thing is gonna be HUGE!!!! It also weighs a TON. But, I have to remember my goals: This is for utility, riding pleasure, and more than anything: getting exercise! It'll definitely be that. This thing will probably do 8-10mph when I ride it, unless I get going downhill.
Once I get this welded up, then there will be more thought to do regarding overall length and what not. The seat position will be far enough ahead that there will be plenty of weight on the front wheel. My Meridian was quite long, and the front wheel
extremely light due to most of the weight being on the back wheel. That's largely because I used a 26" wheel in the front, and extended the front tube to allow for it. Now I need to consider seat position, x-seam, and the like. I don't want the main tube to be
any longer than necessary. Nobody taller than myself will be riding it more than a ride around the block, so no longer adjustment is needed, only shorter- possibly.
As always, input is welcome! This is going to be a lot of fun