Good day at church, Sunday.
unpacked wheel from Racetech. Very minor scratches in the brake plate will need re-polishing. Tried to remount the tire. Just too stiff for my puny tools. So it goes back to tire shop Monday to remount.
Kinda good thing I took this detour. Dismounting the tire we discovered the rim strip was drifting to the side and exposing nipple to tube.
So we use 2" wide electricians tape, 3 wraps ought to do it.
Finally made real headway on the fork tubes.
Used "LeakProof" brand seals. Supposed to reduce stiction, suitable for air forks, guaranteed for life, blah blah...
Install by pushing in with wooden stick. No "driving" and potential tube nicks.
Complete with dust covers:
and air fork conversion
The tubes are 2" over length. That was to make up for the 17" wheel. Between the wheel/tire combo, I figured i'd lose 1.25in in ride height and i could slide the tubes up 3/4 and I'd be stock. The tubes are up a full inch, mathmatically, it should be at stock ride height, and it sure looks like an extended front end to me. anyway, that's the way it will be till I finish it. I can always change out tubes later. and i can add some risers to the bar clamps and get another inch up the clamps.
Fender is a tight fit, will require sides cut way down, or a different fender.
Seems to be enough room for the dual brakes, I was worried about that and still am until i know for sure.
The bald tire is just there to hold air until the project is complete, then I'll get a real one.
Time to start cleaning up the brakes.
Next week, reinstall the rear wheel and finishing touches back there. mock up the rest of the front end and look for hangups.
Engine cases onto the workbench.