Guys-thanks for all the info advice.A road frame won't do;I have stuffed 42mm(actual width 1.6' and height above rim 1.62") tire on a road frame(with a lot of work),but I want a tire of at least 2"-a MTB frame is the only option-cyclocross frames don't seem to take wider tires than a 70's vintage road frame.
There is a Specialized bike on Ebay now-15.5" 853 tubing-that is at $180 with a day left.It will probably go for ~$300+ I guess??
The Nashbar frame is OK,but it would weigh about 26lbs with a suspension fork-heavy.I might just convert my trek Y-50 into a hardtail or near hardtail.I could solid shock it,or just use a very heavy spring or high pressure in an air shock.I'll probably just use my grinder to cut a rectangle of aluminum out-drill it to fit the shock mounts-instant hardtail.It would weigh under 25 lbs, take a 2.5" tire and be free-more or less.
Still,I will eyeball 853 mtb frames-if I can find one~$200-right size14-16 I'll try it.Thanks.Charlie
Timj-if I were taller,I might be game-but I need a 14-16.5' mtb frame.