Framebuilders - frame refit

i have a frame which is going to be converted to a front load messenger bike 20inch front tire.
most cargo bikes have 26 inch rear wheels why? i could switch it from 27"
2ed the bike had columbus special tubing where can i get a new decal water slide?
does any one think i could chop the fork and re braze it for the 20 wheel?
braze on for fork mounted light cant find any where?

crossing my fingers for any answers thanks

Being laid up with a broken leg had it's benefits (I guess), I think I've read every framebuilding related blog and seen every flikr page! I ain't proud, but I have this for ya
http://alexwetmore.org/?cat=339
also check out the archives under "cycle truck".

Chauncey, sorry you didn't have the best summer. Looks like Alex used the old fork blades, chopping them off at the top. That might not always be possible.

thanks guys the cutting and brazing starts today during lunch!

If you look at what Alex did, he used a new fork crown and steerer with the old blades. It's not wise to try to re-use too much of the fork

LW, who has the best Blogs?

I think Steve Garro probably wins the best blog award. The Waltworks blog is pretty good. But there are a lot of good ones out there.

I think Steve Garro probably wins the best blog award. The Waltworks blog is pretty good. But there are a lot of good ones out there.
Steve has been a pal for years and I agree, his blog is great as a glimpse into the life of a very unique framebuilder. My other favorites are Rody's http://groovycycleworks.blogspot.com/ and Kris's http://julieracingdesig.canalblog.com/ for sheer fabrication/design brilliance and Matt's http://5metresofdevelopment.blogspot.com/ because it is so well written.
There are a lot of others, but these are my picks of the litter ;)

be prepared to tweak the front trail, seen a well made 20/26 front load frame shimmy like crazy, at normal riding speeds.

Band-aide fix on those was a Hydraulic steering damper.