can I make one object 2d wire frame in a viewport?

Yes, you can Freeze an object in one viewport and it will still be visible in other viewports.

If you are trying to isolate the pipe run in the back then...

1. Enter the front viewport, small upper right one.

2. use command 3dclip

2a. set the front clipping plane to between the pipes (first button on top). Shift the front plane before you zoom in to near the pipe.

2b. Turn the front plane on (2nd to last button)...you should see the front pipe run disappear in the viewport.

2c. Close 3dclip

3. Exit 3d orbit...3dclip puts you in 3dorbit.

If you need a detail of the front run, then do the same except use the back plane in 3dclip.

Could also use PD3D clipping command (Documentation-Set Clipping)...I haven't mastered it yet.

You can also change it back to wire frame...if you want.

yo thanks man. all i had to do was frz in current viewport.

you guys all rock.

this forum is bread and butter