headset fork race - loose fit

[GazK]

I'm going to be replacing the cheap-as-chips headset which came fitted to my Raleigh Gran Sport frame and forks with a Campag record pista. I went to fit the fork race, expecting an interference fit involving a pipe and a hammer, but instead I find that the fork race slips into place with no interference at all.

Photo of the bare fork:

Photo of the race fitted:

I wouldn't describe the fit as loose, there is a tiny bit of play but this isn't what I expected. So:

- should I be worried about this? Would the race rotate against the fork instead of the bearing against the race?

- if so, what should I do? Glue? Shim? Or something else?

 

[Midlife]

BITD we would go around the fork race area with a punch raising up small mounds of metal around each punch mark...about 3mm apart. then try it on

Shaun

 

[GazK]

BITD we would go around the fork race area with a punch raising up small mounds of metal around each punch mark...about 3mm apart. then try it on

Shaun

really? :shock:

 

[47p2]

BITD we would go around the fork race area with a punch raising up small mounds of metal around each punch mark...about 3mm apart. then try it on

Shaun

really? :shock:

Common practise in the motor trade when wheel bearing races slip

 

[Midlife]

PM Old Ned or Keithglos on here and they will say that's what we did back then......I guess Google might show up a pic?

Have you got a couple of extra spacers because the Pista headset has quite a low stack height

Shaun

 

[keithglos]

Shaun, exactly what we did in the 1950's -1960's.
We just had to make things work when they were not made close to standard.
There is less weight on the bottom head race than you think.
Not unknown to fit a shim when the gap was larger.
Keith

 

[GazK]

PM Old Ned or Keithglos on here and they will say that's what we did back then......I guess Google might show up a pic?

Have you got a couple of extra spacers because the Pista headset has quite a low stack height

Shaun

My fork has quite a low stack height. It originally had a gran sport headset, which is 33mm.

 

[GazK]

Thanks guys. I think I'll start by making a shim from a coke can. If that is too thick I'll go down the punch route. Scary!

 

[GazK]

The punch technique worked a treat, thanks everyone.

 

[TGR]

Gaz,

I was wondering if you took any pics of the job being done?

Richard