Upgrading VAR Headset press tool! DR-03400 & DR-03500 DR-03520

[Rank_21]

Possibly a very useless post but could help someone. I bought this headset press in a bundle of tools about 4-5 years ago. It became a useless tool as the press or rather, the bushing adapters were made for 1 inch headset cups only (Likely from the 70-80’s). Been using a threaded rod with some washers etc for 1 1/8 and 1 1/4 headset cups. Bit faffy if I’m honest using this method, it works, just unenjoyable. Anyway…whilst sorting out all the c » »p at my place, I decided to do something with this. Turns out, their new bushing adapters for the DR-03500 has the same spindle diameter. I priced matched Bike-components with another Austrian site making this a viable purchase. .

 

[Rank_21]

Thinking now, some ugrades. Sealed bearings at the top like the newer headset presses. Oh and something that holds the bushing adapter clip holder thing. Possibly a magnet with a hooking part could be cheap but then that’ll stick to other metal things. Hmmmm handles obviously, wouldn’t want my idle soft hands to hurt. Spray paint the top while I’m at it.

 

[wesmamyke]

Intersting, I had wanted to do something similar. I had seen listed for sale an entire stepped adapter assembly that included bearings. I keep hesitating because it's $85 US and not 100% sure it fits.

 

[Rank_21]

Intersting, I had wanted to do something similar. I had seen listed for sale an entire stepped adapter assembly that included bearings. I keep hesitating because it's $85 US and not 100% sure it fits.

Do you mean wether that quick release var part fits? Well I got this press very cheap, practically free so it was worth it, compared to buying another. The ID is 2cm if I remember. Cheaper ones tend to be just a threaded rod with handles which for me wasn‘t a step up from the DIY I had been using.