Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - An almost pointless headset question

Hey Guys, I'm relative newb spec'ing parts for my first head-to-toe conversion overhaul. I know enough to know what parts I need for everything except the headset, the one system on a bike I've yet to fully wrap my mind around. The bike has a 1" threaded fork. I'm considering getting this headset:

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=93&subcategory=1190&brand=&sku=3013&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=

Now, the embarrassing questions: First, this should work, right? I mean, I pretty much know it should, but I just want to make sure there isn't some relevant measurement I'll have to consider (beyond the fork type and diameter) before purchasing a new headset. Second, can you swap headsets to new frames? So if I find better frame somewhere down the line (so long as it has a 1" threaded fork), I can transfer the headset over, right?

I know both these questions are laughably newbish. Just want to make sure.

provided the stack height is 'close enough' and your crown race is 26.4 and not 27.0 (cheap 80s bikes, jis bikes, some french bikes, et al).

By 'stack height' do you mean the amount of the fork that sticks out of the headtube? With the present headset, I have about a 1" headset spacer on there, so I would guess that there will be enough room (does this makes sense), although I may have to get a new set of spacers. The spacers are there because a while back I took off the reflector and the hardware for the original center-pull brakes.

You're going to have to help me with the meaning of crown race (although I promise to do some searching). This is a generic 80's Japanese lugged steel frame, if that helps.

http://sheldonbrown.com/gloss_ha-i.html#headset

you should really try doing some sheldon reading. the nashbar headset would be cheaper just so you know, works just fine. it's going to be pretty expensive to swap your old headset with this one, don't even think about buying the tools (too expensive).

the crown race is what you press on to the fork, it's a ring that the bearings in the lower cup rotate on.

OK, I understand crown race.

http://sheldonbrown.com/gloss_ha-i.html#headset

Is this something I can measure, or should I take it to a shop?

heh, posted at the same time. Yeah, I get it, sounds like the crown race won't be the right size.

Easy there - it is press fit, meaning theat the shaft should be bigger diameter than the hole in the race- check park tools for tolerances involved. The ability of this DA headset to tolerate mis-faced headtubes is incredible - I have seen it recently on the Wheeler T1 titanium triathlon bike with head tube hacked by some fool.

don't be afraid to make your own headset tools. a threaded rod with some washers makes a good press and a copper pipe with flared ends makes a decent cup remover (although it will probably only be good for about 5 uses before it falls apart...but at ~$1 it's not a bad investment). if you're not planning on reusing the headset you can also use a pipe wrench to remove the old headset.

im in the EXACT same situation as you. revamping an 80's fuji. harris cyclery has two JIS headsets, one for $12.95 and one for $24.95. im not sure what im gonna do.

was a conclusion reached in this thread? you need a JIS one or will the Nashbar or DA one work?