Classic & Vintage - Shimano-Campy Headset compatability...

Good news, everyone! I got rid of my big 58cm grey Trek!

I sold it to my good friend for $60, then bought a 49/50cm Trek fro $60. It fits so well! Woohoo for bikes that work! I don't have to jump into the saddle like... Like with horses. It's altogether an amazing thing! But the bike is also pretty gnarly.. Here's a photo, although it doesn't do the damage justice. It's really, really chipped and rusted and, well, just gross:
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f259/thornslegacy2001/TheTrekOriginallyAlso.jpg


Anyway, I'm making this my first complete overhaul, I'm going to get it powdercoated, throw some new decals on it, (probably pretty non-Trek ones, would that be forgery..?) clear it and replace all the shimano stuff.

It's got a Shimano 600 headset, and I was wondering if it could be replaced with a Campy NR headset. Would that need to be English threaded?

Also, any suggestions, advice, parts offers, etc, would be apprecieated. I'm excited for this one!

-Nick Skaggs (Banjo)

Sounds like a fun winter project! First of all, it is your bike, so you can put whatever decals you may like over the new finish, as long as you don't misrepresent the bike when you go to sell it. As for the Shimano 6oo headset, is it shot? If it is, I'd replace it with another 600. Much better value for the bucks. As for the rest of the parts, Craigslist is littered with cast off gruppos at good prices. Good luck with the project.

Yep, this project is gonna rock! I'll put finished pictures up, hopefully it'll be done by winter's end.
I may replace the 600 with another, but I'm kind of leaning towards a Campy NR headset.

But yeah, the 600 on there is dead with a capital D. It's cracked.

Stay well!
-Nick Skaggs

Maybe someone can make you inexpesive custom decals?? Yeah, sometimes the worst condition bikes are the best projects, you don't feel bad doing whatever you want with it. Get some progress pics as you go so we can see!

I had a friend who ovalized three headtubes on road bikes... what did all three bikes have in common... alloy shimano 600 headset... he was a big guy, so smaller, lighter riders need not worry, however, I'd say they are far from strong.

Beg to differ! I've put about 20,000 miles on the 600 that is on my older Derosa. It has a smooth, unrestricted operation after all of those miles. I'm a little under 190 pounds, probably more after Thanksgiving, so I would hardly qualify as "light" these days. I also have a 600 on my Colnago, so same deal. The only reason I am putting a Campy Record 1" on my winter project is more of a "bling" issue, than real necessity. I am quite certain it will perform fine, but certainly not $50 worth.