Bicycle Mechanics - Tips for changing a threaded headset please.

Hi, this isn't my first rodeo but this time the stakes are much higher then before. I have a Shimano 600 arabasque headset I want to put on my bike, the inside was faced etc for the previous generic same size headset I have on the bike currently, but the 600 headset is in another bike. I have previously used the screwdriver (not sharp)/mallet method for removal, I also am capable of removing the fork race without issue. What I'm looking for here, is maybe an outline of how to do this smoothly and any common mistakes I might make? I have only done this a few times now. I have a pipe for setting the fork race, a rubber mallet and some 2x4 or 2x6 or 4x4 etc for setting the headtube cups... I hope I supplied enough info too! Thanks in advance.

Other than the proper tools I think you have things under control.

I have an old crownrace I always use upside down, like a buffer, when installing a new crown race. Even with the proper tools this method helps prevent damage to the new crown.

I have an old crownrace I always use upside down, like a buffer, when installing a new crown race. Even with the proper tools this method helps prevent damage to the new crown.

+1, this or an old washer or whatever to ensure that the crown is pressed from it's inner edge is good practice.

+1, this or an old washer or whatever to ensure that the crown is pressed from it's inner edge is good practice.
It's PVC pipe, does that help?

It's PVC pipe, does that help?

PVC pipe against a steel crown race, it doesn't really matter since the pipe can't ding the race. OTOH, having a target that doesn't have a sharp lip might protect the pipe's edge.

Since you mention a Shimano 600 Arabesque, I'm thinking this in 1-inch threaded systems.

Make sure both headsets are the same. Headsets of that era came in JIS and ISO standards, and they aren't interchangeable. I once had an Eisentraut frame handed to me that had been built for a JIS headset and had an ISO headset crammed into it. The headset cups didn't fit, had expanded the head tube, and ruined the frame.

http://sheldonbrown.com/cribsheet-headsets.html

Just out of interest, does this older headset have a recess or raised lip for the tabbed washer so it can't pop out of the groove like a later 600 headset?

Just out of interest, does this older headset have a recess or raised lip for the tabbed washer so it can't pop out of the groove like a later 600 headset?
Well as it is indeed a later 600 headset yes ;)

Wanted to thank you guys, everything went smoothly.


Since you mention a Shimano 600 Arabesque, I'm thinking this in 1-inch threaded systems.

Make sure both headsets are the same. Headsets of that era came in JIS and ISO standards, and they aren't interchangeable. I once had an Eisentraut frame handed to me that had been built for a JIS headset and had an ISO headset crammed into it. The headset cups didn't fit, had expanded the head tube, and ruined the frame.

http://sheldonbrown.com/cribsheet-headsets.html

The only hiccup like that was crown race size, and that was easily fixed with a different one from my pile! Good looking out though.

I thought the 'arabesque' stuff was the 70s gear, like so:

277641

I thought the 'arabesque' stuff was the 70s gear, like so:

277641
It's a star nutted 600 headset for sure, but it seems to be newer then I first suspected (It had come on a backup bike). I can double check the model later if you'd like.

Well as it is indeed a later 600 headset yes ;)

So I think it isn't a later one; I've had a few from the tricolour gruppos, and they all have the normal flats AFAIK.

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So I think it isn't a later one; I've had a few from the tricolour gruppos, and they all have the normal flats AFAIK.

277653 277654
Very interesting, I was looking at the top nut today for anything identifying but there really wasn't.. however a little research shows it as 600ex/arabasque. So yes my old one has a tabbed washer for the steerer tube notch.

If you ever get tired of using the hammer and screwdriver for removal
of headset races, you can make a pretty serviceable one out of electrical
conduit in the appropriate diameter and a hacksaw to split it part way
into four prong arms like the commercial tools.