Vintage ladies hercules
 

(Was posting this in the 'stupid questions thread' but figure they questions will keep on coming)

So...not sure if this'd require it's own thread, but I've been working on fixing up an old Hercules (pre-raleigh) bike and run in to my latest snag. I can't get the headset apart. I've managed to unscrew everything (though I know none of the names) I got the lock thing unscrewed, then wiggled the lamp holder up, unscrewed the next thing, caught all the ball bearings (assuming 58 sounds right?)...and also unscrewed the bolt in the top of the handlebars. Nothings giving though, except the frame freely slides up and down it now.

I had read that I should undo the bolt in the middle of the handlebars half way and then tap it, to dislodge the wedge thing...so did so, it's now loose, but no sign of movement, can still screw it back in though.

Any thoughts? Photos needed? (What'd help most?)

Sounds like you are having problems separating the stem from the fork. Pics would help.

-G

Back the top bolt out a bit and hopefully with the threads still engaged to the wedge inside the stem. Place a clamp or vise on top of the bolt and the bottom of the stem quill. Tighten the vise/clamp to press the bolt down into the stem, which will drive the wedge out and allow the stem to pop out of the fork.

You might want to hit the bolt harder.

58 doesn't sound right. It's 25 in each race, total of 50.

Hey, thanks for the responses.

Don't care if I have extra, I was worried that I might be two short ;)

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=248283

Here's a pic I had for reference on how to reassemble the stem/headset.

Just wanted to note that I feel like I have dislodged the wedge, I unscrewed the bolt (partly) and then hit it, it became loose. But, there's no sign of the stem coming out (yet). Just wary that there could be plenty of rust down there holding it together, put a load of wd40 in to deal with that.

Now I don't feel anything with the bolt, can't screw it in again just falls in. Yet there's still no play in the stem...

You should be able to stick something up the bottom of the fork to feel for the loose wedge. If it indeed came loose and separated from the bolt, you should feel it moving around in there. If it is loose, then the fork is rust welded to the stem. Keep pumping penetrating oil (I use PB Blaster)into the space where the stem inserts and also from the bottom upside down. Try holding the fork immobile and gently twist the handlebars left and right. You should feel it loosening up to the point where it separates. Be gentle though because you don't want to crack the fork. Be patient and keep working it. If after a few days it does not loosening up, you may have to resort to drastic surgical methods. I'll not go into them because I am an optimist.

-G