thx guys, and for the honing advice
i'm going to try that ATF/Acetone mix on that stuck stem [and from now on] she won't budge [and she's a very nice raleigh jaguar frame of my size in mint orginal condition! but still undecided what theme to build her]
i have ATF in the garage, but no acetone, lots of methylated spirits though..wondering would that suffice?