Originally Posted by
Dearman
Does anyone know how I pull the wood dowel in the headset? Is it Pinned in by the brake mounting hardware?
Why pull it? They came on some older bikes; it's a nice touch and it won't stop you from overhauling the bike. As others have pointed out, the crank, headset, and pedals need attention. Hopefully the bearing surfaces are in good shape. The hubs are probably fine.
32c might not fit but 28c should.
You'll need to do a general cleaning and replace all the consumables: chain, ball bearings, housing, and cables.
http://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...dowel-not.html