Originally Posted by
Agfa001
I just got the thing apart - and (doubtless I'm getting the terminology wrong here) but that slim washer is needed because the steering column is almost too long - I think the lock nut is almost at it's limit with available threads or is maybe already bottoming out. I remember now the guy at the shop said he could either cut the steerer shorter or add a washer.
I would avoid shortening the steer tube; that limits what headsets will be able to fit in the future. You can add as many washers as you need to make up for a too-long steer tube (they can be standard 1" ID washers available from any bike shop), but you can't lengthen a too-short steer tube if the headset you want to use is too tall.
maybe in addition to the french threaded locknut with flats I should look for another washer or a thicker one. Would that be something I could just get at a home depot type place? edit - now I realize it needs the flat part to match the steerer tube
You don't need a special washer, those made to fit a 1" headset will work fine. Nor does it need the flat spot; the toothed washer (part #104 in the diagram) has a flat spot, so you don't need any more. Standard threaded headset washers will have an anti-rotation key that you may need to file off. Spacers designed for 1" threadless headsets will also work, and they don't have the anti-rotation key.