Does anyone recognize this headset and have any info on it? I think it's a 1950's Brampton Rewax but not sure. Having issues keeping it adjusted so looking for info on how to properly set it up. May also be replacing it but that may be a challenge on this unknown origin bike....



Brampton Rewax?

I don’t know what make that is. It kind of looks like one on my Stella.There may be a stamp or marking inside when you get it apart. Strange stacking between adjusting nut and locking nut. Oh and that is a cool paint job. I zoomed in and saw the nice gold striping detail as well. Joe

Does not look like the Brampton headset to me. The top bearing cover, while knurled, doesn't look like the Brampton bearing cover at all. Unfortunately there were hundreds of similar steel headsets like these manufactured over the decades. It looks like it has a dog's breakfast of various washers added to achieve the right stack height.

Headsets like these with the teeth ("microadjust") need a matching toothed washer to interlock to stay in adjustment. If there is no downward-facing toothed washer, the top bearing cover is likely to rotate, messing up the bearing preload. See this Stronglight for example:



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The rest of the paint. It's not perfect by no means but it's pretty unique.

Metric tubing set? Looks like the stem was sanded down from 22.2 to 22.0

Replacing should be a matter of finding a headset that has the right stack height (looks like you have some extra washers on it now, that's ok) and a lockring with either a tab or flat to match your fork (flat can be made into a tab with a file).

When adjusting, make sure the quill is tight first; often tightening it will distort the steerer tube a bit and that'll mess up any adjustment made before tightening.