My theory on older bikes, if it is hard to remove now, its going to be harder later. So I use the Sheldon Brown bolt method and remove them. Then I inspect, if everything is OK, clean, fresh grease, bearing balls and reinstall.

I will clean and reuse Campy caged bearings, all others get replaced.

+ 1 million :thumb:

Don't and can't understand why or how it can be ok to not do the right thing on this.

We consider ourselves keepers of the flame, a stuck fixed cup threatens a frame if it ends up in the wrong hands.

Aside from just doing it right, I believe we have a responsibility to do it right and I'm happy willing and able to do so for the greater good.

Not just because I can, because we should.

I voted "if it comes out on the first try". Removing fixed cups can be a real PITA, and while of course it's preferable, I don't see it as an absolute necessity, especially since I don't have the tools. I have always been able to do inspection and overhaul in situ when they're being stubborn.

If it ain't broke, leave it fixed.

If it is French or Italian and it doesn't come out with ease, the fixed cup can stay. Any other situation, the cup is going to get removed.

I have the proper tools, but I still usually clean the cup in place, unless I have reason to think it is worn or damaged.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5a67fb0701.jpg

I have a Hozan, a home made Sheldon but that Campy looks stout!

I also have a long 36mm combo wrench that uses the Merziac method...