This is my first vintage bike and as such it is also my first threaded headset. I went to go take the headset apart to clean and repack it since it's been 30 years since it's been touched (never been serviced) and I was expecting to take the big nut off and then be able to move the top adjusting race. Instead, what I found was this: (see pictures at link below)

https://picasaweb.google.com/nathanie...y=FXmdwnufrqI#

It looks like there is a second lock ring that looks very similar to a lock ring on a bottom bracket. It appears to have teeth on the bottom of it that lock into similar teeth on the top of the race. How do I get all this off? I was only expecting the first lock nut that is visible when the headset is fully assembled.

you just need a small lockring spanner, or you can get by with a dull drift and a hammer. This is a "French" style HS with interlocking teeth: they are a little fussier to set up, but they pay off by staying set forever. Of course "forever" is relative since they all need to be cleaned and repacked periodically.

Well, that's a problem too. I've tried hitting it with a steel punch and hammer but it just start to tear up the lock ring. Maybe I just need something a little wider to fit in there to keep it from sinking into the lock ring? Where can I get a small lock ring spanner? I know the larger ones for bottom brackets can be had at bike shops.

my hozan lockring spanner has two sizes, one big and one smaller. Also the working ends of it are shaped in sort of a spiral curve to adapt to different fittings I suppose.

Mines a double...BB size on one end headset size on the other..

although its a bit more complicated to work on, mechanicly its one of the best mechanisms to have...as unworthy mentioned.

norsk beat me to it.....

Awsome. I'll put off the headset for now and do it when I'm ready to do the BB. I figure this is one of those jobs I'll have to do outside instead of pulling a part off the bike and doing it inside. No reason to freeze myself more than I have to and I have a few more things I can pull off the bike to work on.

Thanks for the help!

One more thing. Should I be worried that anything else on this bike might be French (like bottom bracket or freewheel threads?) The bike was purchased in Japan back in the 70s. Most of the components are Shimano.