i feel stupid for asking....
 

but with replacing a fork/headset, do i need any special tools, or just allen wrenches?

i should add...1 1/8", threadless is what i'm taking off and probably what i'm putting back on (depending on what's at the lbs), and with the round parts and allen bolts, i can't see what else i need, and i'd rather not go to the trouble of finding out i need some other tool by not having it when i need it.

you'll need a headset press to get the cups in.

or you could always use two boards of wood and a hammer.

I've used a rubber mallet to replace headset cups. Although I'm not sure I would do it on a nice frame/headset that I cared deeply about.

You'll need a special tool to get the crown race on - or just a length of pipe slightly bigger than the steerer tube diameter.

I've installed many headsets and new forks without the proper tools without any incident.
Homemade headset press is easy to do.

There's at least one pretty good thread on replacing headsets & homemade presses in the bike mechanics forum. This is one:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=185091

cool, thanks. i guess i can do it at home. sweet!

i didn't even think about getting the headset on...i was thinking about getting the old one off. i love how you sometimes discover your concerns are misplaced...heh.

care deeply in a nit-picking overly aesthetic way, or care deeply in a "damn, this is going to uglify and bang it up" way?

what about this thread? (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...t=replace+fork) unless i read it too fast and got it mixed up (i do that sometimes) all i'll need is an allen key.

oh, but putting it back in...okay. i see. hmmm, maybe i should take it to one of the co-op type shops around that let you use their tools and see how busy they are, so i can ask "is this right?" visual and hands on learning as opposed to reading sometimes works better for me.

yo just take it into dean at bike central. did you ever figure out what happened to your fork?

well, piecing together stuff between being drunk, car chasing and harassing me, etc...it all happened pretty fast, but i either wrecked into a curb due to it being dark out, or i got hit by a mirror or something and knocked to the ground. just from examining facial wounds to see how i hit, seeing where my bike got ****ed...funny, the wheels are true and frame's okay. rear wheel's slightly pitted, but without brake pads, it's not even an issue.

anyway, bike central. where is that? i've never found that place.