Don's latest Ian May restoration query… the headset

[Diamant_Don]

Hi people,

The Ian May restoration continues! This time it's the headset that requires advice. It's pretty much the only part of the bike that's not branded, and comes complete with Japan Water Resistant rubber seals, which isn't something I've seen before.

Given that the stem appears to be stuck, do I need to unwedge these seals before I can go any further? If so, how can I get them out without knackering them?

Also, anyone know if these seals come with the original headset (in which case, the headset is also Japanese), or were they add-ons to ensure no water ingress?

Here's a shot of the headset - the chrome flaking is another issue I'll have to deal with at some point.

Ta folks.

 

[cycletothesea]

Liberal amounts of WD45, a couple of days wait and then a serious wrench is needed. Not seen a headset with a grommet like that on it before but prize it off so you can get some WD down there.

 

[carlrh]

seem to remember selling a Tange headset like that would have been early 90s?

 

[Midlife]

I'd ignore the plastic seal on the headset and concentrate on the stuck stem........

Shaun

 

[Diamant_Don]

Re:

Cheers! I'd like, if I could, to restore the headset and seals... So maybe some slow, gentle unwedging is in order?

Carlrh - thanks for the info. Would Tange headsets be branded anywhere? Makes sense that the headset would be Tange - front and rear drop-outs are too.

 

[Jamiedyer]

It certainly looks like a Tange headset, with the mid washer having the little 'locks' notched out and the seal at top is just a crude plastic that should just lift up.
Tange headsets are still available, even yhe older ones like this are still to be found at any retro bmx shop. They are good bits of kit that were and still are reasonably priced.
** but need a bit of grease now and again

Jamie

 

[Diamant_Don]

Re:

Once again the genius of Retrobike wins the day! Unless I miss my mark, a Tange Seiki Passage headset graces my Ian May!

Now, the headset itself works fine, but I'd like to replace the upper chrome cup and seals etc… Anyone know if good condition Tange Seiki Passage headsets are easy to find (and cheap) for parts?

EDIT: on the Bay for £14...

 

[Jamiedyer]

Re:

Knowledge is always good to share and its this sort of thread that makes this place so brilliant.
Keep us updated

Jamie