Threaded Headset Cups Problem.

[Agenthoover]

Hoping someone can tell me what my options are here... just got my frame back from painting.. went to put the headset cups in and the top cup can be pressed in by hand and twisted around,,,

they are the old cups which had had very little use as the bike had stood for years so i decided to re use them... will replacing the cups slove the problem... cheers.

 

[DIAMONDHACK]

Thread tape or tin foil?
Flare the cup with a heavy round thing? (got a spare cannon ball)
Glue?

If it were me I would as a last resort try soft solder.
1) Clean off any paint
2) insert cup
3)apply flux with q tip to the gap
4)heat from inside the cup with a gentle soft flame
5)touch solder against the crack and it will flow in.

The solder won't cross indian in, brush some of that on the frame and head set.

 

[joss]

You must ascertain which part is worn.
Is the cup OD worn to be undersize?
Is the Headtube worn so as to be oversize?
Also, check that neither part is worn to be oval.

The OD of the cup can be increased and with care can compensate for any oval mismatch in the surfaces.

Put something inside the cup to prevent any crushing, broom handle etc.

Use a small sharp centre punch to create two rings of tiny punch marks approx. 6mm (six) apart.
Position each ring of punch marks approx. 1.5 mm from the edges, top and bottom and be sure to offset the two rings against each other.

Small punch marks will displace metal equally around the centre of each mark, they should look like tiny volcanos.
If you take care you will be able to increase the OD approx. 0.3mm to 0.6mm without any trouble. Remember you are working on two opposing sides and and everything is doubled.

It should lock in place and with care will be able to be removed at a later date when you replace the headset.

Hope this helps