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Been given an old frame to build up for the offspring. The head tube appears to have a thin shim missing from the top of the head tube. Without this headset cups are too loose.There appears to be one on the bottom of the headtube which is a tight fit as i would expect. Other than this the frame is good and too nice to bin.
Can i buy a specific shim or do i need to start drinking a range of canned beverages to find the correct size to make a shim?
There should be a wedge shaped spacer, with a split in it, to locate the inner race of the upper bearing. LBS should have one going spare.
Thanks for the response. I am probably not being overly clear. I have a headset with all parts. The diametre of the headtube is too large at the top so the headset cup is loose in the frame, about 0.5mm all the way round. The bottom of the head tube has a sleeve bonded in the tube which reduces the inner diametre.
Headtube is round and does not appear flared. Guessing the inner shim has been removed in error with the headset when last removed.
Wondering how to fit the top headset cup securely.
I think you were being very clear and it was my reading that was poor.
That's too big for a coke can shim IMO as you will need five wraps.
You can buy aluminium sheet in various sizes and thicknesses from the universal auction site, although 0.5mm is likely to be the thinnest you will be able to buy.
You could make up any difference between the shim and the headtube with JB Weld, for large gaps, or green Loctite/permanent thread lock compound, if a tighter fit.
You can also go round the headset cup sleeve with a centre punch, the raised edge around the punch mark will give a slightly large overall diameter.