Collegiate headset question…

[Schwinny]

Ive seen that deluxe top bearing race in steel and aluminum. Seems to me there is a standard version and an even lighter version with smaller bearing cages.
Not really special. Most all the lightweights have them. And they interchange through all the bikes that have the same diameter head... which is most all of them.

 

[bloo]

The lower normal-looking cup takes a Schwinn "VSF" bearing with a funny looking flat cage, Schwinn #2557. It is also used in Tange headsets and a few others. It might be a #57cage(?), but "Schwinn VSF" should find some. This fits top and bottom in a bunch of postwar standard Schwinn headsets, too.

The upper one for the upside down top cup is Schwinn #2560, and has 17 5/32" balls in a fairly normal looking cage.

 

[GTs58]

 

[J-wagon]

Here schwinn deluxe headset from 1961 speedster. The bearing cage stamped NATL SCHWINN 73. It has 17 balls.

 

[SchwinnFinn63]

Thanks much everyone! Now I know what to look/ ask for. My frame came without a fork so have to use an 80’s Schwinn cruiser unit. There’s a problem getting the HS to stay locked down while moving freely. Thought it might be the bearing cages or the fork crown race.

Today was the first test ride.

 

[Schwinny]

Good looking ride...
You set the bearing tension by hand, then grab the upper cup piece with a channel lock using a rag for buffer. then tighten the top nut down on it, jamming them together to lock the bearing cup in place.
There should be a toothed washer between the two.
Then ride it around for a while and check it again.

 

[SchwinnFinn63]

Done and done! Still winds up with play or too tight. Toothed washer employed between lock cap and adjusting piece as well. Just have to keep at it... and double check the crown race on the newer fork.

On the hunt for a donor bike for bits and a fork.

 

[J-wagon]

Assuming you have the correct threaded top race (left) and press in headtube race (right), then just matter of finding proper bearings (center)

 

[Schulze]

Assuming you have the correct threaded top race (left) and press in headtube race (right), then just matter of finding proper bearings (center)

View attachment 1603722

Be sure the bearings go on in the correct direction. This photo the bearings are upside down.

 

[J-wagon]

Yup, for sure, like post #14 last pic