I recently picked up a 1950's F.H. Grubb frameset with a Tange Levin headset installed. I wanted to replace it with a more "era appropriate" HS so I removed the Tange. The first thing I noticed was both races had been beer can shimmed.
I then attempted to fit an older chrome headset I had lying around. Looks similar to a TDC but is unmarked. The crown race was too big. Upon closer inspection it was obvious that in order to install the Levin, the crown race was taken down to 26.4. I believe the original was size was 27.0- but I may be mistaken.
So now I'm on a quest to find a 50's steel headset for a reasonable price that will fit. i was looking into TDC and found that they came in two race versions. 20 Gauge and 22 Gauge. I then found a reasonably priced 20 gauge on ebay.
My question is, what do the gauge designations mean, and well, which am I looking for? Logic tells me 20 gauge, but can someone confirm as well as clear up what that all means?
Additionally, what's going on with the larger head-tube diameter. Is this common among frames of this vintage? Is the beer can shim in any way acceptable? I've done it with other parts, but never a headset.
Looking forward to answers and learning a bit more.
Cheers-
Sean "just donated to the WJ fund" Flores
San Francisco, CA
USA