Re: [CR] Bianchi Specialisima Headset pin wrench? who makes one stilland where can I buy one?

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Content-class: urn:content-classes:message
Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2010 22:59:15 -0700
In-Reply-To: <AANLkTil_m4mym3V1kJyGSuhWEUINgsvKICzpvyrvmJpv@mail.gmail.com>
Thread-Topic: [CR] Bianchi Specialisima Headset pin wrench? who makes one stilland where can I buy one?
Thread-Index: AcsNdZwVTXhj/LDSSO2Y/d5hYMiIywAaMCew
References:
From: "Mark Bulgier" <Mark@bulgier.net>
To: "chris derkach" <en.laiton.dans.poche@gmail.com>, <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: Re: [CR] Bianchi Specialisima Headset pin wrench? who makes one stilland where can I buy one?


Chris Derkach wrote:
> I have a 1960 Bianchi Specialisima with an integrated headset. Does
> anyone know where to buy the adjustable pin wrench?

Chris, I haven't tried Scott Davis's idea of using a strap wrench, but here's what I did. I filed down the squarish wrench dogs on a Park SPA-3 (the blue one) until they were round, and just small enough to fit the pin holes of the headset. I used a smallish (~6") 2nd-cut or smooth file and took my time, holding the wrench clamped in a vise close to where I was filing, to minimize the vibration. Took about 5 minutes per side and I have used it probably a dozen times over the years since, so I consider it a success.

Picture of the filed-up wrench tip here: http://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Parts/Forks_Headsets/BianchiHeadsets/pin_wr ench.jpg (http://tinyurl.com/pinwrench)

Darn, I just realized after writing this email that they don't seem to make/sell the SPA-3 anymore. As Emily Litella used to say, "Never mind!" Maybe this could still help someone who has or can get an old-stock SPA-3.

Mark Bulgier
Seattle, WA USA