Is there a way to make a fork setting race tool rather than to spend the big bucks to buy one.
Would be very handy to have!

Also, will media blasting remove a chrome finish from a frame and fork?

Thanks,
David

I use a large Cresent Wrench. Slide it over the race and hit it with a hammer.

Or go to a hardware store and buy a piece of pipe that is the same diameter as the race, slides over the fork onto the surface of the race and make your own tool.

What's the best way to get an old race off without ruining anything?

[ November 14, 2005, 09:29 PM: Message edited by: area211bmx ]

David,
I prefer to use something softer than the steel race you are installing...a length of 1" ID aluminum pipe like the kind sold for making railings using Speedrail fittings. You'll have to get it from a metal supplier and hope that they have lengths shorter than 16'.
A setting tool made in this manner won't mar the chrome on a new headset race or otherwise cause damage during installation. Similarly a removal tool made from alloy in a U shape will remove the same race by pushing on both sides of the race at the same time.

Media blasting generally won't remove the chrome entirely...or at least you should'nt blast so much as to completely remove it. If you want it off you will have to take it back to a plater and even they won't take the copper off. From personal experience I can tell you that the chrome makes an excellent undercoat layer and is far superior to any primer made. Of course it will require a thorough blasting to aid adheasion of the primer/paint system.