Stem and Steer Tube Won't Mix

[partsguy]

Hey guys! I'm trying to finish a 1964 Firestone 500 II, built by Huffy. The fork was bent, twisted, and gouged beyond all hope. At the time I recently got in a 1972 Huffy-built Firestone Warrior (on it's way out in the next few days). Well the fork on the '72 was exact in all dimensions and sizes to the '64 original. Time goes by and I finally strip, paint, and apply the reproduction decals to, the "new" fork. The old headset screws right on and it fit through the headtube just fine. But when I tried to insert the handlebar stem, it's as if the stem is bigger than the steer tube on the fork.

This bugs me because this bike, other than the new fork and half the spokes in the rear wheel, is all original. I'd hate to put in the later stem because it does have a slightly different style than the old one. The old one looks more clean and doesn't have the grooves engraved in it. Is there ANY possible way to get the old one to fit? I know I am not going to scrap a freshly painted fork and do it all over again.

I will be selling this bike as well so I'm trying to do this so it doesn't look bad or off in someway...

Thanks again guys!

PS: I have been very tempted to keep the bike but as a college student, I have to make a living and can't keep it all!

 

[deven_science]

Try one thing: take the bolt out of the stem, and just slide the stem itself in there without that angled nut piece. Does it go? I've noticed that sometimes the angle piece is slightly bigger than the stem it matches. You could then swap out for a smaller angle piece, and use the original stem.

 

[Bicycle808]

You prolly have a 22.2 stem and a 21.1 ID steerer tube. If you have the tools and time, you could hone the steerer out or turn down the stem, but.... that could be a decent amount of work, with no guarantees it'll work. If you're selling it anyway, I wouldn't worry too much about originality, as your bike does not have the original fork nor original paint/decals. I'd just find a 21.1 stem that you like more than the one off the '72, or just use the '72.

 

[Bendix]

Something like this should only set you back about 10 bucks at your LBS.

http://www.jbi.bike/web/checking_product_description.php?part_number=5741


;-)

 

[Bicycle808]

Yep, or $5 if you're putting an order in at Niagara anytime soon....

 

[partsguy]

I tried with only the stem and no bolt or anchor. I do see your point. I'll clean up the '72 stem and put it in. With the fork having to be replaced and repainted anyway it likely won't hurt anything and will only save me precious time.

Now if I can find where I put those missing seat guts!

Thanks again guys!