Early Ariel Frame

[EPH]

Can anyone help me with replacing steering head bearings for an early Ariel project.The cups seem almost attached to the frame,was wondering if anyone else has found this problem.Unsure of frame model, maybe someone can help, numbers  shown are V4682 P and suspect is a late 20's early 30's. Would appreciate any advice or information.
                      Cheers EPH ( New Zealand)

[cardan]

'tis said that a continuous bead of MIG weld around the entire circumference of the bearing will cause it to shrink and drop out. Usual disclaimers as I've never done it: I was told (by several different people) only after I'd made a bit of a mess of trying to remove the top head race from an early frame. You live and learn.
Before you take drastic action, are you sure it is required? Some marking or scoring might be OK; pits where the balls have dug in are not.
Leon

[EPH]

Hi
  Thanks for that.C I have done that previously myself now that I think of it,Could be worth a try,unfortunately the shell has to come out as I dont have a matching pair and rather damaged.Was wondering whether these were always able to be removed from the frame or in some way sweated in if you know what I mean .Thanks for your help,Cheers EPH

[cardan]

All the examples I have encountered are pressed in - it would be a fair bet that they would not have been sweated in from the factory. But in later life, who can say! If there is any kind of lip to get hold of - even if it's only 20 thou or so - the proper way to get the cups out is with a puller of some kind. If (as usual) there's not much to get under, you might need to make some kind of device that expands (with a split and a wedge) and the usual draw bolt arrangement. Plus a bit of gentle heat on the head lug. The bead of MIG, or welding devices to the cup etc. are the desperation moves. Good luck. Leon