Concerning loose headsets, I've actually had good results with sticky tape. The slightly yellow clear stuff that seems similar to packing tape goes alright, if you're careful and methodical and stretch it tight.
It takes some trial and error to get the amount right; start with too much and remove a layer at a time until it's a press fit without smooshing the tape away. If you can get x number of complete layers (rather than x.x) to be compressed without being pushed out of place, you should be golden. This is surprisingly durable if you do a good enough job.
If you have some aluminium tape, that's even better because only the adhesive will compress. I've used it to build up the inner surface of the HG splines on a cheap billet cassette to eliminate about 3/4mm of slop, and it worked a treat. Also built up the outside edge of integrated headset bearings so they could bear on the vertical surface and wouldn't rock in damaged carbon tapers, another surprise success.
Forethought and patience, and possibly trimming the excess with a knife depending on the situation, can make this kludgy business fly.
Concerning loose headsets, I've actually had good results with sticky tape. The slightly yellow clear stuff that seems similar to packing tape goes alright, if you're careful and methodical and stretch it tight.
It takes some trial and error to get the amount right; start with too much and remove a layer at a time until it's a press fit without smooshing the tape away. If you can get x number of complete layers (rather than x.x) to be compressed without being pushed out of place, you should be golden. This is surprisingly durable if you do a good enough job.
If you have some aluminium tape, that's even better because only the adhesive will compress. I've used it to build up the inner surface of the HG splines on a cheap billet cassette to eliminate about 3/4mm of slop, and it worked a treat. Also built up the outside edge of integrated headset bearings so they could bear on the vertical surface and wouldn't rock in damaged carbon tapers, another surprise success.
Forethought and patience, and possibly trimming the excess with a knife depending on the situation, can make this kludgy business fly.