Hill Special advice needed

Hi folks.
Got a query that I'm sure someone on here will be able to help with...

Recently picked up a 1961 Hill Special path/track frame and have a headset issue: the top and bottom of the head tube are flared and reminiscent of something running an integrated headset. This means the concave curve of the outside of the headset cups needs to sit slightly inside the headtube. The curve therefore needs to match the concave curve of the frame. I have bodged together a headset from a bunch of random parts to get it running (too eager to wait!) but I want to replace it with something proper.

Any owners of Hill Specials or similarly designed frames have any recommendations for headsets that will fit?

(I can post photos if it'll help)...

Thanks in advance...

I recall reading about something similar, probably on here, and it was a "clip" type headset.

They're reasonably common in prewar and 40's bikes, they look like this:

^ This is a clip headset as Scilly says.
Used up until the 40's. Often stems had no quill, but fork steerer has a little slot allowing compression to grip the stem.

Flared bits at top & bottom of the headtube have hardened steel inserts press - fitted into them. A normal crown race on the fork completes the lower assembly, and upper is completed by the cup/clip combo (usually made as one piece), and on top of that a lockring as per photo. Adjustment is much the same as with an aheadset, bearing force is set via lockring and then clip clamps the stem.

The most common manufacturers of these were Brampton and Chater-Lea but you can also get manufacturers own e.g. Claud Butler made their own clip headsets & stamped the clips with CB in a diamond. I'm guessing something as flash as a Hill would probably have a brampton, or if you're super lucky a CL!

If you have the clip/upper race combo Restoration is straightforward...
If not it's a pain in the arse as they go for top dorrah on the ebay....

IIRC headtube inserts were a standard size and took 1/8" bearings.
You are in luck with these as the venerable Chris Grange of Abel Baker bought up all the inserts & crown races from the Viscount factory and can supply you with NOS crown race, inserts and ball bearings for next to no cash. He's tricky to get hold of so if you can get yourself out there in person that's probably best.

Lock nuts are a bit more tricky as period steerer tubes can be one of 3 different thread specs, so you'll have to do some careful measurements and thread counts!!!

Hope this helps, if you need clarification on my ramblings, PM me.

Thanks very much for the help so far.
Unfortunately I don't have the original forks, and unless I get lucky, am thinking I might need to get some forks custom made. Good news is that I have the press inserts, so I guess if I do get some custom made I can use a crown and top race from another (standard 1" threaded) headset which takes the same size bearings...if such a headset exists...??? (Obviously the clip headset would be preferable, but I might be in for a long wait if I hold out for one of those)

Re. the forks - have been in touch with Dave Yates, and am gonna give the chap at Oak Cycles a call as well - any tips or recommendations otherwise for getting custom-made forks...

Cheers.