But,what if you dont like his tea?I'm in Kent otherwise I'd say bring it round and I'd fix it whilst you made the tea
Id do similar. Drop the front end out, get yourself plenty space. Hack saw tab off, make new tab weld on. Allow to cool, replace the head stock bearings. Cover everything up, to protect the rest from sparks of the weld or grinding.If you are intending changing the headstock bearings I'd suggest taking the yokes out so you have plenty of space to work and get that Pidgeon poo off the frame. Leave the bottom race in place as it will help to prevent any distortion in the headstock. You can knock the race out as the frame cools as it will be easier just don't try to cool it with anything as that could cause distortion. As for gas, have you looked at SGS Gasses as you won't need to pay a rental with them and there are a few places near you.
More concerned about distorting the headstock bearing housing (or whatever it's called) If it goes out of round it could give all sorts of grief.Having cut up and baster..modified several jap frames, so Id not be over worried about distortion, there all miles out anyway.
Youd not distort the bearing housing with the old bearing still in unless you went way way over the top……..As for way out frames……newest Ive looked at would be mid 90s, better than 70s but isnt everything.More concerned about distorting the headstock bearing housing (or whatever it's called) If it goes out of round it could give all sorts of grief.
Seriously though, are they really that bad? I know the 70's/ 80's frames were total sh1te but are modern ones still bad or just overly large tolerances?