Neck cup installation made easy!!

Most of you guys probably know how to do this already,
but maybe some haven't done it before.
I start with an 10" length of 3/4" threaded rod. 
I use the industrial stuff, as the imports don't hold up as well.
You'll need some fender washers, a couple of nuts, some grease,
and a pair of the longest 1 1/8" wrenches or breaker bars you can find.

I weld one of the nuts on to one end of the rod.

I start by using some emery cloth to remove any
rust or scale in the neck of the frame.
Whizzbang KC also suggests that on a painted frame,
the paint or powdercoat needs to be sanded off on top or bottom of the neck,
so that when it gets rubbed off the cups won't slide in further.

Next, I coat the cups with some kind of thin lube -
in this case I had some G.E. silicone lube,
but dish soap, grease, etc. would work too.

You will also need to coat the threads of the threaded rod
to help the nut to spin easier. (you'll find out why in a minute).

Now, start the cup into the neck with a light tap,
making sure it is as square as possible.
Then, slide the rod through the neck,
and slip the fender washers on to the shaft,
so as to trap and pull the cup in place when turning the nut on the shaft.



I guess I should have mentioned that you do one side at a time.
Be sure to pull the cup all the way into the neck.
Cranking these things in can be a test of your strength, but take your time,
and be sure the nut is lubed on the washer it's turning against.
(This will help a great deal).

There may be other ways, but that's how I've always done it, and it works.

Additional input from Whizzbang KC:
After you think you've got it pulled all the way in,
take a piece of heavy pipe large enough to slide over the threaded rod
and butt it up against the nut, and give a couple of sharp taps with a large hammer
just to be sure it's seated fully.
I didn't do this last time and and ended up having to
readjust the head bearings twice before they were completely seated.

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