So, I got the frame, wheels and hoop back today from powdercoating.
Fitted new bearings & cush drives to the wheels and in the process of fitting new steering head bearings.
Had some difficulty removing bearing from stem and had to grind it until I could split it, in doing so cut the large washer that was under it - is this required? as far as I can see it only acts as some sort of seal and I have a new seal which is smaller than the washer but would sit in the head race.
Does the washer act as some kind of shim/spacer?