Steering stem race replacement help?

I finally got up the scrotes to attempt a steering stem race
replacement. I've just cleaned up the existing race on all the stem
bearings I've replaced, primarily because I was never quite sure that I
could get the things out. I've always wanted to try the 'weld bead'
technique of removal that I learned here on RMD, but was always too
worried that it might not work - then you're really screwed.

The lower race on my GasGas was pretty well trashed, unfortunately, so
I decided it was worth a shot with a welder. I used my coil-feed
Lincoln 110, and welded a deep-penetration bead all the way around.
Sure enough, the thing popped out with just a few light taps from a
punch and hammer.

Attempting another RMD-suggested technique, I put the new race in the
freezer and heated the head tube to a few hundred degrees with a torch.
When I attempted to put the race in, exactly what I expected to happen
did happen. About 3mS after the race touched the frame, it heated up
too hot to touch, and there wasn't a prayer of getting it to go.

I figure that cold pressing is the right way to actually do this, but I
don't know what to use for a press. I don't have a specialty steering
stem race installer, and I don't think I could make one without some
pretty heavy-duty steel work. I was thinking about a big C-clamp, but
I'd need a couple of pretty good plates, but I wouldn't think that a
C-clamp could generate enough presssure. What do you DIYers use for
putting these things in?

I was also thinking that I might be able to finagle my frame enough to
get the steering head into my hydraulic press, but it wouldn't be easy.

Thanks - JayC

Oh jeez...
You could have skipped the part with the torch or made the frame just warm
not hot.
The freezer trick helps but you still have to coax the thing in there.
I have done this with all parts room temp.

If you have a socket that's the same size as the race you can drift it in
carefully with that. A nice hardwood dowel is also good, maybe better. If
you try PVC pipe, wear eye protection. I use a wooden mallet because it
gives me better feel, or lets me hear the important noises better, or
something.

I suppose if you put a slice in the old race (for easy removal) you might
use that as a driver also. Careful there though, some foggy bad memory tells
me that's brittle metal.

Take your time and drive it in squarely. You will feel and hear when it
settles on the stop.

Glad the welder trick worked out. I was puckering up when I started reading
that part. Getting them out is a PITA but I'd have to get pretty frustrated
before calling Rick's Welding.