Did you try repeated heat (propane torch...not too hoot) and cold cycles (freezer for 24 hours) with doses of penetrating Kroil Oil in between? No?
Tell me you did NOT hack saw through the fork steerer tube.
The middle item...is that the top race of the headset?
Now that you have cut the stem, you can drill out the remaining portion of the stem and expander plug. And trust us, once upon a time that stem did have an expander plug at the bottom of that screw. Be VERY careful when drilling out the remainder of the stem. Use a drill press or a mill and a mill vise with 'V' inserts / jaws.
Mr. Electrolysis is not our friend. An aluminum stem inside a steel steerer tube and using a steel expander plug is a recipe for corrosion unless properly greased or coated in anti-seize compound.
It doesn't have an expander wedge
Maybe not, but once upon a time the long, vertical screw attached to an expander plug. 'Something' that expanded inside the steerer tube kept the stem locked in pace.
And 'what' is that curled piece of metal that is visible inside the steerer tube that is shown in the bottom view of the fork?
I'm just guessing here, but I think that curled piece of metal should be left in place. It's probably or at least possibly a reinforcing piece to keep the steerer tube and crown from being deformed by overzealous torque on the nut that holds the front brake caliper onto the fork.
Note that it is drilled for the brake mounting bolt, as is the steerer tube and crown.
The LBS also told me that there was a wedge in there once..
Maybe not, but once upon a time the long, vertical screw attached to an expander plug. 'Something' that expanded inside the steerer tube kept the stem locked in pace.
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