Several years back I bought a late 70s Colnago fork from an eBay seller in the UK. I paid top dollar for it. The fork arrived in good shape as described except... there was a large 1 1/2" long bulge in the front of the steering tube about 3-4" from the top.
It appeared that someone was using a long quill stem, maybe a steel one, and had overtightened it. The seller wasn't very knowledgeable and was into fixies so who knows. There were signs that the stem was stuck in the steerer and someone used a propane torch to try to get it out and remove the bulge.
It took it to a knowledgeable frame builder. He checked it out and found no other damage so he removed the bulge with some tube rounding blocks and deemed it safe to use.
I was able to negotiate a substantial refund from the seller who professed ignorance about the bulge. Some people aren't as observant as others...
It's always best to try and resolve a problem with an eBay seller first.
Trying to deal with a seller in Italy may be more difficult because of language issues plus maybe with this seller, ethical issues too.
In any case, I would bounce it back to Pay Pal or eBay. A resolution can take many weeks, especially with a seller outside the US but the OP may be able to get some of his money back.
As far as solving the OPs problem, an experienced frame builder can put in a new steering tube. Another alternative, a new threaded section 3" to 4" long could be plasma or TIG welded onto the old steerer. This would be as good as new if done by someone who was able to keep the parts accurately aligned.
It would probably be expensive but wouldn't damage the chrome. Afterwards, the fork crown would need to be refaced.
Cheap, Fast, Good, you can only have 2 of the 3!
Chas. Colerich Oakland, CA USA
> Billy, and all,
>
> This issue comes up with some regularity. My own experience is that about 95% of people are decent and honest. However, the other 5% spoil it for us all.
> Ebay is a fantastic source for locating hard to find items. Where else could one search a large part of the world for the parts we want. However, it is the biggest case of "buyer beware" I can think of.
> Within our group, I would suggest we "recognise" any of the 5% ers we come across (after normal attempts at redress have failed).
>
> Any thoughts anybody?
>
> Tony Taylor
> Manchester NH