Bicycle Mechanics - Stripped cruiser pedal/crank. Replaceable?

I have a cruiser motorbike that has a very stripped pedal/crank on the left side. I probably didn't help it when it took me a couple of minutes to figure out that it actually was threaded normally, not reverse like most bikes. Do I need to replace both cranks and the bottom bracket for such a cheap-ass cruiser? The previous owner ran into a problem getting it replaced, if I am not mistaken.

Thanks!

If it's just the crank arm that is stripped, you might get away with just re-tapping the threads. This will only work if you still have enough material left to form new threads. You want either 1/2" x 20 or 9/16" x 20. Measure the overall outside diameter of the threads on your pedal to find out what size tap you need. You should be able to find one at a good local hardware store. If you're able to make this happen, it would be the most inexpensive solution by far. I'd recommend starting the tap from the opposite side of the crank from where you would normally insert the pedal. That way you have a better chance of picking up the good threads.

Otherwise, you'll need a new crankarm. If you can't find just one crankarm that's compatible with the bottom bracket you have, you'll probably end up having to buy a whole new bottom bracket and crankset. If it comes to it, post a pic of your crankset and maybe someone here can help you find what you need.

The first two sentences of your post were very hard to understand, by the way.

You need access to a good junk box full of crank arm options. Pictures might help someone see if they have a possible replacement for you.

Thanks for the replies, guys. BTW, I edited the text so it is easier to read now. Sorry about that, must have been prior to the coffee kicking in. I'll take a couple pictures tonight when I get home. The pedal still 'almost' threads in when I turn it, but it stays loose and wobbly no matter what I do. I am afraid I am going to snap the pedal off one of these days unless I fix it soon.

Thanks for the replies, guys. BTW, I edited the text so it is easier to read now. Sorry about that, must have been prior to the coffee kicking in.

Haha, no worries. You learn how to decipher a lot of stuff if you've been around this place awhile. Thanks for clearing it up. :)




I'll take a couple pictures tonight when I get home. The pedal still 'almost' threads in when I turn it, but it stays loose and wobbly no matter what I do. I am afraid I am going to snap the pedal off one of these days unless I fix it soon.

As soon as the threads get stripped, there's basically no hope of making it right by trying to assemble it again, and a huge possibility of making it worse. As soon as you realize you've stripped something, you should stop what you're doing. Threads never require a huge amount of force to turn, so if a delicate hand doesn't do the trick a strong arm will make it worse. At this point, it sounds as though your crankarm is pretty much beyond hope, especially if you've been riding on it that way. I'd do something about it before you hurt yourself.