Bicycle Mechanics - Is this the 'square tapered' kind of crank?

Is this the 'square tapered' kind of crank? I am curious because this one is a French bike, Peugeot and I understand some French/English bikes have their own type of specs. It s a '84 Peugeot Course PB12

Also would I be able to unscrew the chainrings and use the small chainring (42t) as the only chainring of this bike? I am planning to convert this to a SS/FG.

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/4755/img1188l.jpg
http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/6754/img1190a.jpg

Yes it is , Probably Stronglight brand.

Yes it's square taper,yes you can run only the inner if you want.You would need to shim the crank or rear gear to get a perfect chainline,but it should be OK as is.I think Italian BB cups have right hand threads on both cups.

Yes it's square taper,yes you can run only the inner if you want.You would need to shim the crank or rear gear to get a perfect chainline,but it should be OK as is.I think Italian BB cups have right hand threads on both cups.

Shim the crank? what?

Shim the crank? what?

I believe he meant spacers? I am getting a flip flip hub wheel so I should have a good chainline from the rear to the crank.

You'll need to get new single-speed chainring bolts, disassemble the crankset, and use the shorter chainring bolts to re-attach the small ring. make sure your rear hub is spaced correctly (probably 126 mm) and check weather the chainline is better when the chainring is on the inside or outside of the spider.

You'll need to get new single-speed chainring bolts, disassemble the crankset, and use the shorter chainring bolts to re-attach the small ring. make sure your rear hub is spaced correctly (probably 126 mm) and check weather the chainline is better when the chainring is on the inside or outside of the spider.

I am going to get new flip flop hub wheel set so hopefully the chainline, hub/wheel spacing will be fine.

Thanks for helping Operator!Your advice and criticism are greatly appreciated!