Hello there, everyone! I have the same bike as is seen in this photo (although, saldy, mine is nowhere near as nice as this one.) It is a thrift shop refugee and i love the old thing. My problem is this; I knew when I bought it that the bottom bracket was loose. I had hoped that it was just a result of indifferent care and had come loose over the years. Alas, this doesn't seem to be the case. I think my bottom bracket is gone.

My question; Anyone know how much it would cost me to have a new bottom bracket for this bike installed by a bike shop? Should I do it myself? I would do it myself but I don't own a bb removal tool and also I don't have the proper tool to re-install the cotter pines on the cranks. Can I use a c-clamp on the pins?

Sorry about the length of this post, any information would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry, one more question. Are Bottom brackets of this type still readily available at bike shops? Thanks again.