Hello,

I'm new to the forum and just picked up a Nitto postman bike in Bangkok that I'm planning to bring back to the US. I'm starting to break the bike down to box, but I'm stuck at rotating the handle bar. If anyone else here owns one of these, or knows these bikes, and can offer tips I'd appreciate it. I've disconnected the break levers, loosened the front luggage bars and the top bolt, but this thing won't budge...

Thank you,
Ken

Pedals off,nice bike what year is it?

Thank John. I have no idea what year this bike is - 70s or 80s I'd guess. I'm still on a steep learning curve about this brand, and looking for advice about it's odd features. Another issueI just discovered is how to adjust the rear "drum" break...
Thanks for any advice,
Ken

Or how to replace the rear brake pads...
Ken

I know this might seem dumb, and you seem like you probably know how quill stems work, but just in case this is new to you...when you loosened up the bolt at the top of the stem, did you then smack it down to dislodge the wedge? I usually hit it with a rubber mallet, or put a block of wood on it and hit that with a hammer. If the wedge won't budge, turn the bike over, soak it with penetrating oil, wait a couple days, and try it again.

Thanks Brian. I'm no bike mech, I can remove and replace an engine or trans. from a car, but I've never delved that deep into a bicycle yet.
I appreciate your response - that was new to me.
Ken

No problem, Ken. Here's a more detailed explanation, with a diagram of what it looks like there: The Climb: Quill Stem and Handlebars