I know this is probably a re-occuring question. But...
I have acquired a Italvega Nuovo Sport Frame, I believe from very close to 1976. SN: 1541. French threaded.

I have not rebuilt a bike before, so it will be a big learning process.

I received the frame with bottom bracket intact, but very hard to move.
i have removed the BB to repack the bearings. My next project is getting cranks for it. Is there any way to put a cotterless bottom bracket in so i can use some cranks/chainring i have or does it have to remain cottered.
The cups seem to be in descent shape so if i could find nice working cranks, i am not opposed to keeping current BB.

i also want to keep the integrity of the bike if possible.

any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated

thanks
john

Are you sure it's French threaded? Italian fixed cups are threaded the "wrong way", too. How wide is your bottom bracket shell? If it's 70mm, it's Italian. You can use any kind of BB you want to once you determine the theading.

If your cups are in good shape, all you need is new bearings and a square-taper spindle suitable for your choice of cotterless cranks. I can almost guarantee your cups are 36x24 Italian, instead of 35x1 French.

The crank you choose will determine the spindle length needed. You can switch to a modern cartridge BB if you want to. Finding a good used spindle of the correct length is a hassle and a new one can be expensive. You can replace everything with a cartridge for as little as $20. I prefer to stick with the vintage parts when I can, but I enjoy the hunt.

After measuring the bb shell, it is 68mm. The removeable cup is clockwise to tighten, that is why i jumped to the french conclusion(also had made in france on it-not sure if that matters).
I was hoping to do exactly what John E said and put new bearings in with a square taper spindle. Sounds like that could still be possible.

You can't say I didn't warn you. I've spent months looking for just the right spindle. I'm looking for one now for an early Campagnolo triple.

Hmm, they're out there somewhere! I just sent an Italian one to a friend and turned up one for my Carlton build. A TA might work...

i really appreciate all the input. I think my next step will be to consult some more knowledge at my local bike shop and see what resources they might have.
The usual ebay, craigslist searches. This might become a longer term project.

Has anyone ever seen this link in India. Are these just cheap knock-offs?
https://www.benluiindia.com/cyclepart...tml#chainwheel

I am beginning to wonder if your ItalVega has English/ISO threading. I am a bit surprised by the 68mm BB width, but you could still have Italian BB threading. The easiest way to distinguish an Italian BB is to note that your lockring slips over a known English or French cup without engaging the threads, and/or that a known English or French lockring will not fit over your adjustable cup. Look for indications such as 1-3/8 x 24 (English) or 36 x 24 (Italian -- a totally bizarre hybrid of 36mm diameter and 24 threads per inch).