I'm looking for a source for a replacement cottered bottom bracket spindle for my late 60's Gitane. I know - it's French. The races on the spindle are pretty pitted. When adjusting the cups and lockring I can get it spinning nicely but then there's a little side to side play in the spindle. If I tighten it up to eliminate the side to side issue then the bearings catch on the races and it doesn't turn well.

I'd like to stay cottered because I've worked hard on shining up the original Nervar 52-36 crank but I'm not sure where to find a replacement. Any suggestions?

I've seen lots of them on eBay. How are the cups?

The cups are actually in pretty decent shape.

I have a retired Peugeot UO-8. I bet the BB spindle is in good shape. You want it?

PM sent

If Tom's BB doesn't pan out, send me some dimensions on the existing spindle. I 'inherited' a small box of cottered spindles that I have no current use for. If I find a match, you're welcome to it.

If there's a bike co-op near you, every one I've been to has an overflowing tub of them from people converting their bikes to square taper.

This is why I love C&V on bike forums so much - where else can you find such help.

Unfortunately, I live in the middle of the state. There may be a co-op in Seattle - 2 hrs away - but I wouldn't know where. Great suggestion.

I also have a box full of NOS spindles, that came from the bike shop score I made a few years ago,I don't know anything about them but there here if you need me to take some measurements.I was going to put them on pay it forward someday.
Glenn