Replacement BB for 73 Torpado
 

I'm starting to rebuild a 73 Torpado and during cleaning the bottom bracket I found really bad pitting on one side of the axle bearing race, so looks like a need a replacement. It has a Nervar Star crank and BB and so far I have confirmed it 115 mm length and ISO taper. I measured the BB shell and it came in at 69 mm so that wasn't much help. Both cups tighten to the right and I did find a 36 stamped on the fixed cup so I'm gonna guess it's Italian thread. Does that sound correct? Also, what are the most cost effective options for a replacement? Trying to keep the budget low.

Thanks

I have a Torpado bottom bracket for that bike, in case you can't source one more easily.

Any PICS? Curious...I am slowly digging into my Torpado....NO idea of the year, though the owner thought it was 81, it feels older. Before I try to "CRACK" the bottom bracket....any clues as to which way to GUESS it will be? Do I assume Italian?

I can take some pics if you want something specific. Mine looks very similar to the LUXE models on Randys site so I'm guessing that's what I have also.

Thanks Randy, I'll see what I can find.

I think these would work. Seems like I could use a JIS taper, anyone ever have issues with that?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Bottom-B...item5aea4dba42

http://store.velo-orange.com/index.p...thread-bb.html

Randy's make MINE look like something dragged up off the bottom of a lake. My rear Dropouts look a lot like the ones on his Luxe, as well as most of the lugs. My fork though does look quite different and I was thinking it might be a replacement, but after taking it off, it has a 22 stamped on the steer tube....the frame has a 22 on the bottom of the BB Shell, so I guess it matches. Have not taken the crankset off yet, after that and cleaning up, it will be BB time

I just checked out the pictures of your and it does look older then 81. Does it have chrome lugs under the paint?

Yes, it DOES appear to be chrome under the paint, unfortunately under some heavy rust scrapes/scratches too, I am reading up on how to remove paint from chromed frames.

I'm thinking my best option might be one of these 105 bb off ebay. I'm guessing these are JIS taper, can someone confirm if this should work fine for me? Will the length be ok or should I go shorter with the JIS instead of ISO?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Bottom-B...item5aea4dba42

The 36 indicates a 36mm pitch diameter, which is Italian threading. If you're considering a JIS taper spindle, why not go with a Shimano UN54 cartidge bottom bracket? They're reasonably priced at $20-$25, are maintenance free and are available in Italian threading.

Mixing cranks and spindles and trying to figure out what will work can be a trying experience, especially if you're changing tapers and going from assymetrical to symetrical spindles. Often it's trial error. Personally I'd take the drive side crankarm and current BB down to the LBS. Try the crank on a various bottom brackets and select the one that duplicates the spacing from the inside face of the crankarm to the outside face of the fixed cup. You may pay a little more at the LBS, but at least you'll have the piece of mind that it is going to be very close to the current setup. If not, they'll probably at least be more receptive to an exchange than a mail order house and if you do have to exchange a mail order part, the return shipping will eat up any savings.