Help w Italian bottom bracket

[anthonyje]

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I have a NOS Olmo road frame and some second hand Campag parts. I measured the BB barrel and it is 69.5mm. The Campag BB is definitely 36x24 (Italian). The only problem is it wont fit - on both sides only about 1/4 or 1/2 turn then stops. I inspected the threads and could see no obvious problem apart a few specks of dust and metal filings
I dont want to force it so I need some help finding a LBS in Sydney north or Newcastle NSW who has expertise and maybe a thread cutter to free up the thread. Any help would be appreciated as I am anxious to get this project together.
Thanks, Ant[/i]

[Mulger bill]

Any decent LBS should have the tools needed to chase BB threads Ant. For a while I was thinking about the RH thread on the fixed cup...

Shaun

[Kid_Carbine]

Are you absolutely sure that the B/B shell is Italian threaded?
Just try some English cups, ... any old English threaded cups will do as you're only checking the thread.

[LuckyPierre]

I'd definitely try an old English thread BB, but several of us have found that NOS frames will have built up enough oxidation in the BB threads to mean that they need to be chased out before assembly.
Be careful not to use force and damage your BB (like some-one I won't mention did).

[toff]

Hi,

I just read this, and if you have a new frame, you shouldn't just throw in a bottom bracket without first preparing the frame. The shell will need to be checked for alignment, and possibly re-faced using special tools. There may also be some brazing "slag" that has made its way into the threads, requiring them to be re-tapped.

This is definitely a bikle shop job for the first bottom bracket installation.

Around North Sydney, I have used Le Spit Cyclery for this work on a NOS Colnago, and they did an excellent job, but they can be expensive so get them to quote on it first if you use them.

Hope this helps,

Chris

[anthonyje]

just to finish the story...

I wrote to Mr Olmo via their website and all Olmos are Italian BB. So I cleaned out the BB with a Dremmel, greased it a bit, and the Campy BB I had went in with only a little resistance.

All smiles. Thanks to the guys above for your help.

Ant