Peugeot Vitus 979 Build - Arrested Development.

I have always loved the look of the mid 80`s Peugeot Vitus 979 , I understand the bronze colour was only supplied to Peugeot and it is by far my favourite colour for this frame. Anyway early last year I bought a virtually unused example as a frameset and it`s kind of been on the back burner as I concentrated on other things. I had however been keeping an eye out for bits and pieces that I may use in the build , including the almost unused wheels with silky mavic 550 hubs ( the ones with the alloy quick release levers ) and omega v profile rims and a new old stock set of modolo calipers, the levers are used but I cleaned them up and wrestled a new set of dia compe hoods on them and they fit a treat. New turbo saddle, nearly new campag 25.0 seat post and the obligatory simplex shifters. I also found a virtually new SLJ6600 derailleur for next to no money as it was from an Edco groupset and surprising how few people realise what`s behind a label. Unfortunately now I have a problem which has stopped further progress. Never having had one of these frames before, I have destroyed the infamously fragile and problematic seat post binder bolt ( grub screw) and rounded it. I have heard that it can be drilled out and retapped? or bodged with a bigger bolt , it`s such a lovely frame I`m a bit afraid to set about it with a drill,I dont want to shake the thing to bits ! has anyone done this or should I take it to a frame shop? . I have even thought and forgive me (but indulge me at the same time) of gluing the seat post into the frame at my required height (no more nails? ) and before you recoil in horror at that suggestion just remember that the whole frame is basically glued together anyway with epoxy resins?. Am I mad, should I take a break and come back to it , I was so looking forward to getting it finished.

Faced with such a problem taking a break is a good idea, normally a cup of tea. Only you know your own limits if it was mine I'd entrust it to my LBS to get it fixed.

curzons246":1g7647vs said:

Faced with such a problem taking a break is a good idea, normally a cup of tea. Only you know your own limits if it was mine I'd entrust it to my LBS to get it fixed.

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I`m not letting my LBS any where near this, it`s not that kind of place if you know what I mean , no this needs an old school specialist , the kind that still wears a brown overall jacket and laughs at your incompetence

If you have a small local engineering firm they’ll be able to drill & retap with obvious discussions beforehand on the exact needs you want...maybe a tad expensive but should be done right.

If you are near manchester, I could look at it and after discussing the options, re engineer it.

Re:

Or keep an eye out for a ‘quill’ 25.0 seatpost? They do up like a quill stem and don’t require a clamp at the seat tube. I had an Alan with a Simplex branded one, there are others as a number of bikes used this system (Moser AX for instance) but a 25.0 may take some time to procure.

Re:

Thanks for everyone`s suggestions, the quill seat post is a possibility I hadnt considered it but am afraid it would split the seat tube? as its not as strong as steel . I have pm`d `mdvineng` as I am in / around Manchester most days. Thanks again will update...

Helicoil is what that needs. You could drill it out and re-tap it to a bigger grub screw, but using a helicoil insert is a much better fix (and really what they should have done originally). It’s quite easy to do yourself. You can buy kits from Cromwell Tools that come with the correct drill, oversize tap, an inserter and 5 inserts.

First, no glue! Don't even entertain that option! Before your hand goes on the Bosch drill...if it was me
and I'm assuming the seat-post is still inserted as pictured , then hammer in the closest size torx key, then attempt to unscrew
and then re-fit a quality grub screw. If that fails, then go down the Bosch drill option but start with the smallest
drill bit first ~ 2 or 3mm - you may surprised that working up the drill pit size will be enough to cave in or remove the
grub screw completely. Somebody suggested tea...hell this is a French frame so Pernod would be in order to
level the playing field

Re:

Thanks again, some more great ideas. Fortunately the seat post is not stuck in the frame. I failed to explain it clearly but I took the grub screw / bolt out when I got the frame , inserted my lovely new campag seat post and it was when I re-insert the bolt and started to tighten it that the bolt wouldnt find its thread and became stiff which resulted in me rounding the allen head. As I mentioned I have had a kind offer to repair it ( fingers crossed) from our fellow retrobiker Dave ( mdvineng) so I have made contact and am going to get the frame to him in a few days. Thanks again for all your replies and to Dave for his offer of assistance.