Jester's 1986 BH Vitoria rebuild

Hi all. To introduce myself first, I was big into road cycling from about 13yrs old until I started driving and got into cars instead! In 1986 I saved up and bought my BH Vitoria which was a reasonable high end bike at the time, and made in the same region of Spain that I was born. I think I was about £150 then? The only upgrade I added was '87 Shimano SLR 105 brake Levers with internal cables and new bar tape.
I used to ride it everywhere as transport around Derbyshire, thinking nothing of the steepest hills and covered many miles. Took it to Uni in Manchester, abused it a bit over the years as I picked up scratches and scuffs and then left it in my parent's damp shed for 23 years!
I once again discovered cycling a couple of years ago and lost 3 1/2 stone of desk-sitting podge and started a collection of modern gear. I thought it time to restore my old trusty BH, thought this would be a very useful source of ideas and encouragement!
My plan is not an exact rebuild, but more of a modern interpretation of a classic bike keeping nods to the original and using as many original parts as possible. So, paint will be 'similar theme' but not exact, decals may be different, SPDS modern pedals and modern seat, but keep the chrome group set. Strip down has begun, but the clincher will be if I can get the seat post out, as I remember it being stuck when it was new!
Also, when it's done I'm in 2 minds if to keep it as the size is completely wrong! Depends on. How it rides for me, we'll see!
So, here are some images so far!













Now need to get a 38mm spanner to remove the BB cup

If your replacing the BB cup then it's easier to put a large bolt with a washer through from the back, a washer and nut on the outside and when you tighten it up the cup will come away from the frame without too much of a problem

Nice collecton might be easier to get a local bike shop to remive the seat post. I worked at Manchester uni 1987-2001

Shaun

Ps have you got a jag

Thanks for tips both.
For the BB, considering the age and mileage, never been replaced or serviced then a replacement makes a lot of sense, however need to see if these are available in this size etc. The BB is actually in remarkable condition, maybe just bearings are required. Haven't looked into that yet. Suspect the answer is to hand on this site? If so, will use the washer and bolt trick to remove, but will still need a spanner to put the new one on?
Yes, worried about damaging the frame when trying to remove the seat post! Should leave it to a professional I think too!

I wasn't at Man Uni, but Salford Uni studying Mech Eng from '95. Spent quite a bit of time at all the SU bars though!

Do I have a Jag?, spotted the Leaper on the tool cabinet?!, well yes,..and no!.. I work at Jaguar, now Jaguar LandRover (JLR), 19 years since graduating. Now I'm a manager and get a car and change every 6-9 months. Had a few Jags but I'm in an Evoque at the moment.

This was my driveway this time last year.

Re:

They are lovely cars I'm sure, but that is a great floor! I look forward to seeing the build progress.

47p2

Where can I get a bolt like that? Wickes, b&q ?

Shaun

I would doubt if B&Q or Wickes had them Shaun, do you have any local 'old fashioned' hardware stores or a nut & bolt supplier

What I do when using this method for removing stubborn cups is hook up an impact air wrench at quarter power and let the impacting slowly remove the cup…never found one yet that can't be removed

Re:

Hi, if your BB looks in good condition, then I would say try and save it, new set of loose bearings cost a couple of pounds, get a proper spanner to remove the cup, the washer method will probably write the cup off. As 47p2 wrote only use this if your gonna replace the BB. Or get the bike shop to remove it when they do the seat post.

Re:

Thanks for the advice all. Managed to remove the bearing cup without damage using my bench vice and a little care. Glad I did as it has BH markings on it, will be able to keep it and re-use.



The next puzzle will be the bottom bracket cable guide. There is no external screw fixing. Can I remove without damaging? Not sure if I can get the exact same one new or not.

TurnS out the bottom bracket cable guide is a push fit interference, so just carefully prised it out with a flat ended screwdriver. I can use that again, which is great as I cannot seem to find anywhere that sells them the same.