1992 GT PANTERA. project. BB update. frame is saved! 11/11

[garethfj]

Hi everyone. This has been a want of mine for a long time, to get a Pantera 14.5 in good condition. This is now my fifth one. It's taken that many frame to find one in decent condition!
This was the bike I saw on the street as a ten year old and I loved it as soon as I saw it, but I had already been bought a Raleigh Activator. Now having had a few Zaskars, you'd think I wouldnt downgrade, but I sold them off and bought the as it's true to what I wanted then. I didn't even desire a Zaskar back then as it was so far from reality, hence me buying this now. It's also a great frame and has lasted really well. They are stiff and strong, but not light or crouse, but I feel that's helped the longevity.

Here are some pictures of what I have.

As you can see the BB is still in the frame. I can't get it out. Are there any good tools out there that will allow me to loosen this off without potentialy damaging the frame please?

 

[minor_LEGEND]

Hi Gareth. The best projects are those with a deep meaning or reason to build. It's great you found your desired frame.
As for the b/b, the angle of attack is usually the key to winning. May I suggest using a crank bolt to secure a b/b tool in place so you can concentrate on putting in all your effort to turn the unit rather than holding the tool from slipping. If you can wedge the seat tube under something immovable of the right height, then use a long wrench/lever to lift against the fixed object (ie wedge the frame under a bench)

Let us know how it goes, keep us updated on your progress.

 

[garethfj]

Hi Gareth. The best projects are those with a deep meaning or reason to build. It's great you found your desired frame.
As for the b/b, the angle of attack is usually the key to winning. May I suggest using a crank bolt to secure a b/b tool in place so you can concentrate on putting in all your effort to turn the unit rather than holding the tool from slipping. If you can wedge the seat tube under something immovable of the right height, then use a long wrench/lever to lift against the fixed object (ie wedge the frame under a bench)

Let us know how it goes, keep us updated on your progress.

Thank yo Minor Legend. I appreciate the encouragement. I know there's probably a lot more exotic projects out there, but this is as far as I'm happy to take it, having had klein mantras and Zaskars. Even as a 22 year old I had my first Zaskar le, but to me 1997 is not retro, or early enough. Feels like only yesterday to me as I'm 41!
Thanks for the advice on the frame, that's a good idea. Just have to find a decent tool for the job. Will keep you and everyone interested, posted.

 

[garethfj]

UPDATE: BB removal.
Went to my LBS. He clamped the BB, or so I thought in a vice and, then reclamped in, this time fully in the vice and got the frame free.

This is great, but from him clamping the frame, there seems to be a flat spot where the frame was wrongly clamped in the vice. I was wondering what that horrible sound was!
Now there's a flat spot and a gouge which i have worked out a bit with a mallet and flat piece of steel. I'll finish it tomorrow, so as not to wake the neighbours as it's past middnight here. Unfortunately I cannot get a BB threading into the shell without it going in at an angle, so more cleaning and inspecting tomorrow. I'm disappointed, but sooner I move on the better!

 

[Spankyfart]

This needs to be re threaded (read reamed out), beating on this will not help.

Not sure if i used the right word.

 

[garethfj]

This needs to be re threaded (read reamed out), beating on this will not help.

Not sure if i used the right woYes,

 

[garethfj]

Yes, you are probably right. I will clean the threads tomorrow for a close up inspection and go from there. thank you!

 

[Bike Hoarder]

Think you should take it back to the shop and politely explain the error in their ways....

 

[PhillB]

That's pretty shocking from your LBS...Whilst you can see the dent on the exterior, It's hard to see in the photo whether the bottom bracket housing has deformed internally. If it has, then you'll need to get it reamed... On the other hand, it can be surprising how little crud can stop a BB engaging, so I'd give those threads a really good clean with a tooth/wire brush and some degreaser and the use plenty of grease. Good luck!!

 

[Spankyfart]

Your LBS should have this tool, I always lend it from my LBS for every old bike I do.
It's to clean up your threads, but with some controlled tension and cutting oil it should be a 5 minute job.
And I agree with bike hoarder, he should fix it. It's his doing.