Please help me save my GT!

[gubsta]

Hello all,

I'm trying to resurect my 1994 GT Tequesta - and stumbled accross this excellent site!

I rebuilt the bike in around '98-'99 and had the frame professionally resprayed - the only original bits are the headset, and the front mech, but (and aren't I cursing now) I also didn't do anything with the ancient bottom bracket. I have now discoverd that my once sqare tapered BB is now erm - slightly rounded!

I got hold of a BB tool and get about it's removal, and all I have done so far is shatter the plastic 20-tooth cup on the drive side! D'oh. I have been going on the theory of drive side is clockwise/loosen and anticlockwise tighten, and that the non drive side is righty-tighty-lefty-loosy. Am I right? The BB is a shimano STX to the best of my knowledge.

So two questions:

1. Am I going the right way to loosen it? (I have tried both!)
2. How can I remove it when hammers and massive spanners don't work. I'm close to throwing the whole bike in the bin!

Thanks in advance!

 

[monsterfatuk]

you`re turning it the right way now son,you may have to lock the spanner on some how or use a vise to turn the frame instead of turning a spanner.So find a way to lock the tool onto the bb ,you`ll need a few washers

 

[crud]

you are loosening the non drive (l/h) side first arent you? you have to take the ring off the left side then withdraw the cartridge from the drive side

 

[sinnett177]

If the tequesta is steel framed soak the BB in ammonia. If it's aluminium framed take it nowhere near ammonia. The ammonia will break down any aluminium oxide that has formed between steel and aluminium.

The plastic side is crap. They strip for fun but don't worry, get the aluminium side out first and the plastic come out no problem.

 

[gubsta]

Thanks guys - I might have to give the ammonia a go.

The frame is cro-mo I think from looking at the specs - I assume it won't harm the paintwork?

I hope the BB isn't aluminium - the whole reason I had the frame resprayed the last time was because a USE seatpost (and shim) welded themselves into the frame and had to be blowtorched out!

 

[mattbrown]

or use a blow torch, solves a lot of things and is good fun when you start buring others things nearby - did i ever tell you im a pyromaniac

 

[Corduroyboy]

I severely doubt that there is any aluminium anywhere near the BB. Those things weigh a ton. You will need to 'lock' the tool to the cup (use a big washer and crank bolt) then clamp the tool in a vice. Turn the frame the correct way and it will loosen. Make sure you have squirted a load of penetrating fluid down the seat tube and left overnight to make the job a piece of p***.

 

[gubsta]

Thanks for your help guys - I've tried to attach a picture of what I'm left with - what a bloody mess! I've also attached a picture of the bike so you can see what I'm trying to save...

What I want to do is hit it out with a blunt screwdriver - but I'll mash the threads.

Any suggestions appreciated!

 

[Wold Ranger]

Melt

U got the BB out then? A blow torch looks the next stage A trip to the local Powder coaters next for a glass bead strip then re coat to deal with the rusty bits.

 

[gubsta]

Yes I did thanks. I was pretty pleased when it started to move! Which quickly turned to anger as the other side turned to swiss cheese.

What's a glass bead strip then? Does anybody think I get get it out without destroying the paint with a blowtorch???