Early Bridgestone step-through Rod Brake bicycle

[Oilit]

Interesting old bike. When the manufacturer puts their name on it, I always feel like they put more into it than if it's a no-name made for somebody else.

 

[Clay&Cream]

I was persistent and careful and was able to remove the old pedal (and a half) from the crank arms without damage - big nice 15mm and careful leverage plus pb-blaster soak did the trick!
ALSO - used a pipe wrench to CAREFULLY remove the retaining ring from the non-driveside of the BB and it all came out as ONE sealed unit!
Huh...I need to get in there to service the bearings OR maybe replace it with a modern sealed unit... Have a look and tell me what you think:

 

[Oilit]

It looks like one end of that bearing unit may screw out but you may need some kind of pin spanner wrench, something like this:

 

[Clay&Cream]

My thoughts as well...I've got a tool on the way that should work. Hopefully I can get in there and get it spinning smooth again!

 

[Clay&Cream]

The quill bolt seat-post is also gonna be loads of fun.
This is a 17" frame with the post all the way down right now...I am 5'9"

 

[SirMike1983]

The adjustable side looks to disassemble using a pin spanner and a hook spanner, similar to a British bicycle's adjustable cup. It may need a little heat and Kroil if the lock ring is particularly seized. Reuse as much as you can on that bottom bracket cartridge unit. It's probably very difficult to get replacement parts for it today.

 

[Clay&Cream]

Great news! I was able to get the bottom bracket cartridge apart- used a pin wrench (which broke) and a vise and a screwdriver and a big old vise. But I did NOT damage anything- what a relief! The grease in there was very thick and nasty- in the pictures I gave it a quick wipe-down before photos. Eleven ball bearings on each side floating without cages. Love the BS1 on the main spindle and the little keystone BS on the brass collar. Should clean up and go back together just fine- race wear is there but not too bad. Should probably replace the bearings- they are smaller than 1/4" about 6mm?

 

[SirMike1983]

Check them with a caliper if not 1/4 inch. Re-use if all there and good. 11 per side, 1/4 inch would be Raleigh type. Yours might well be metric.