I got this 1987 Basso off Ebay. It's the full Super Record/Italian bike I always wanted when I used to race but had no money. It did turn out to have some issues once I got it but the seller was very accomidating to work with me.

The single most frustrating was the seatpost. As you can see in the pictures, it was well welded into place. I tried every trick I know as well as the ones on Sheldon Brown's website. Unfortunately, after 3 days of attempts (including clamping the top of the seatpost in a 8" bench vice and using the frame as a lever), it was time for the hacksaw. No more pantagraphed seatpost:-().

The takeaway here: ALWAYS protect against galvanic corrosion with the appropiate lube (grease, antiseize etc depending on the materials touching).

so how did you get the rusty part out? i don't see how cutting the seapost made getting the rest out easier.

I cut the seatpost off about 1/2" above the seat tube then took a hacksaw blade without the saw and made 2 complete slits vertically, 180 degrees apart. It's laborious work but I got it out and saved the frame. Took me about 1 1/4 hours of sawing by hand before I got it out.

I bet somebody (custom frame builder? machine shop?) could find a way to insert an extension onto the section you have. Don't give up on it.

TF

I bet somebody (custom frame builder? machine shop?) could find a way to insert an extension onto the section you have. Don't give up on it.

TF

I understand. I cut it off where I did so it could be spliced. I bought another seatpost off ebay for now. I'm a former machinist actually, just don't have access to a lathe to make the "stub" these days. I definitely intend on fixing the "mess" at some point

I bet somebody (custom frame builder? machine shop?) could find a way to insert an extension onto the section you have. Don't give up on it.

TF

I understand. I cut it off where I did so it could be spliced. I bought another seatpost off ebay for now. I'm a former machinist actually, just don't have access to a lathe to make the "stub" these days. I definitely intend on fixing the "mess" at some point

That is one beautiful bike!!! It is unfortunate about the seatpost (that rusted piece was the worst I've seen in a long time) but you have a great bike. Isn't it great to get a machine you've always wanted, no matter how long it takes to finally get it.
One shot here...when I see bikes like this, the symmetry, the lines, the overall beauty, I wonder how can people ride around on those ugly "compact" bikes. Especially when there are beauties like this in the world. I can't help myself I have to take potshots at those things sloping-top-tubed monstrosities
Peace

That is one beautiful bike!!! It is unfortunate about the seatpost (that rusted piece was the worst I've seen in a long time) but you have a great bike. Isn't it great to get a machine you've always wanted, no matter how long it takes to finally get it.
One shot here...when I see bikes like this, the symmetry, the lines, the overall beauty, I wonder how can people ride around on those ugly "compact" bikes. Especially when there are beauties like this in the world. I can't help myself I have to take potshots at those things sloping-top-tubed monstrosities
Peace
and you can add carbon forks on the insult list please.. what about carbon seatsatys? bleaargh! what about carbon frames? yuck!! all we need is a champion on a steel bike. like frischnecht winning mtn biike races on rigid steel ritcheys.

and you can add carbon forks on the insult list please.. what about carbon seatsatys? bleaargh! what about carbon frames? yuck!! all we need is a champion on a steel bike. like frischnecht winning mtn biike races on rigid steel ritcheys.

hey! i like my carbon fork. but i know what you mean. ;)

i definitely wouldn't put one on an older frame. and i don't really care for any of the other carbon bits usually found on bikes.