I have a bent axle in a size that Sheldon Brown does not sell a replacement for... (His web site now states the BB-5JB size axle is no longer available.) This leaves me with the option of getting a new bottom bracket altogether. In order to buy one I first have to be sure that the fixed cup is left hand thread or traditional Italian right hand. I have cleaned the threads so that I can look at them from the adjustable cup side and it does appear that the thread on the fixed cup side is regular or right thread. Can I trust my eyes? This is a very hard thing to judge even with perfect vision. I took a 36 mm wrench and of course it doesn't come off with normal persuasion to either side. I could go the Sheldon Brown route with bolts and nuts but before I do that I would have to be sure of the thread or pay the consequences of a destroyed shell.
The bike is a mid 80's Bianchi with Campy everything but the bottom bracket. No distinguishing marks on the bb parts except the stamping on the axle which says 7 and then 18 (clearly 70 mm shell and 180 total width)
Garth Libre in Miami Shores Fl.