Can u interchange down tube shift levers designed for braze-on mounts with ones designed for clamp mounts?

Question

i was planning on buying Shimano Downtube Shifters Triple SL-6400 (fits 5mm bolt brazeons) to replace a worn clamp-on shifter for my bike. my bike does not have a braze-on mount but does have the clamp-on mount that can house the 5mm bolt of the sl-6400.

The real question is whether or not i need the the metal bases (flat and curved) that are supplied with the new shifters as they will not fit cleanly with the clamp on mount. (im not familiar with the mechanics of the new shifter and im not sure if the bases are needed to function)

i was wondering if i can just s***w the new shifter onto the clamp on mount

Answer 1

Hum...

Its been a mighty long time since I've dealt with clamp on and braze on downtube shifters.  In any case, I am pretty certain there is no way you can make the braze on shifters work unless you have the appropriate posts on your bike.

I suggest you go visit Harris Cyclery on the web.  They stock or can find all sorts of old parts.  Here's the link:

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/shift...

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

If I'm following you correctly, it sounds like you need to buy a new clamp mount from Shimano if they still offer those for sale.  If not, you might be able to find one at http://www.biketoolsetc.com or http://www.loosescrews.com .

The little bases are necessary for the function of the shifter, so if they won't fit on the clamp you already have, you'll have to figure out something else (like a new clamp!).    :o)

I fitted a few of these on older bikes and never had any trouble mounting them up using both Shimano and Suntour clamps....sorry, wish I could help you better here.