Bicycle Mechanics - Shimano Deore shifter questions

My current bike ('01) has LX shifters with a 9 speed rear. Is it possible to remove the little gear indicator widow piece without causing any functional problems to the shifter itself? Also, I stil have my old bike that has early 90's Deore DX shifters that have both triggers levers next to each other, but a 7 speed rear. I really liked these. Is it possible to use these old shifters with a 9 speed rear?

Yes and no.

You can use them, but you'll have to switch to a 7 speed cassette like this (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=87&subcategory=1109&brand=&sku=6213&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Freewheels) and maybe add spacer.. Other than that, i _think_ it should work.

Old skool Deore DX is nicer than modern LX, IMO.

You can use them, but you'll have to switch to a 7 speed cassette like this (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=87&subcategory=1109&brand=&sku=6213&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Freewheels) and maybe add spacer.. Other than that, i _think_ it should work.

Old skool Deore DX is nicer than modern LX, IMO.

If you did that, it would be set up like my Bridgestone. You lose a couple of cogs, but 7 speed cogs are thicker and will last longer. The spacer you need is 4.5mm. The disadvantage is that you have a 7 speed wheel with as much dish as a nine speed wheel. Normally a 7 speed wheel is stronger because it has less dish.

The disadvantage is that you have a 7 speed wheel with as much dish as a nine speed wheel. Normally a 7 speed wheel is stronger because it has less dish.

Although in real world use, 9-speed wheels seem to be just fine...