Classic & Vintage - front derailer on a Colnago Mexico

I picked up a 1981 Colnago Mexico frame set and have decided to build it modern. There is a braze on for the front derailer that I have never worked with before. It is a slotted curved piece that is attached to the set tube where the derailer should be. Here are the questions:
1. What type of derailer do I need for this?
2. Do they still make this type for 9 speed?
3. If not, can this be taken off for a "wrap around clamp" front derailer?
Thanks

Please do not take it off. If you want a modern
bike don't butcher a Mexico, a Super maybe but
not the mexico.
I don't think a 9 speed is available that will fit that
hanger. I bet it does fit a Nuovo/Super Record perfectly.

Marty

OK, keep the hanger, what will work on this? What is the vintage front derailer that I may be able to tweek to work with 9 speed? This shouldn't be to difficult as it is still just two rings up front?
Also, is there a benifit to moving the cable guild to the side?
Thanks

well, I think that anything that fits the braze-on would work if you used a friction setup for the front, or even campy ergo...you are using italian compents for this bike, right? Personally, I use shimano, but I think it would be a crime to use anything but italian components on a colnago...

Well, I like the feel of the Shimano and have gotten used to that. What I do like is the clean line up front when using down tube shifters rather than STI, no cables. I don't know if that would be a good idea though as I am planning on trying a few races with this bike. Thoughts?
Also, I checked the Shimano web site and they offer braze on adapters for the Ultegra and Dura Ace. This is good news.

I can't wait to get this bike going...!
:D

Braze-on front derailleurs are still pretty standard though there does seem to be a return to clamp on. This is probably due to the multitude of tube sizes/materials. You should have no problem finding a front that'll work be it Campy or (shudder) Shimano.

People raced for decades with d/t shifters and I'm sure you could do well. However, for peak performance at a high level of competition modern systems are probably quicker. I own older friction bikes and newer Campy Ergo and for my riding have no problems with friction however, it's been a long time since I was in anything near competitive cycling condition.

No one less than Lance himself runs his Shimano equipped bikes with a d/t shifted front derailleur, at least on long climbs. A little less weight and "infinite" trim settings.