Classic & Vintage - Really dumb question

Sorry, I know old road bikes, nothing modern.

My 15 yo son has been riding a recently made hybrid; as he's gotten more into biking he wants a road bike. I've replaced the tires with something more road worthy but he really wants drop handlebars. I have a Raleigh International frame in his size, I'm considering switching over his parts, except for one problem.

Shifting is by "Gripshift" type ring on each side, above the grip on the flat bars. Can those be used on drop bars, mounted up by the stem?

Don't want the expense of those fancy brake lever shifters, though could probably find some indexed downtube levers...

You won't be able to get the shifters up by the stem, because they won't make it past the curves in the drop bars. You might be able to mount them at the ends of the drops, as if they were barcons.

You won't be able to get the shifters up by the stem, because they won't make it past the curves in the drop bars. You might be able to mount them at the ends of the drops, as if they were barcons.

Hmm, you're right, didn't think of that.

Since the International is a frame only, you could put whatever you want on there...within reason.

As monogodo stated above, the grip shift will not fit onto the drop handlebars. Also, the drop handlebar diameter is probably different from that of the bars the shifters are on now.

You could put down-tube shifters on, or go for bar-end shifters. They're all quite cheap.

If you want to use the wheel from his new bike, you'll be looking at spreading the rear triangle of the International. That can be done, but it is something to consider. Failing that, you'll have to get a rear wheel that will fit the International now.

Your best (most economical) bet may be to put drop bars on his current bike. You'll still have to go with bar end shifters, but all else should be fine without any changes. You'll need new brake levers too.

I'm not worried about spreading the International to fit, no big deal really.

The International I've had for years, its complete and original but frame too small for me. I can use the parts to build something else and my son with have a great, classic frame.

Guess I'll look for some indexed downtube shiftlevers. I have some Tekro? sidepulls that will work well for brakes. Bars, stem, whatever I have plenty of...