Bicycle Mechanics - Shimano bar end shifters - will they take Shimano DT shifter levers?

I have a set of Shimano SL-BS64 8-speed bar-end shifters. From their appearance, it seems that the pods would accept any standard DT shifter levers. Does anyone know this to be true? I would love to install the pods on an old road bike of mine that has an old 6-speed Shimano 105 drivetrain, with 6-speed indexed 105 DT shifters. It would be wonderful if I could transplant the shifters into the bar end pods.

Has anyone done a similar transplant?

I've never done it, but it shouldn't be a problem. Rivendell sells shifter pods for the same reason that you want them. Rivendell's are suppose to be Shimano knockoffs. http://www.rivbike.com/products/show/bar-end-shifter-pods-mounts-pair/17-068

I'd be surprised if it works; Shimano would have been a bit more benevolent than usual to make them compatible.

But why not just try transplanting one? Not a hard job.

southpawboston, I just took a quick look at both my BE shifters and DT shifters. Without actually making a swap (your job :) ) I'm not sure that the cable guide in the BE shifter body will line up... maybe?

Brad

If you were really lucky, it'd be possible to simply swap the single component with the indexing detents on it.

Unfortunately, I doubt reality's so convenient.

The shift lever will fit the bar-end "pod". Take a look at this PDF:
http://techdocs.shimano.com/media/techdocs/content/cycle/EV/bikecomponents/SL/EV-SL-BS77-1664_v1_m56577569830628723.pdf
The important part is the "lever boss cover". Keep the one from the bar-end shifters. It's different from the ones on most downtube shifters. Its orientation needs to be correct, too- the fat tab should point down when you bolt it all together. If it doesn't, it'll index, but only for a couple clicks.

Also, tighten the center screw very tight.If it comes loose, it will allow the "friction/index" switch to fall between the two settings. This can ruin the shifter.

The shift lever will fit the bar-end "pod".
Hey, nice going, Shimano.

I've mounted 10-speed Shimano down-tube shifters on 9-speed bar-end "pods" without any problem. Sorry, but I have no idea about compatibility in earlier 8 or 6 speed versions.

I have two bikes with six-speed down-tube levers mounted on Dura-Ace nine-speed bar-end pods. Works just fine. Jeff Wills' advice above regarding the lever boss covers is spot on.

Regards,
Bob P.

Awesome, thanks all! I'll give it a try.