It doesn't have indexed shifting, huh? I think the indexing might work if you put on some indexed levers and put some SIS cable at the rear where the cable goes into the derailleur. I picked up some levers for $5 at a swap meet once. That's on the low end, but I bet you could find some on CL/swap meet/ebay, or even in the C&V Marketplace Forum here.
__________________
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by
bragi 
"However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."