Originally Posted by Chombi

BTW, the all silver version is called the model 801 not 851. It's totally identical mechanically and functionally to the 851 SSC just a finish difference where the 851 has the dark anodized parts.. No, it won't work if you do not have the limiter plate as the derailleur will swing too far forward on the hanger and possibly jamb tha jockey wheels and cage against your freewheel. I dont know if any other plates will work from other RDs, but I have seen some 851s and 801s for sale once in a while where the plate was copied/made from scratch from steel plate stock by the seller. I guess if one is skilled enough with metalworking, one can also copy it as long as you have one for a pattern.
Only used both these deraileurs for up to 7 speeds in combination with Simplex/Mavic Retrofriction shifters. I do have to tell you that at 7 speeds the Retrofrictions are at their limits and take almost the full stroke of the right lever to shift through the whole cluster, but it does work.
The washer plate shown in the bottom pic is indeed bacwards. The two legs pointing to the right should straddle the pivot barrell where it meets the hinge holes for the inner derailleur arm.
I love these RDs as you can see from my stash of 851s which I plan to use on my next French bike build projects.


Chombi