I have a 1980 Motobecane Mirage. Instead of bar tape, it has some thick synthetic material covering the handle bar that is stiched together at the front of the bar. The brake levers have hoods on them that appear to be made from the same stuff and appear also to be attached in some way to handlebar cover.

I want to move the brake levers but retain the original handlebar cover and brake lever hoods. Can this be done and how?

Thanks for any help.