I have shimano finger tip bar end shifters I dont know how many speeds I can shift I believe I have friction shifters they are vintage. I believe they have 333 on the top of the shifter I have a 6 speed suntour freewheel,does anyone know anything about these shifters I would be really happy to know thanks, all, Kevin

try the C&V forum. They love Paramounts.

My first road bike was a 68 Varsity, which had a common owners manual. The 6 cog on your Paramount is definitely a retrofit. Didn't think the Paramounts had Shimano components then, so that probably is a retrofit. I've moved so many times, I doubt I have the owners manual, but if I do it my still be in my bedroom desk and can tell you more about what it had.

Pretty sure the 333 is Shimano's none-too-wonderful internal geared 3 speed hub, isn't it? I have no idea what this means in terms of using them to shift a normal derailleur across a 6 spd. freewheel. I think you'll have to try it to find out.

Did Shimano even exist in 1968?

The original équipe was usually Hûret or Schwinn-branded Hûret. (Some Atom, too?) 5-speed, with stem-mounted shifters.