Stupid Question - Replacing DT Shifters
 

For my restoration project I purchased a pair of Suntour 7 derailleurs. I still have the Simplex shifters though and would prefer something all metal. If/when I find a pair of DT shifters on eBay, can I get ones that typically mount to frame brazings? I have the "clasp" that my current shifters screw on to and am wondering if I will be able to use that and just screw on new shifters that don't come with a clasp.

If by "clasp" I assume you you mean clamp-on or band-on downtube shifters. The likelihood of shifters made for braze-on frame bosses fitting to the band of your Simplex shifters is not good. Most band-on shifters use a proprietary mounting method and aren't the same as standard braze-ons. Sun Tour did make all metal band-on shifter sets and they should work.

Ok, thanks HillRider. I kind of assumed so, I guess I'll have to narrow my search.

As Hilly said, the Simplex band is probably not compatible with "braze-on" shifters. Some bands are, like this modified Huret item: http://www.ebay.com/itm/170599854261

I would try to find a complete set of friction-only clamp-on shifters. That will insure that everything works together. They last close to forever, so old, used units should not be a problem.

Miyata110, Look in the C&V For Sale forum. I bought a set of banded DT shifters from a member there last year and there were some other sets available.

Brad

Sun Tour band-on dt shifters are available here:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Suntour-Clam...item3a6fcc2d53

One other period-correct option comes to mind. There are band-on double cable housing stops that will fit your downtube and will let you use bar-end shifters. Older Sun Tour friction-only "barcons" would certainly be correct for the bike. The stops are: http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUNTOUR-SHIM...item1e6ae74a28

And the shifters are: http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-BAR-...item53eb385567

Thanks Brad, will do.

HR - thanks for the links. I saw those shifters but don't think the finish will match well. Also, I considered barcons but the bike is for my Dad and I am unsure of his thoughts on them.

I don't have any of these yet but I hear nothing but good things about these Power Ratchet shifters

http://i.ebayimg.com/t/VINTAGE-SUNTO...ypkg~~60_3.JPG

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-SUNT...item256a54b744

I had those exact shifters that came OEM on an '85 Bridgestone 400. They were functionally as good as any downtube shifter ever made but were heavy and clunky. Sun Tour made some more elegant models in the same band-on configuration.

Thanks for the help all.

Quick update: I found a set NOS Power Shifters and got a great deal on them (in comparison to the linked auction). I'm not too concerned with them being too heavy or clunky (and not just because this bike is not for me) and finding NOS allows me to put something on this bike that I didn't scrub with a toothbrush!