Hi.

I'm a bike noob....My girlfriend just bought this '87 Fuji and we didn't notice that one of the shifting levers was put together wrong(?). So far they seem to work ok, but I want to set it right anyway. Below are some pics of both. My questions are:

1. is this an important thing to repair (we'll want to do it regardless but is there harm if we were not to?)
2. Is this something a novice can fix? just loosen, wiggle, tighten? or would it mess up the tension in the line? (and require a pro to help re-adjust)

Thanks a ton!

RIGHT SIDE

LEFT SIDE

It seems that the washer with "Suntour Japan" logo is not set in the right place. Just unscrew the bolt, and place the washer same way as on the other side. If the shifter is disassembled and put in place wrong way, that's no big deal, it will last forever anyhow.

ok.

i did it....but the level went forward as soon as i loosened it. i put it back but found that even with moderate tightening the lever become very stiff....too stiff to change gears. is there supposed to be a washer of some kind that allows for the tightening, without constriction of movement? it just seems like i should be able to tighten this screw more without immobilizing the shifter....

thanks.

There supposed to be some very thin washers on each side of the lever (inside). You are not supposed to tighten it all the way. It is designed to be adjustable tension. So you can tighten it, and try shifting, if you don't like the tension, loosen or tighten to your liking. Don't worry, it's not going to fall off.
Here are some disassembled with plastic washers:

Is your pic taken with natural light through a window?