Shimano Ultegra/600 downtube shifter issue.

[jimo746]

I'm currently swapping out the Ultegra 6500 groupset on my '92/93 Orange Dynamo for a more period correct 6400 600 "Tricolor" group, and I'm having issues with the downtube shifters.
The 6500 group currently has 9-speed "brifters" and cable stops on the downtube mounts.

Firstly, I can't seem to get the silver backing plates off the studs.

Secondly, if I do get the backing plates off, the ones from the 600 shifters won't fit the tube profile of the aluminium frame (they came from a steel framed donor bike).

Lastly, the 600 shifters won't fit on the current backing plates as they're of a different design.

So... As I'm pretty sure they didn't make 6500 downtube shifters, what are my options? Is there something that will fit & work with the 600 drivetrain? Any tips for removing the backing plates? I assume they DO come off?

 

[legrandefromage]

Screwdriver and patience

 

[jimo746]

Screwdriver and patience

That's what I thought, but I ran out of the latter today.

What about my fitting the 600 shifters from a steel frame onto this alu frame quandary?

 

[ChromeChainstay]

channel locks or vice grips, once clamped ~ rock gently

dremmel it out for the right circumferance

 

[legrandefromage]

I think they've just stuck with age.

Dt shifters do work ok, here's mine from a lifetime ago

 

[Iwasgoodonce]

Very hot water?

 

[jimo746]

dremmel it out for the right circumferance

Good idea. They're plastic I think, so shouldn't be too difficult.

 

[jimo746]

Very hot water?

I'll try it, probably safer than using a heat gun

 

[rikster]

All you need are two flat backed washers instead of the curved washers that will fit onto the existing frame shifter mounts to get the shifters to fit. No drilling, cutting or hacking required. I can post up some photos later to explain if needed.

 

[Sir Neil d'Menture]

Plusgas?