Re-attaching a downtube shifter boss

fkmooney

New Member
Would love any advice from more experienced hands!

I'm working on restoring my 1985 SR300 (Continental Blue). On a recent test ride, the rear shifter on the downtube came off. The result is I need to reattach the shifter boss, and not quite sure how to do this. The boss was held on by two rivets and some epoxy, unlike the versions that have a throughbolt, which I'm guessing came later. This means that the front shifter boss is still attached and doesnt have internal threads for a throughbolt to screw into.

I think my options are to get a replacement shifter boss kit like this or this. The issue with this solution is I think I have to pry off the boss that is still attached to replace it with the new boss that the throughbolt can screw into.

Before I try to rip off my still attached front shifter boss, does anyone have a better idea? In the below you can see I tried putting some small screws in (where the rivets were) and JB Welding the boss in place, hoping the epoxy would keep the screws in place. This didn't work....

Should I find someone to weld it in place?

Any suggestions much appreciated!

IMG_0452.jpg
IMG_0450.jpg
IMG_0449.jpg
 

black lightning 1987

Moderator
Staff member
Best would be to find a trashed frame that has the bosses with a through bolt. There was at least one aftermarket replacement, I'm unsure if it is still available.
 

fkmooney

New Member
Thanks, appreciate the thoughts. Frame is a 44mm if I measured right, so I imagine these would be fine.

Also found this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/3641647116...4MnaS_-voucZU0xU-bqpyYSqIUINYEcYaAuheEALw_wcB

But to implement I have to rip the front shifter boss off that is still attached, and not sure how to do it without hurting the frame.

Since it was originally rivetted on, I'm thinking of buying a rivet gun and tryign that. A rivet gun is $20, so a cheaper option, jsut not sure if standard pop rivets will do the trick.
 
Top