Being a true vintage nut, I've had my eye scanning lots of places for that rare bird, the early sixties Simplex plunger front shifter with the original plastic front clamp piece for the body. I guess that Simplex must have shipped boatloads of the metal replacements, since the plastic generally failed with a tension crack across the center. This week, I found one, on a bike. Historically accurate: it is broken right smartly. Of course, I gave a fully functional equivalent Simplex metal piece in exchange.
All joshing aside, this Thanksgiving I do count this group as a blessing that makes life more interesting. A support group. Thanks to Dale and all, (but no attaboys allowed, per Czar's rules).
harvey sachs
mcLean VA