Hi Robert,
You've got some confused assumptions.
Brake levers: the drilled ones were before the slotted ones.
Front derailleur: I can't picture what you mean by the flat sided version, but the four slotted one was the first D-A version.
You are correct that the Crane rear derailleur was first before the D-A labeled one.
The first Shimano Catalog of which I am aware that included the black version D-A parts was in 1975. I've got scans from 1973, 74 and 75 catalogs. Happy to email them to you.
David
David G. White Burlington, VT
Robert Clair wrote:
> any reference materials/pictures out there that can differiniate
> between the first and second versions. assume that:
>
> the slotted brake levers were first, the "drilled" ones second.
>
> the flat sided front changer first, the four-slotted one second.
>
> the crane rear changer first, the dura-ace one second.
>
> the cranks may have been different, etc.
>
> anyway we're shakin' the parts box in the back closest and seem to
> have about one of each. maybe it's time to finally wave the majic
> wand and, shazam ! build up the Wiz ... second thought, maybe not.
>
> robert clair
> aleandria, va 22308