updating shifters?

Not worth it, especially since most anything you'll find is 9 speed. Better off just retiring the old workhorse and buying a new or used modern bike.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by stellagirl07
I ride a stella SX-6 from the mid 70's or so (best guess) with all original parts the problem is that I'm not entirely comfortable with the shifting. I constantly reach to far and catch my hand on the front wheel as I try to shift, or feel unstable enought that I can't really get my hand off the handlebars long enough to shift into the proper gear. I was thinking of updating to integrated shifters, and wondered if anyone out there has done that and what their experience was, or if any one had any recommendations on what kind to get.

Consider bar end shifters.

Definitely bar end shifter time. You can get them on ebay. With integrated shifters you will have to replace many other parts that will cost plenty!