Raleigh71

My Shimano 600-EX long cage rear derailleur that I put on in 1980 self destructed. It originally used a hanger attached to the rear drop-out.

Can I get a newer derailleur that doesn't require a hanger, and use it with the original hanger?

Retro Grouch 

I'm not real sure what you are asking. Could you post a picture of your bicycle's dropout?

TimothyH

I believe @Raleigh71 might be asking about direct mount frames and derailleurs.

Direct mount frames and derailleurs don't use a hanger but, as the name implies, the derailleur mounts directly to the frame.

Direct mount has been around a while, at least since the early 90's and my understanding is that converting a modern Shimano Dura Ace, Ultegra or 105 derailleur to be used with direct mount or a hanger isn't a big deal.

I am certain that Shimano Dura Ace and Ultegra Di2 derailleurs can be converted to be used with either a direct mount frame or a frame with a traditional hanger. They come from the factory set up to be used with a hanger and a piece is removed at the pivot bolt for it to be used on a direct mount frame. Reference page 45 at https://si.shimano.com/pdfs/dm/DM-R8050-02-ENG.pdf.

I mention the Di2 derailleurs above because it is documented clearly in PDF dealer manual. I don't see why mechanical would be any different but I don't have a reference to documentation for 100% certainty. OP can try and find a reference for the mechanical derailleurs at https://si.shimano.com.

Apologies if this is not what is being discussed.


-Tim-

JohnDThompson 

If you're referring to bolt-on hanger into which the derailleur mounts, like the one on the left below, then yes, in most cases you can mount a modern derailleur onto such a hanger. There are exceptions, and some derailleurs come with an integral hanger, but in most cases it will work.

Do you have a specific derailleur in mind?

Slash5

If you are referring to a claw type hanger then reusing the old one will depend on the old setup. But you can pickup a new claw from your LBS and mount a derailleur onto it.
Your old one may use the standard 10 mm derailleur thread or could be riveted or use a snap ring.

cpach

The way you've worded your question is a little confusing; pictures would help.

But if I'm reading correctly, your bike's dropout doesn't have an integrated derailleur hanger? You can indeed get a new claw style hanger. Here's an example: https://www.amazon.com/SunRace-Shima.../dp/B001PT8M8C. Some entry level derailleurs are still available out of the box like this.

DannoXYZ 

As others mentioned, post picture of what you currently have. You then should pick new derailleur. It may or may not come with hanger. If it comes with hanger, use that one. If it doesn't, use old hanger.

Raleigh71

Thanks for all the great info, gents!

See attached photo of the hanger I was referring to.

You can see the original derailleur or what's left of it with the hanger, and I ended up just getting a replacement with a similar looking hanger.

These are both considered 'long cage' Shimano-600 derailleurs with the replacement being the 'Arabesque' version.

What's interesting is that the distance between the jockey wheels isn't the same. The original had 76 mm center-to-center between the jockey wheels and the Arabesque has 69.5 which you would think might have a smaller capacity. I'm using it with a 14 x 30 freewheel so we'll see.....