Shifter help, please! - 1968 Huffy/Grants Rail

[OutlawAlice]

This is the shifter mechanism off of a 1968 Huffy Rail. It's all that was on the bike as far as the shifter goes. I haven't been able to find any information about where the cable end actually hooks in, any tutorial, exploded view AND/OR if it's even complete. You can see where the cable end is just riding loosely behind a notch. Any help is greatly appreciated! (so is heads up on a suitable replacement - need not be original!)

 

[RustySprockets]

Does the cable have a "barrel" formed on the end of it? If not, then the cable itself is broken and needs replacement. These are very simple devices and just like basic friction shifters in their operation. The lever pulls the cable as the rider draws it back--the derailleur springs pull the cable opposite, when the lever moves forward. Attachment is usually as simple as threading the cable though a notch until the aforementioned barrel makes purchase. Any clamping/adjustments are made at the rear of the bike.

This lousy diagram is the only one I could find, but again, they're just oversized friction shifters, and work the same way.

http://c.searspartsdirect.com/lis_png/PLDM/00027915-00003.png