Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - What can you tell me about this bike? (pics)

I don't know much about bikes. This one has been in my garage forever, and it's like 25 years old. I want to fix it up, turn it into a fixed gear, and be able to ride it.

What can you tell me about this bike in general? Should I have a professional check it out? How much would it cost me to convert it (if that's even possible)?

Thanks!

http://i40.tinypic.com/ezlede.jpg
http://i43.tinypic.com/scq4i0.jpg
http://i44.tinypic.com/2ivl99u.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/315g0uc.jpg
http://i39.tinypic.com/e84c2d.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/2v1ntr9.jpg

You can can convert it i don't know what brand it is but it is possible to convert it . It all depends on what kind of budget you have you could get expensive parts or get cheap parts email me and ill let you know what you need to do yo convert it.

Quite a bit older than 25 years. I'd guess at least 35. Kinda lowend, possibly gaspipe. The name makes me think it's French. If it is that could present some interesting compatibility issues in the bottom bracket, headset, fork, stem arenas.

What does the sticker at the top of the seattube say?

Likely has 27" wheels. Cheapest fixed conversion would be a rear wheel, cog, lockring from Velomine and hope you can get good chainline with one of the chainrings. Add tires and tubes, Maybe $140 total? Maybe $220 if you replace both wheels. Kinda rough guesses.

Take pictures of the crankset, rear derailleur, and brakes. No way of knowing from the pics you provided whether the bike is French or Italian. In either case, if the existing parts like headset and BB can't be serviced, replacements could end up to be expensive. I'm not sure I would convert that bike.

If you just want it as a fun experiment to see if you like fixed gear, go ahead. Just get a fixed rear wheel, take off the shifters/derailleurs and see how you like it. If you had plans for a long term bike that you'll put some decent time and money into there are a lot better starting points. The frame you have is probably really heavy and if our speculations are correct it requires a lot of obsolete parts. A more modern (Mid 80s and newer) road bike with better tubing and modern components would be a better option.

there is a probability that the threading on that bike is french and you are going to be in for a lot of work and money if that's the case. just ride it as is! or sell it to someone who will ride it, take that $ + the $ you would sink into converting it and buy a real fixed gear.

Post it to Classic and Vintage if you actually want people who know things about old bikes.

70s bike-boom import. Looks like it has a cottered crank. Going out on a limb here and saying it probably has mafac brakes and a simplex derailleur set.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/428052-Ficelle-bikes?highlight=ficelle

Similar bike. Gives some info.