1. I saw...months ago, a link to some dudes site that explained how to make a fixie out of standard parts. Anyone know a good resource for that?


Probably this: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/fixed.html
Should answer most any question you have.



2. I see cool old steel frames all the time, with long horizontal drops, and 27" wheels. I'd like to make a fixie out of one of these type frames, and perhaps throw 700cm rims on it. Does this sound possible? I don't have the cash to buy a nice fixie flip/flop rear, so would like to experiment with building one up myself.


Usually no problem switching from 27" to 700c rims. There is only 4mm difference between a 27" rim and a 700c rim. You might just want to stay 27" wheels because tires are readily available.



This wouldn't be a trainer or anything...just something to cruise town and go on the leisure rides with the GF on her cruiser(usually like 16 miles of easy flat bike paths on the weekend). My roadie is just too easy to ride, and I want something funky and harder/fixed to ride to get a better feel of cycling. I thought a cool home built fixie would fit that bill nicely.


Sounds like a fixie might be just right for you. Check out the Sheldon Brown link and let us know if you have any questions.