I appreciate all that repsonded to my intor post. They are always awkward to spew out.

Maybe I am speaking from a newby standpoint, but the bike I descibed is very ridable as is, just not optimum. the things that are missing, are a shifter (which I see I can get a real basic Shimano shifter for about $25 online),

Amazon.com:
SRAM X.5 Mountain Bike Trigger Shifter Set (9-Speed)
Buy new: $35.00 $24.30
10 new from $24.30

...a replacement for my rear brake arm bosses (or perhaps new brakes altogether). With no shifter, I am relegated to a low gear, but get around just fine.

I have hunted down many, many photos of GT bikes that are similar (and some that are not) for cable comparisons, and the main problem is that most are not close-up or clear enough to get a good view of them. I think I can get it donw between the gazillion photos I have acquired and the many repair books I have from the library. I am kind of enjoying learning more about the bike by my exploration of it.

I guess I am enjoying the small rebuild project, and also have little money at present to simply buy another bike, so I am doing what I can with what I have for now. I will also look on Craigslist for parts if I cannot find things like replacement brake arm bosses for tbe rear. Does this sound too naive as a MB newby? After my diability increase is finalized with the VA, money won't be as much of an object. It's only been over a year now! "Taking care" of us veterans at the VA. My wife just sent me an article about the VA notifying a man about his menstrual disorder claim. Right on top of that stuff.

Many thanks and cheers to the people that responded to my post!
Richard