Yay ! - I am so pleased that you like your new (old) steed!
Once you get the new tires and tubes on it, you'll really fall in love with it. (You'll certainly save a few bucks by buying and installing them yourself too.) There are You Tube Videos that are helpful, though I would remind you to position the tire on the rim, such that the brand name logo is postioned next to the tire valve, facing the drive side of the bike.

You will be surprised how quickly you will build stamina riding your bike. Take it easy at first though - You don't want to have a heart attack by trying to get healthy all at once.


You did fine with the purchase of your FW and Derailleur.

When you get around to the bar tape, consider mkeller's blue bar tape. It looks really nice. I'm not sure what he used though....

If you're into the 70's look and feel of cloth tape, I would recommend white Tressostar, but you'll have to subscribe to replacing it now and then, if you want it staying white. Rivendell sells Newbaum's cloth tape in various colors - the texture and quality is great, and their blue looks interesting, but I find that it is a PITA to apply, just because of their paper carrier. (If you wet it out to get a tight wrap, the carrier disintegrates. Next time, I'll just remove the carrier entirely, but I can't vouch for how well that will work out). Be advised that either way you go with cloth tape, you will need two rolls. (...Actually, you'll probably need at least three, if it's your first time wrapping cloth tape )

Clear nail polish will prevent rust from resurfacing after removing rust from nicks and scratches. It doesn't hide anything, but IMO, it is a better way to go, unless you are assured of perfect color match.