I get to put my bikes in my house and in my office and I make a decent wage so I ride clean new scoots and as long as I love commuting like I do, I probably will always ride clean new scoots unless I start hand assembling experimental combinations, which is also likely.
Be aware of your surroundings. "Can I keep this bike?" or "Can I afford to loose it and not be overly emotional about the loss?" Then go with your gut.
I've been entertaining the idea of ground up mods. I've never built up a bike before but I have most of the tools and a degree in Industrial Mechanics. I'm thinking that stripping frames and starting with paint is a hobby I'd like to undertake. Like new restorations or custom assemblies.
So, I doubt this is where you were going with this exactly.
Now that I've spent too much time behind this computer this morning it likes like a motorcycle ride in to work rather than a bicycle ride.
Off-Topic: I'm currently doing just that. Have a frame sitting out side with the paint stripper on it right now. So far its a hassle but fun.