I_Draft_Cars

I'm about to build a commuter for taking a beating from everyday use, and I'd like some advice or links to resources for my frame. I'm going to be giving it a few coats of truck-bed liner to protect it from the usual: bike racks, wrecks, drunken misbehavior, etc. Obviously, I'm not looking for a crazy nice frame or anything; I just need some direction to look in.

Criteria is basically:
Stiffer steel alloy (more power to cranks plz)
Durable welds
Tighter wheel base
Higher bottom bracket.

Budget: $200-$300 range ($400 if nothing else fits the bill).

Thanks!