Originally Posted by John E

I concur with everything in this post except the brake caliper length. Most English, and many Japanese, bikes of that era came w/ 610 length brakes in front and 750 in back. This provides faster closure in back and greater leverage in front. The French tended toward more equal brake reach front and rear. Weinmann Vainqueur 999 brakes in both sizes are pretty easy to find -- I need to check my junk box to see if I have an extra spare set.

The best brake pads are salmon-colored KoolStops.

The existing rear derailleur is adequate, but a real cable-breaker (been there ... done that). If that were my bike, I would consider SunTour derailleurs front and rear, as well as SunTour barcons.