Originally Posted by Lascauxcaveman

1) For non-index friction shifting, any old hub+cassette will work; the trick in the wheel build is getting the right length spokes to match the hub-rim-lacing combo you want (lots of guides online for that). I bet you can get a 7 speed cassette in there, with the right hub and wheel build. Do you know what the spacing is between the dropouts?

3) Feel free to put on any tires that will fit between the spaces in fork and chainstays, but the larger you go, the harder it is to get fenders on top of that. Rear brake bridge clearance is a consideration, too. I've got a couple bikes where that is the limiting factor on max tire size.

2) Anything you think looks good!

FWIW (probably nothing), I've got a couple Helicomatics in service myself, and they have never let me down, but I'm careful to check the bearings and lube properly when they come into my posession. Also none of them gets more than a couple hundred miles a year. (Too many bikes!)