I think that is exactly what I will do, repaint jet black with some celeste decals. I can't really justify the expense to do a full celeste paint job as there are no "off the shelf" aerosol cans that match celeste very well. Anyways, I just picked up some downtube shifters and a shimano sport sx rear derailleur (probably not to spec, but it should work very well) and I have a 700c wheelset with a 7 speed freewheel. I need to look in my shed but I think I have a nice stem and handlebar, as well as an alloy seatpost that should fit.
I am going to clean up and reuse the crankset (probably get rid of the biopace chainring as it looks like a rusted mess) and the front derailleur. I will post updates as I progress through this project.