He didn't build the frame. The story is that he got it from someone else as payment for some money owed. My friend intended to finish it but never actually got to it (he can machine, weld, etc., but not a frame builder) and you know how those things go. He does not know the tubing spec unfortunately. It is supposed to be a custom, not production, frame but can't tell for sure obviously.

I am thinking it might be a good idea to take it to one of the local framebuilders for assessment. I guess they can tell me whether the frame is salvageable or not and what would it take to get it in good shape for completion. Also, I have access to lots of equipment, including sandblasting and powder coating equipment. Would sandblasting be better to clean it off or is it better to go the chemical way?

Sorry about the poor images, taken with a cheap phone. Might try to borrow a camera and get some better ones.

Btw, it seems to have 126mm rear spacing and 1in headtube, so I am guessing it is pretty old.