here's all the info on the bikes origins that i could find out: my uncle said he got it all together and he took it apart to restore it in the early to mid 70's but never got around to finishing the project. it has been sitting in a workshop ever since, hence the heavy amount of dust and grime and rust that has settled on it. i have a box with a bunch of parts that i'll post pics of (as soon as bike forum lets me, for some reason i was allowed to upload pics in the original post and a follow up one but now every time i try i'm told i can't post pics until i have 10 posts! this post here being my 10th will hopefully change this situation...) sadly, there was no derailer in the box but i'll keep looking for it!
thanks again for all the info, this has been an entertaining adventure for me, i had no idea what i was getting into!!!