So, to answer some of the questions: I didn't use a primer, just cleaned the bare metal thoroughly, wiped everything down with alcohol, then wiped with a tack cloth. Did not thin either color. Also no clear coat, since the paint turned out pretty glossy, but I have used clear coat over rattle can paint jobs in the past with good results. Painted just 1 coat of black all over. Then after a day of drying, did the red head tube over the black, so it's 2 coats on the head tube. The red paint label says pigment content is 11%.

michael k: I did get the saddle and a few parts in Salem but bought the frame in Sandy, Oregon, and last year, in Portland, got a Super Course frame set with some parts for $25. Stella also is from Portland, so maybe you are already in a good place.

Colnago Mixte: I read the 1987 Sirrus was made in Taiwan in several places. Some one also said the 87-89 Allez/Sirrus were the "Golden Years" but the early 80-81 Allez seem to have the best reputation. My 84 Expedition Touring has stickers that just say "Special Series Tubing".

This thread has info that the Expedition tubing was by Tange and that it was same gauge as Columbus SP. Also says they moved manufacturing from Japan to Taiwan in 1986 when the U.S. dollar tanked against the Yen, and that "later" Giant made the Allez and Sirrus: Some Specialized history

I added some extra washers to the shift levers and they work better now. I'll be riding it from time to time until mid-October when the weather turns wet again. I may try a shorter stem and bar I have too, we'll see. Don