Wow, thanks so much everyone for all the valuable info.! I learned a lot and still have more to digest. I def could do a mountain bike conversion, I do see bikes that could work, but they don't quite have that vintage style I'm after. So i think I will pursue these Italian frames people have mentioned, and the others mentioned. The problem with just a longer stem is that doesn't get me more centered on the bike. I want the forks and front wheel more in front of me I think.

What do y'all think of this frame I found, it has 60mm top tube. Could I build it up with straight bars, slightly bigger tires? I love the patina, but might paint it eventually:

Crusty but cool 62-cm vintage Italvega "Nuovo Record" Columbus steel lugged butted road bike frameset, nice long pointy chromed lugs with horizontal Campagnolo dropouts. Made in Italy. Chrome dropouts, the rear dropouts have axle adjusters. Has the metal headbadge on it. Made for 700C wheels. Chrome fork blades, fork crown and lugs. Includes the original Stronglight Competition headset and bottom bracket. Color is brown, original paint and some of the decals. Has the Columbus steel sticker on it too........Includes the original headset and bottom bracket, fork, seat post, seat post binder bolt included. Frame size is 62-cm center to center on the seat tube, top tube measures 60-cm center to center. Rear spacing is 120. THE CHROME HAS SOME SURFACE RUST ON IT, though you could probably use some chrome cleaner and some steel wool and shine it up some. No dents, no dings, no crashes, just some weathering on the paint and chrome. Give it some love and bring it back to life..........

Edit: I'm not able to post the pictures, but it looks intact.