I have several vintage MTB groups that I would love to build up on a road bike. All I need are shifters and wheels. The first is a group from an 82 Stumpjumper I parted out. It has Mafac cantilevers brakes, TA crank and SunTour derailleurs. eBay is full of SunTour barcon shifters so that isn’t a problem. The next is a a Shimano Deore XT Deer Head group. Both are less wheels and shifters. Any suggestions as to what rim/hub and shifters might be VRC appropriate? They have not have to be perfect just close.
If you're sticking to vintage rims, Araya RM-20 rims are pretty much indestructible unless you wear them down completely from braking. They're a bit pricey as far as I know. For hubs, anything Deore or high end Suntour works, but if its early 80s, then it's likely to be Gyromaster or Suzue hubs.
If you're using the first gen XT Deer Head Gruppo, avoid the RD with the Superplate. There is no replacement for the metal jockey wheel.