Here is my first frame up build. It is now my utility/commuter bike. It started life as a Nishiki International 12 that I bought new in 1982, and swapped out handle bar and brake levers 10 years ago. The frame was stripped and rattle canned with duplicolor engine enamel (grabber green) with clearcoat and then a coat of clear reflective. The bike is an 8 speed with Sram cassette and chain, deore derailleur, shimano mountain bike shifter, and a Campy Veloce crank and BB. The wheels are changed to 700c from 27" and there are new Shimano long reach brakes. The handle bar is cheapo performance, with Cane creek ergo bar ends. The pedals are performance campus. Planet bike fenders. Wald folding basket. Rack I've had fore years. Lots of reflective tape(search commuter forum for sources). Brooks Saddle. Simple tange-seiki headset

Thanks to all here, in mechanics and commuter for input both direct and indirect. Special thanks to Sheldon Brown and his web site and Dr. Deltron.

What I started with


What I ended up with


Some detail:


at night


I learned the following:
It was fun painting, but next time for a utiliy....powder coat.
The head set was the biggest pain, don't know if I had a Jis/iso fit but it took a bit to get it in.
My first time adjusting a indexed derailleur....took a bit
Chains and pins are a pain....get the magic links (whatever brand)
It would have been cheaper to buy a new bike, but not as much fun
I now have a bucket of old and new unused parts (may need to talk to BigBossman )

Next project upgrade my 89 miyata 1400 to 9 speed.