For anyone interested, I got it "finished" tonight and went for a nice ride...I really like it. I put one of my other projects on hold and am glad, this is my first drop bar bike that I enjoy riding.

I thought it rode very nicely, especially given the 25c tires currently on it.

Will need a new headset unfortunately, but I might borrow one off of another bike for now. Put on some 700c wheels, swapped pedals, greased the BB, new chain and levers etc. I'm really liking the fat stays on this thing...looks nice from behind IMO. they will also be a nice base for dorking it up with reflective tape.

White tape looked better in my head, but it was a learning job anyway (as you can tell). not sure what color it will end up with