Hi Hilly!
I hunt for my parts on eBay, at rec.bikes, my friends excess parts and my friendly LBS! I got the most beautiful old Shimano 600 front and rear der and clamp-on downtube shifters for $3.25 (plus $3.50 shipping), and with the help of Patty and George at Cycle Sport, I built my first set of wheels for the Nishiki! Final cost of the Nishiki will be less than $50, and is a very small investment to get someone else riding!! That is what will really make this little red, white and blue bike a special ride!!