Originally Posted by incipit
Ah haaaaaa...heehee. The Dia-comp brake code reveals Sept 1980! According to the above posted article... Wow, considering the age it is in GREAT condition! What are the chances of converting to modern STI brake/shifter combo and still utilizing the existing Components?
The fact that it has downtube shifters and not stem shifters is a good sign. Is that a forged SR or Nitto stem?
It might be worth it to modernize it somewhat if the frame isn't Hi-Ten gaspipe and it fits well. Are there any tubing stickers on the frame? I know Fuji often used their proprietary "va-lite" vanadium steel. They might also have used other Japanese tubesets on some models.
If you are going to modernize it, do it sensibly. If you can keep the levers and brakes, do it. Get some 8 speed barcons for $40 from nashbar and replace the drivetrain (chain, rear hub, cassette) with 8 speed components. That way, you get a lot more use out of an old frame without breaking the bank.