DCCommuter

I'm thinking of building a bad-weather bike. I have the opportunity to use a Dawes frame from the 70's. I don't know much about older bikes, so I'm wondering if I will have trouble buying compatible parts. The frame is stripped right now.

I'd like to use an internal-geared hub, which requires horizontal drop-outs, which is why I'm looking at this vintage frame. Will the 130mm spacing cause me any grief?

In the front I'd like to put on disc brakes, and I can get a 1" threadless disc fork. Will I be able to retrofit a threadless headset?

Will I be able to find a compatible bottom bracket? What about seat post?

Anything else I'm not thinking of?

Thanks.

seely

Your LBS can get you anything you need to do any of the above. Bottom brackets haven't changed since the dawn of time, and the only problem will be if its a French/Swiss threading. English or Italian you're ok. Threadless headset and fork will work fine. Seatpost? Who knows... a lot of companies used a variety of sizes, unless you tell us what size it is, I can't tell you if its available or not.

spider-man

70s frame should not be 130mm spacing, although it doesn't really matter because it's steel and can be cold-set for other spacing.

You should not have problems with anything you mention. However, if the bike originally wore 27'' wheels, make sure your back brake has enough reach to get to the 700c rim. Assuming that's what you're using.

TallRider

Apply Frame Saver (or Amsoil's Heavy Duty Metal Protectant) to the inside of the tubes if you're going to ride this puppy in the rain. And get fenders.
You can still get 27" rims if you're building up new wheels. Sun Rims makes some nicer double-walled rims (e.g., M13II) if you want to build new.