Veloh

I've been contemplating whether I should go ahead and rebuild a vintage bike for a very special someone who is graduating soon.
Luckily (or not), it rained bicycles pretty hard and I was able to pick up three interesting examples.
Problem is, I don't know how to fix it up now.
Here's what I know:
1. She wants pink so I would have to repaint
2. The mixte or the step-through would be the frames to choose from. The MTB would be for parts if any.

Here's what I have:

1. 1970's Univega Super Star. Adorable size with small wheels (smaller than 27 in.). Would be on the smaller size for her. Hi-Ten steel, cottered cranks, but great paint. True mixte. Would be a shame to repaint. I could switch all the parts from the MetroFive to this one...

2. 1980's Univega MetroFive. Larger; would be on a taller size for her but should be manageable. Comes with racks and fenders. 27 in. wheels. Paint is good but more rust than the Super Star.

3. Cannondale Killer V500. Super cool looking. Thinking of donating the Deore LX derailleur and maybe wheels to the project.

So C&V, how should I build it up?

ecnewell 

As far as frame choice is concerned, the answer is easy: the one that fits. If it's too small/large, she'll think it's cute and really cool and might ride it for a week, but eventually the newness will wear off and she'll realize it doesn't fit her, and it will just sit.

Build-up wise, how is she going to ride it?

Veloh

Size-wise I used myself to compare since we ride similar sizes. The Super Star would need more seatpost and the MetroFive less. She like to be on the seat at all times and that's doable with both bikes (bit of a tippy-toe for the MetroFive). Riding would be recreational casual stroll. Not long distance or speed. Terrain is mostly flat.

JReade

Be careful with the small wheels, if an issue arises, she might have a harder time finding tires/tubes somewhere.

I don't know the riding style she's doing, but I'm leaning towards the step through, just because racks+fenders, etc already on and fitting is a plus, especially with the mixte having smaller wheels.

Veloh

Good point on the wheels but I'm probably her personal mechanic The accessories shouldn't be a big deal to switch between the two frames. Question is just which of the two to pick.

ecnewell 

From what you've said so far (likes to sit all the time, casual rider, tippy-toes on the Super Star) I'd go with the mixte and build it up with the cruiser bars.

Also, you might have a look at the "Frame doesn't fit pass-around game" thread to see if there's anything there you can trade for that would fit just right. I believe it's a sticky at the top of C&V.

puchfinnland

the pink thing is a novelty,
my girl is over that she likes fire engine RED!

I think it is foolish to repaint...especially pink

if you take your metro 5 and paint the fenders,frame,and rack the same color it will look great.
but forget about the pink.

here is an example-this is a new finnish bike

Veloh

I really like the red. Will try to convince her.