Bike Forums - Newb from Southern Ca.

Hello, I live just north of Santa Barbara, Ca.
I have been lurking around the site for a couple weeks now and have learned a lot and gotten some ideas as to the style cruiser I am going for.
I am in my mid 50's and have been doing a little bicycle riding with my wife. We have mountain bikes, but I recently felt like building a BMX style cruiser.
My buddy has been in the bicycle business for quite some time, so he has been helping me with my project.
He found me a 1980 Schwinn cruiser at, of all places a pawn shop. He is an original black paint 26" frame and fork. He shows his age, but I kinda like the "patina/weathered" look.
As of now I have a rear Shimano SG-3R35, 3 speed hub. A front Shimano HB-MN72 hub and Weinmann AS7X wheels.
I wanted to go with a 3 pc. crank so I installed a Primo Power bite with a 46 tooth GT sprocket.
It is a work in progress so I have some decisions to make as far as whether to run bobbed fenders, and what kind of handlebars, seat, peddles and grips I will use.
I look forward to any input and ideas.
Here is a picture just as he was when I adopted him.