NEw to the fixie scene
 

...And i had some questions.
first. do you need horizontal drop outs?
second. should i run flat pedals and a brake at first?
third. how do i turn a normal cassette into a fixed one
ps. there are several bikes laying around but my first choice is an older schwinn tour de france

1. no, you don't need horizontal track ends (you just won't be as hip as those with a track frame), but you do need ends that are adjustable. i.e. older road bikes with horizontal drop outs, or you can get a really expensive eccentric hub.
2. i wouldn't recommend flat pedals, you can always ride on the bottoms of track pedals until you get the hang of it. or go clipless. as to the brake …uhh, i ride brakeless.
3. surly makes a thing called the fixxer <http://www.surlybikes.com/parts.html> it converts a shimano cassette hub into a fixed hub. but they also have track hubs.

not familiar with that model of schwinn, but if its an old road bike, it should work. you just need to pay attention to the rear hub spacing to make sure the hub and frame match …or use force to make them match.

…and please no more seal monster...

You will most likely need a new wrear wheel. One that is built for a lockring or else the cog will spin off when you apply force in reverse. As for the pedals, go with what you have now, the fixed gear will be enough of a change. Yes use a brake. Ride for a while and if you don't use it then take it off. I rode for about 3 months before taking mine off although I live in a flat city. If there were hills here I would have a brake.

what scene?

I cant afford replacing a 27speed drivetrain every two months...