Update on the build. I abandoned the quest to remove all the paint, it was an impossible task. So I sprayed it a hammered copper and clear coated it. Everything was fine until I went to assemble...head tube on the fork was bent. In the process of straightening it I collapsed it so it's now...
Update to the build (no pictures, finished up too late last night lol) almost have all of the paint removed from the frame. Going to clear coat the steel after I polish. Biggest issue I've run into is the cups on the head tube seem to be seated incorrectly and can't seem to get them removed...
Update on the build, "most" of the paint is off and it is a steel frame so should patina nicely. Still debating on where I'm going with seat and bars. Both wheels look true at the moment, rubber is warped though so sadly going to be loosing the pretty red line. Going back on shift in the morning...
While in the process of hunting used bikes for parts for another project I came across this nearly complete but unassembled for a heck of a deal. My current mountain bikes are a little too easy, so this is being converted to a rated out single speed, rim brake, rigid fork monstrosity of a trail...