I did something similar a few years back and bought one from California with weird parts collection. I found a crack in the headtube of course and decided to get it fixed, so frank the welder has had it a couple of years now and last week he confirmed its ready to return, boxed up and ready to come home. Like yourself I bought it as a slow burn project and it has indeed proven to be just that.

when it comes back I intend to polish it up and begin to build it. I will ride it, but only in the local parks and just enjoy the project coming together.