jdawginsc 

Ok. Some guiding questions...

1. establish size range (usually a 2-3 cm spread...I can ride 55.5 to 57.5 and not have to make terribly extensive adaptations, but 56 is my preferred)

2. Tubing: stick with Columbus (from SL down to Aelle...all good, or Reynolds 531 and you know you likely have a keeper.

3. Brakes: Centerpull, nutted side pull need no recessed mounting hole, cantilevers need braze-ons; dual pivot (except 1 brake) needed recessed mounting holes.

4. Most frames will accept 25, a lot 28, but 30 and up are hit and miss. Oddly, 70s frames seem to have better clearance than 80s. I can actually get 30s on a Colnago (who’d have thought). Stick with 700c frames.

5. Decide what braze-ons you want.

6. Check the top and down tubes for wrinkles or a fork that is not original. Rust is not the end of the world but check for break through rust or rust inside the tubes.

7. Try to find a frame with at least the headset, but preferably seatpost and bottom bracket as well.

8. Three different markets made component choices more difficult. French, BSA and Italian threading is something to keep in mind. Avoid Swiss threading.

Also, some parts need certain tools, and some frames need certain parts (dropout differences)

Components:
1. Some components are proprietary, though with friction shifters the world is your oyster.
2. Some do not fit all frames (front derailleurs and tube size mount, cassettes versus free wheels,
3. seatpost, bottombracket, headset sizes vary so be sure to check about compatibility. Not all cranks fit on all bottom bracket spindles.
4. Buying a donor bike (or complete) can be more cost effective. You will still remove and reinstall all components, just cheaper. If you like a frame by all means...but keep on the lookout for a cheaper bike to harvest parts from. Some good steel era parts are obviously early Shimano Dura Ace, 600, 600 tricolor, SunTour Superbe, Sprint, Cyclone and just about anything Campy.

5. Avoid fluted seatposts (they can allow water in).

Hopefully that helped.