I'm one of those "C&V vintage forum guys" and resurrected a French made 1974 Motobecane Grand Touring road bike a couple of months ago. Dad purchased it new in 1974 and it hadn't moved from it's ceiling hooks in the garage since 1982. Here's a before and several after shots. He even had the original owner's manual and frame pump. The lugged steel frame rides beautifully. I've got several hundred miles on it now.
I replaced the tires, tubes, brake pads, rim strips, leather pedal straps, bar tape, hood covers, saddle, and spent a TON of time disassembling, cleaning, degreasing, scrubbing, and reassembling the bike. Cables are next, but they work fine for now with some lube and use. Before and after shots...