You love your Mid-late Schwinn road bikes and this one you'd like to do something a little different. I get it. My Italian flag '87 Tempo was sweet and very fast. You can spread the rear drop outs and get em parallel -- DIY. Get it painted -- everyone is happy with Grody Bros. (let your wife approve of the color(s). When it comes back from the painter, collect parts. 9 or 10 speed Ultegra is the sweet spot in my opinion. Current cranks and HS will be good enough for a start. Learn to build the wheel set -- save money impress the wife.
BUT FIRST, build it up with parts on hand to make sure it rides like you expect it to.
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I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.