I've been around BF for a while. One day I stumbled across Alt Bike Culture. This is what happened:
Was: boring 1981 Raleigh. Now: 2012 Comic Book Bike, red cloth bar tape, wine bottle cork bar end caps, Campy brake levers, Shimano Arabesque shifters, Snake bottle cage, Tire Savers. It took me all Winter, several bottles of wine, (not to mention the comic books). When it warmed up, I hit it with clear coat. Done on the cheap with trades. A super fun ride.