The idea was to build up a solid touring frame with parts left over from other old bikes. The Univega frames from this time period were Miyata-built, and the Specialissima model was eerily similar in it's features to the Miyata 1000, although I have heard the geometry was distinct between the two models.
I found the frame in a lot of three frames on ebay for a $13.00 bid. Of course the shipping was expensive, and the other two frames ended up being trash. Live and learn. This frame ended up being nicer than I expected, and harder to find than I realized, and exactly my size, so in the end, I was satisfied.
Triple-A Powder Coating, in El Monte, CA did a great job with the bike, with excellent care on the lugs and perfect masking around threaded eyelets and braze-ons. I had heard powdercoating sometimes looked too thick on the bike, but more than one experienced cyclist mistook this for a clean, quality paint job rather than a powdercoat.
My local bicycle co-op, the Bikerowave, in Mar Vista, CA was extremely helpful with some of the more difficult stages, including wheel truing. The bike still needs some adjustment and more wheel truing, but as a first attempt at building a bike from castoff parts, I'm happy with it.
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