Update #3 - Get rideable
So today I've got the front brake working, fitted a spare deore LX lever I had in the shed, put my spare front wheel on, Atomlab GI wheel, and locked out the derallieur on the back so it's singlespeed.
It's a true rat-look bike at the moment. It'll look a lot better when I paint it, which shouldn't be too long.
The brake works surprisingly well. Gonna roll down to the wier to chuck it in the canal take some pictures.
Left to do: Paint it, swap the rear wheel, swap the brakes for vee brakes, fit new levers. New pedals, possibly.