Splendor conversion: A newbie builds a fixed gear bike

Hey

I'm very new at this forum and with fixed gear bikes in general. But i'm very eager to dive in, so already thanks for any help. :)

I was able to buy an old race bike from a friend for around 50 euro (I'm from Belgium).

I think about converting it into a fixie although i am a newbie. I've ridden fixed gears and track bikes on some occasions and really liked it.

So things i've planned to do
-Replacing the wheels (with a fixed hub off-course :p)
-Replacing the saddle
-Cleaning the frame (anybody has some tips on rusty parts ?)
-Removing the brakes when i feel safer

The front sprocket seems pretty intact so i'm probably going to keep it (a good idea ?)
I like the look of the handle bars and brakes so I'm planning to keep them to.

Thanks for your time and I will keep you informed.

Don't remove the brakes.

Don't remove the gears.
Converting a complete bike to fixed is pretty stupid in my opinion. Keep it as it is as it looks a fairly nice bike. Build a fixed gear up from parts. That way you won't ruin a perfectly good bike and sell/lose all the geared bits that you'll need when you decide you don't want it any more and want to sell.

And don't remove the brakes.

change everything except the saddle angle