Old raleigh europa cassette removal

Ok, Well I am relatively new here, but I've been reading the boards for the last few months.

On the weekend I bought an old Raleigh europa- 1977 model I think. Anyway I wanna convert that to single speed for now, (maybe fixed later), but I cant get the cassette off of the rear wheel? I dropped into halfrauds yesterday to try and get the right tool, but there like huh? We havn't got the right tool for that mate and I dont knwo where your goona get that. How do I get the cassette off?

next question assuming I can get this damn cassette off, and put on a freewheel cog how do I get the chainline correct. I know I've got to re-dish the wheel, but what else. I'm sure I read on sheldon browns site that you can only use the granny cog and the chainline wont be good, but I dont wanna use the granny cog.

Failing that where is the best place to get a new or good second hand cheap flip flop otp rear wheel or wheelset.

by the way I got a charge plug too, but I want to bulid this europa up a bit (cheap as poss) as it just a bit boring riding an off otp. I like the thought of re-cyling an old bike on the cheap.

Thanks in advance

I expect it's a freewheel not a cassette. Can you see any writing on the saying it's brand. You will need a freewheel remover. http://www.parktool.com/products/category.asp?cat=4 shows a selection of tools for different freewheels.

Once off you can screw on a single speed freewheel and redish the wheel. What your chaining will be like I don't know. You should be able to get a nice chainline with the dishing.

It's probably not worth buying the tool since someone would probably remove the freewheel for you for cheaper than the price of the tool. (I'm assuming that you will never re-fit the freewheel)

You could try Smallbrownbike (matt) in Dalston or Bike Yard East on Hackney Road if they are near you. Otherwise, pretty much any LBS would do it for you in a couple of minutes.

Chainline: you'll need to re-space the axle before dishing (unless you are very lucky and the chainline is perfect by default). It's very easy and sheldon's site has a good guide. You might need to buy washers from your hardware shop but that's about it. Ask on here if you have any problems.