Hi Alan! Thanks for weighing in. Is there a link to a set of adapters that you are positive would work with my existing set up? I will want to eventually make the disc brake, drum & rotor mods suggested above. In reality though I live in a small town and would be looking to cruise at 25 mph, no highway driving... a car for getting ice cream and fun. So I was hoping to change the rims to something I like and then dump money into all the mods once I have the time.
To explain why it seems I am doing things out of order... is that the original rims and tires look new but are well over 30 years in age. I have been strongly advised to not drive on them as the tires insides are most likely unhealthy... so I don't want to buy new tires for rims I wont keep... but can't drive without doing so. So I am looking to get it on the road soon with new tires and rims now (or at least soon).
The adapters seemed like a good way to be able to keep the rims and tires once I make all the changes that wolfgang suggested.
If this doesnt make sense please let me know, perhaps driving this summer may not be an option.
Thanks!